Babcock wins OPC design support contract
Babcock International will provide platform engineering design support for the design and construction phases of the US Coast Guard's Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) class vessels, the company announced on 21 March.
Babcock will deliver services as part of Team Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), including delivering a whole ship 3D model, selected systems and production support as part of the new design work, supporting detailed modelling, production outputs and the detailed design of auxiliary systems, structure, outfit and electrical systems. Elements of the work will be subcontracted to VARD.
The first cutter is set to enter production in late 2018, and will be complete by 2021. Up to eight follow-on ships are included in the coast guard's initial order.
The OPCs will be 110m length, with 4,000 tonnes displacement. They will have a range of 10,200 nautical miles, and will carry a helicopter, boats and unmanned systems. Each OPC will feature a flight deck, weapons and command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Cairo adds more American ships to its fleet]()
Cairo adds more American ships to its fleet
The Egyptian Navy recently has taken delivery of three former USN Cyclone-class patrol coastal ships.
-
![Keel laid for Brazil's MEKO-based Tamandaré frigate]()
Keel laid for Brazil's MEKO-based Tamandaré frigate
Tamandaré is the first of our ships being acquired under the Brazilian programme, which will be built in blocks.
-
![Malta takes delivery of new flagship]()
Malta takes delivery of new flagship
At a ceremony in Valetta, Italy's Cantiere Navale Vittoria delivered the new flagship of the Maltese armed forces.
-
![Textron nets contract to develop mine countermeasure system that doesn't need towing]()
Textron nets contract to develop mine countermeasure system that doesn't need towing
Removing the need to tow an array would allow mine countermeasure USVs to access previously hard-to-reach areas.
-
![Japan commissions its second Taigei-class submarine]()
Japan commissions its second Taigei-class submarine
Japan has inducted its second Taigei-class submarine, amidst plans to boost counterstrike capabilities with new, longer-range missiles.
-
![Second Brazilian Riachuelo-class submarine conducts pre-service testing]()
Second Brazilian Riachuelo-class submarine conducts pre-service testing
The second of four PROSUB conventional attack submarines has completed diving trials ahead of service entry with the Brazilian Navy later this year.
