At DSA 2018, the tri-service defence exhibition currently held in Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia, Italian shipyard Ferretti Security and Defence is showcasing for the first time the design of its FSD150 Combat Boat Mk. 1.
Ferretti Security and Defence is showcasing for the first time the design of its FSD150 Combat Boat Mk. 1.
Talking to Navy Recognition at the show, an FSD representative explained that this combat boat is currently being offered to the famous "San Marco" Marine Brigade (Brigata marina "San Marco"). It is an amphibious formation of the Italian Navy established on 1 March 2013, reorganizing the Navy Landing Force.
There is an ongoing requirement for two combat boats for the future LHD of the Italian Navy. The LHD will be built by Fincantieri as part of the "Naval Law" (Legge Navale). We understand that FSD is competing against one other Italian shipyard. FSD started work (studies) on this project one year ago.
FSD new combat boat design
The combat boat has a length overall of 16.30 meters, a maximum beam of 4.20 m for a full load displacement of 22 tons. The FSD150 combat boat Mk. 1 has a maximum speed of 40 knots and a range of 320 nautical miles (at cruising speed).
The vessel has a crew of 3 and can accommodate 20 special forces soldiers (plus 2 commanders). It is fitted with a Leonardo Hitrole 12.7mm remote weapon station (RWS), two Rheinmetall ROSY decoy launchers, and a fully armored pilothouse and troops compartments (armor provided by Rheinmetall). The combat management system is the SeaGuardian by ASTIM.
A 4.70 meters RHIB can be easily launched and recovered thanks to a stern ramp.
The FSD150 Combat Boat Mk. 1
The company representative stressed that the two main qualities of the design are:
- A specifically designed surface drive propulsion system which allows for beaching operations (thanks to trimable propeller shafts). This has already been tested and proven by FSD.
- The use of a hybdrid carbon / glass fiber hull which offers twice the strength compared to aluminum hulls.
