Kuwaiti Coast Guard Specifies Twin Disc

Upgrading its fleet to include the latest in maritime technology, the Kuwaiti Coast Guard ordered 29 leading-edge 44' fast coastal interceptor-class (FCI) vessels from Tampa Yacht Manufacturing LLC. It also specified total drive solutions from Twin Disc, featuring its state-of-the-art Arneson® ASD11 surface drives and Rolla™ propellers.

Powered by dual MAN R6-800 turbo-charged engines, developing a total power of 1,600 hp, 44-FCI has a top speed exceeding 55 kts at full load, due in part to the surface-piercing design of its Arneson Surface Drives. The innovative propulsion units reduce the appendage drag by 50% compared to conventional submerged systems. With its matched, five-blade, high-efficiency nibral Rolla propellers, the craft sees quicker acceleration and a better payload-to-power ratio. Fast operation stability is enhanced with trim tabs from Twin Disc.

"The Arneson Surface Drives provide the most efficient means of transferring the maximum amount of thrust from the engine to the water," said Bob Stevens, Tampa Yacht Manufacturing CEO. "The high-quality materials and robust construction of the drives combine proven reliability, and low-cost maintenance and service."

Speed is of the utmost importance for interception, but for tactical operations such as boarding, exacting control is required. The 44-FCI employs Twin Disc's MGX-5114 A QuickShift® marine transmissions, matched EC300 Power Commander® Electronic Control and bow thruster. Together, the boat's low-speed precision maneuverability is unmatched, critical when coming alongside another vessel in a wide range of sea conditions.

The trailerable 44-FCI features carbon-fiber-reinforced, all-composite construction with NIJ Level IIIA ballistic protection on the cabin. Designed for a crew of four to six, it utilizes shock-mitigation seating to reduce fatigue and features a broad range of weaponry and state-of-the-art electronics. It is a mission-specific tool used to safeguard from the threat of littoral terrorism.