Kvichak Marine Industries, Inc., of Seattle, Wash., was recently awarded a contract by the United States Navy for the construction of five each MPF utility boats following the successful delivery of 26 vessels 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 40-ft by 14-ft landing craft have a loaded flank speed of ~38 knots and a lightened flank speed of ~42 knots. The propulsion package includes: twin Cummins QSM11 engines rated for 660hp at 2,300 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 features a power bow door and high-level engine suctions 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 2011.
Additional craft features include:
• Twin Cummins QSm-11 engines rated at 660 hp
• 6kW Northern Lights gen-set with shore power
• Integrated Furuno Navnet electronics package
• Ship board stowage cradle
• Three weapon mounts for M2 / MK19 and M60E3 weapons
• Manuals and spares packages