Kvichak Marine Industries, Inc., of Seattle, Wa., was recently awarded a contract by the United States Navy for the construction of five each MPF utility boats following the successful delivery of 21 utility boats since February 2006. The 40 ft high-speed landing craft are replacing the Navy’s existing LCM-8 craft as part of the Improved Navy Lighterage System in support of pre-positioned Marine Amphibious assault missions.
The landing craft have a loaded cruise speed of about 25 knots and a lightened flank speed of about 30 knots. The propulsion package includes: twin Cummins QSM11 engines rated for 660hp at 2300 rpm, ZF 325 marine gears, and Hamilton 364 water jets.
To ensure the safety and efficiency of transporting 30 troops, their gear and / or general cargo the craft utilizes a house aft configuration and an articulated bow door for beach deployment.
Delivery of the next five all-aluminum crafts to active and reserve commands in multiple US locations is scheduled for completion by spring 2010.
(www.kvichak.com)