Target boats equipped underneath the brand new contract will probably be Silver Ships’ AM800 RHIBs
Theodore, Ala., primarily based aluminum boat builder Silver Ships has not too long ago been awarded a $6.1 million firm-fixed-price General Services Administration (GSA) contract for the development and supply of as much as 246 High-Speed Maneuvering Surface Target (HSMST) {custom} vessels. The contract consists of choices that, if exercised, would deliver the cumulative worth of the target boat contract to $48.25 million.
This is Silver Ships’ largest contract order to this point. The vessels constructed will probably be Silver Ships’ AM800 RHIBs (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats).
Since 1994, Silver Ships has constructed and delivered greater than 800 RHIBs to the U.S. army, many utilized by the U.S. Navy to help ship, aviation coaching and operational wants.
The 27-foot custom-built AM800 goal boats characteristic a 9-foot 8-inch beam and embody an air or foam collar, relying on the boat variant. Each AM800 will probably be outfitted with a specialised compartment designed for putting in distant management techniques and electronics. These goal boats are absolutely operational and constructed to the Navy’s specs and payload necessities relying on the boat’s particular mission. Vessels might be operated by a one or two-person crew for coaching functions however are remotely operated throughout live-fire coaching.
Most of the 246 HSMSTs ordered will probably be powered by twin Suzuki 225 HP outboards. The remaining boats included on this contract will probably be powered by Mercury Diesel spark ignition outboards to meet Navy fueling necessities.
HSMSTs are designed with a number of unusual design parts particular to their distinctive mission, for instance, an above-deck gas tank permitting operators to exchange tanks rapidly and simply.
“During my Navy service, I greatly benefitted from being able to train with the Silver Ships’ HSMST vessels during pre-deployment live-fire events,” mentioned Shawn Lobree, a retired U.S. Navy captain and Silver Ships’ HSMST challenge supervisor. “Their durability and survivability are invaluable and really have made a big impact on fleet operational readiness over the years. It is really satisfying to me that I can continue to help our fleet enjoy the outstanding training benefits from these vessels, which are truly workhorses for the Navy.”,
“Silver Ships is honored to receive this contract. Our team is committed to building quality, custom-designed vessels to meet the Navy’s mission-specific requirements,” mentioned Silver Ships CEO Steven Clarke.
Delivery of the primary of the goal boats is scheduled for March 2024.
