Zodiac milpro - emag

SECURITY INDUSTRY www.securityindustryemag.com

e-mag

Special Edition 2014 www.fastinterceptioncraft.com

The global leader for military and professional RIBs and Inflatables

www.zodiacmilpro.com

FAST INTERCEPTION CRAFT BROCHURE EDITORIAL ZODIAC MILPRO - SPECIALISTS IN RUGGED HIGH PERFORMANCE Inflatables and RIBs from Zodiac Milpro International (Military and Professional) vary from work and emergency response boats to a range of high performance craft used in the most demanding security and military applications.

Whether fitted with air conditioned cabins or shock absorbing open seating, aluminium or GRP hulls, inboard or outboard engines, the product range offers variants that can meet most professional requirements. Zodiac Milpro supplies inflatable and semi-rigid craft for professional users such as police, coast guard, special forces, anti-terrorism units, fire teams, the offshore industry and other military users. Yet even with its huge range of models to choose from Zodiac MILPRO still welcomes customers whose requirements involve the creation customized craft tailored to meet a specific need.

Zodiac Milpro has originated most of the major concepts on the inflatable boats market since the company was founded in 1896. Today Zodiac Milpro designs innovative Inflatable boats and RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boats) through a highly professional team focused on the needs of military and professional users worldwide. More than 80 per cent of the company’s output is dedicated to the military and security markets where the company’s range of high performance RIBs and inflatables attracts a loyal customer base.

Many European and foreign armed forces have already shown their interest in the company’s latest development and the French defence ministry recently placed a contract for nine of Zodiac Milpro’s advanced new ECUME RIBs. The purchase is the first part of an investment option that will ultimately result in the delivery of another 10 of the new boats. The initial contract followed a detailed and challenging period of testing by the Direction Génerale de l’Armement during which the versatile new RIB was required to prove its suitability as a multi-purpose commando craft.

The ECUME has been developed by Zodiac Milpro International and its Canadian subsidiary Zodiac Hurricane which specializes in the design and manufacture of high speed

and high specification RIBs for military and civil use. The design of the ECUME was based on the proven Zodiac Hurricane ZH935 RIB which was then refined and adapted for the specialized high speed deployment of navy commandos.

The ECUME consequently includes numerous features that have been seen to enhance the original design to make what is believed to be one of the most versatile and best equipped commando boats in the world.

The ECUME will enter service as a multi-mission craft that can be deployed individually or as part of a powerful assault group. The new RIBs will now meet the needs of French Navy commandos operating in three mission areas including special operations, air-sea operations and

activities relating to the protection of the maritime approaches. The RIB is suitable for conducting raids from shore or from a naval vessel and can be deployed from any of the principal classes of French navy frigates. The boats can carry the full spectrum of commando weaponry and

equipment in addition to advanced radio communications.

This will also enable an ECUME to operate as a command post for naval operations.

Because of their speed and load carrying capabilities the new RIBs will also be used for conducting law enforcement patrols as required when they are in service with the French navy. Their deployment capacity has been further enhanced with the inclusion of four air delivery systems (SLE) that enable command and assault versions of the ECUME to be air-dropped into operations from a C-130 Hercules or the new A400M Atlas from Airbus.

undertake long distance raids carrying 12 fully equipped navy commandos at speeds in excess of 40 knots. The key to its on-water performance lies with the use of the unique Zodiac Milpro MACH II (Military Air Channeled Hull).

This has been developed to reduce water resistance and enhance directional stability so that higher speeds can be maintained with greater fuel economy and safety.

The aluminum or GRP (on the ECUME) air step hull’s low centre of gravity enables the boat to sustain high speeds in demanding sea conditions while retaining the comfort and security that helps preserve the operational performance of its passengers and crew.

The ECUME is 9.30 metres long and is powered by two diesel inboard engines that were designed specifically for the purpose by Volvo Penta. With a maximum cruising displacement of 7 tonnes, the ECUME RIBs are able to

Another customer for Zodiac Milpro RIBs is the Guardia di Finanza of Italy which recently bought 20 high performance boats to meet their needs for versatile and practical fast patrol boats. The Guardia di Finanza is the Italian

law enforcement agency that is part of the Italian armed forces and is controlled by the Economics and Finance Ministry. It is responsible for tackling financial crime, smuggling, and drug trafficking and illegal immigration and consequently has a need for boats capable of exceptional performance and functionality.

The Guardia di Finanza chose to buy fifteen Zodiac Hurricane® ZH940 and five ZH1110 RIBs. They both feature the Mach 2 (Military Air Channelled Hull) as it provides a 15 per cent improvement in performance when compared with conventional non-stepped hulls. The ZH940 is powered by two 300 HP Evinrude outboard engines that enable it to run at over 45 knots fully loaded.

The ZH1110 is fitted with three engines that give it an operational speed of more than 50 knots.

Boats from the Zodiac Hurricane® range are known to attract customers in the military and law enforcement sectors due to their combination of speed, sea-keeping and precise handling in extreme conditions. Both boat models chosen by the Guardia di Finanza are capable of running fully loaded at over 30 knots in sea state 4. The ZH1110 model is notable for being the first RIB to have completed a voyage of the Canadian Arctic’s North West Passage.

The boats chosen by the Guardia di Finanza have a range of over 200 miles and are capable of extended fast patrols throughout Italian territorial waters. Crew comfort consequently has a high design priority so the cabins are fitted with four of the latest generation of shock mitigating seats and are configured to accommodate a raised pilot seat that provides exceptional all-round visibility, a navigator console and a radio operator’s post. All crew members are connected via the latest intercom technology and enjoy the benefit of full air conditioning. A separate forward cabin is fitted with a shower and toilet and space for a fridge and small cooker if required.

Another new addition to the Zodiac MILPRO range is an important design development for the company. The SRA-750 (SeaRIB™ Aluminium) is a new landmark in the evolution of the modern RIB. The new design features an exceptionally strong aluminium hull with sides that are higher than those typical of Zodiac MILPRO RIBs. The hull is enclosed by a new D-shaped inflatable collar that provides the benefits of more usable deck space while retaining the buoyancy and handling characteristics demanded by RIB users. Because the flat side of the D is reinforced by direct contact with the surface of the aluminium hull the collar is stronger and more secure in extreme conditions than a conventional round tube.

The SRA 750 nevertheless retains the option of being fitted with a standard round tube which can be attached quickly and easily. The design of the collar attachment system also benefits from the extensive experience gained by Zodiac MILPRO from supplying RIBs that have been used in the world’s most demanding sea conditions. A Zodiac Hurricane® boat was the first RIB to complete the North West Passage around the Canadian Arctic where it experienced the most extreme sea conditions likely to be faced by any 11-metre craft.

The Canadian Coastguard is benefiting from the design expertise gained by the company and now uses Zodiac MILPRO boats on a daily basis.

When the boat is fitted with a D-tube rescue services are also likely to be attracted by a diver door that provides access through the side of the hull.

When a round collar is fitted this is substituted by a rapid access door yet both represent a significant new design feature for the Zodiac MILPRO product range.

The SRA 750 includes all of the features that users have come to expect from Zodiac MILPRO. Self-draining deck, two built-in fuel tanks, integrated fuel and electrical lines and capacious storage are all included as is the use of Zodiac MILPRO’s own uniquely tough hypalon and neoprene fabric.

Available with a choice of inboard or twin outboard engines, the SRA-750 will prove especially attractive to civil authorities, rescue services and to the offshore energy sector. These can all benefit from new design features that include integrated deck tracks that enable the boat to be quickly and easily reconfigured. Seating can be added or moved to accommodate additional loads or to increase shelter for passengers when operating at speed in extreme sea conditions. The strength of the aluminium deck also permits the speedy mounting of heavy automatic weapons if required for specific missions.

Zodiac Hurricane® RIBs are manufactured by the North American arm of Zodiac Milpro which is based in Paris. Zodiac Milpro boats are manufactured in Europe and range from 4. 7m to 12m long and are available in configurations that include inflatable and rigid inflatable boats with aluminium or fibreglass hull designs, inflatable or foam tubes, diesel inboard or petrol outboard engines.

For more information visit: www.zodiacmilpro.com

FAST Patrol & Interception 2014 Leave The Competition In Your Wake ‘Brown water and littoral operations are a growing concern, with an arguably diminished threat from traditional blue water adversaries.

With the world’s eyes on piracy, smuggling, the rise of non-conventional combatants, and the threat of swarm style attacks, the requirement for vessels capable of high speed interdiction in dangerous waters has never been greater.

Operating independently or deployed from a mothership, the fast patrol and interception craft is able to chase down, engage, or impede all manner of threat.

There are however challenges remaining – high speed presents its own concerns, with increased whole body vibration and tougher wave impacts contributing to crew fatigue and limiting their ability to perform tasks. Solutions exist however, as do new tactics and strategies that are revolutionising the littoral zone.

FAST Patrol & Interception 2014 will bring together the experts under one roof for the first time, tackling the major concerns and sharing operational feedback between the community.’

Key topics that will come under scrutiny at the event include: •

Whole body vibration – examples of successful mitigation and recent advances.

•

Maximising crew endurance, and the trade-off between crew comfort and the weight of the vessel.

•

One vessel for many purposes, or fresh designs every time? Can a vessel be designed that is capable of performing multiple functions for different end users, or does the platform have to be purpose built?

•

Operational case studies, and active requirements – visitors will hear from military and blue light users about their experiences, their concerns, and the solutions they want to see within the industry.

In attending Fast Patrol & Interception 2014, visitors will have the opportunity to: •

Engage with operators from military, coast guard, and law enforcement agencies and find out how their missions differ despite apparently shared requirements.

•

Understand how blue water navies are utilising high speed vessels in reaction to the ever growing importance of littoral and brown waters.

•

Discover how experimental vessels are pushing the boundaries and advancing high speed craft development, with insight from leading experts and project mangers.

•

Find out where the market is going, with detailed examination of the latest technology from hull forms to unmanned vehicles.

Speakers at the 2014 event will include Captain Andrew Moll, Deputy Chief Inspector of the Marine Accident Investigation Branch; Captain James Robertson, Commanding Officer of the US Coast Guard Europe; as well as representatives from the Sri Lankan Navy, Royal Gibraltar Police, Norwegian Naval Special Warfare Group, Turkish Coast Guard and Portuguese Republican Guard.

Workshop: Developing a standardised model for training and qualification in high speed watercraft operation On day two of the event, which takes place at 30 Pavilion Road, London, visitors will be invited to take part in a workshop related to the advancements and challenges faced within the industry.

Operating fast craft close to coastlines places a high workload on the crew, including the helmsman and navigator. Team work is essential to ensure safety and deliver operational capability. The tasks made more difficult by poor weather and adverse sea conditions.

Through presentations and discussions, participants in this workshop will gain a greater understanding of the challenges that the crews experience, and potential solutions that may be implemented.

This workshop provides the opportunity for international operators, boat builders,

equipment suppliers and the wider industry to come together with the objective of improving operational effectiveness in fast patrol and interception operations.

The workshop will address the following topics: • • • • •

Maritime Interdiction (MI) operations Mission planning & risk Command & Control (C2) Dynamic Navigation (DYNAV) Simulation

“FAST Patrol & Interception 2014 will bring together the experts under one roof for the first time, tackling the major concerns and sharing operational feedback between the community.”

For further information, please visit: www.fastinterceptioncraft.com