HMS Protector to get Vestdavit PLR-5000
Vestdavit is to provide its specially enhanced PLR-5000 davit to the icebreaker HMS Protector (pictured), as the only UK RN vessel dedicated to Antarctic patrol and survey duties.
Protector is already fitted with seven davits provided by Vestdavit but the latest PLR-5000 is fully winterised to function in accordance with the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters. This means that the equipment is capable of operating in temperatures of -40°C.
William Goodall, area sales manager at Vestdavit, said: ‘This is a challenge that Vestdavit has met head-on and I am proud that we, as a team, are playing our part in increasing the operational capability of one of the Royal Navy’s highest-profile vessels.’ The PLR-5000 will support the launch and recovery of fast rescue craft and boat crews in Sea State 5 conditions and features shock absorbers, high performance winches and a constant tension system.
More from Naval Warfare
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.