7.65 m Commando Operational Watercraft: Patrol Vessel
The Commando Operational Watercraft vessels were designed by Southerly Designs to an extraorindarily demanding specification. Part of this specification involved being air-portable by helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, as well as being able to be deployed by parachute. They also required a very high standard of seakeeping and the ability to operate onto, and off, surf beaches. The final tri-hull design incorporates a large waterplane area for carrying capacity, whilst also providing excellent static and dynamic stability and handling characteristics.
A central console has seating for two crew, and a further 8 removable seats for eight combat-equipped troops can be arranged throughout the vessel. A lightweight Steyr diesel producing 266hp drives a Hamilton waterjet and produces a top speed in excess of 30 knots. Operational speed, in sea state 3 – 4, is 20 knots and with 500 litres of fuel on board the range at operational speed is greater than 200 nautical miles.
Specifications
| Vessel Length | 7.65 Meters |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | Jul 2003 |
| Vessel Type | Landing Craft |
| Number of Vessel | 18 |
| Builder | Western Boat Builders |
| Construction Material | Marine Grade Aluminium |
| LOA | 7.65 m |
| Beam | 2.7 m |
| Main Engine | 1 x STEYR 266TD |
| Propulsion | Water Jet |
| Speed Max | 30.0 kts |
| Speed Cruise | 20.0 kts |
| Fuel Capacity | 500 L |
| Crew | 2 |
| Passengers | 8 |
Design Types: Patrol & Military Craft
