ESG completes FCDR of Offshore Patrol Cutter
Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has successfully conducted the final critical design review (FCDR) with the US Coast Guard for the Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) programme, ESG announced on 9 July.
The FCDR, conducted in June, verified that the OPC detail design is integrated and internally consistent with the coast guard's requirements and is a step toward the exercise of the contract option for construction of the first cutter.
The lead vessel is expected to be delivered in 2021. The coast guard has plans to acquire a total of 25 OPCs.
The OPC has been designed to conduct a wide range of missions and will provide a capability bridge between the National Security Cutter, which patrols the open ocean, and the Fast Response Cutter, which serves closer to shore.
The OPC can carry an MH-60R or MH-65 helicopter and three operational over-the-horizon small boats. The vessel is also fitted with a sophisticated combat system and C4ISR suite.
The next step for the programme is the production readiness review, which will take place at the end of July.
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