Austal launches first Guardian-class PPB
Austal has launched the first of 21 Guardian-class Pacific Patrol Boats (PPB), the company announced on 30 May.
The boats are being built under Australia's Pacific Patrol Boat Replacement Project. The 21 vessels will be delivered to 13 nations from October 2018, while this first boat will be handed over to Papua New Guinea.
The PPBs are 39.5m long with a beam of 8m and a loaded draft of 2.5m. The vessels are capable of travelling 3,000 nm at 12kt, with a maximum speed of 20kt. Each vessel can accommodate 23 people.
Construction work on the second and the third vessels has already begun, while the fourth boat will enter the build phase in June 2018.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist]()
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
