What's next for the Pentagon after the Replicator programme?
Although the Replicator initiative has made several accomplishments, there are still multiple gaps to plug across the US Department of Defense (DoD) and its services.
RALamander fireboat in development
Kongsberg Maritime has partnered with Robert Allan to develop a new remotely-operated fireboat called the RALamander to allow first responders to attack dangerous port fires more aggressively.
The unmanned boat will allow close-in firefighting against fires involving containers, petrochemicals, shore-side structures or vessels where toxic smoke or explosion risk may delay or even prevent manned assets from responding effectively.
Kongsberg’s maritime control and communications system will feature a robust high-bandwidth, low latency wireless link to a semi-portable RALamander operator console that can be located on a manned fireboat, or other vessel of opportunity such as a tug or pilot boat. A range of autonomy levels will be configurable or future-upgradable to suit the operator or port's evolving needs.
The RALamander fireboat can serve as a force multiplier with conventional firefighting assets, or be deployed on its own.
The 20m RALamander 2000, the first in the series, will be equipped with FiFi 1 capability with a total pumping capacity of 2400 m3/hr with optional foam. A retractable mast can bring one of the three monitors to a high point of attack for shipboard or dock fires.
The boat’s autonomous functions planned for firefighting include dynamic positioning, water spray target holding, and line protection where RALamander automatically moves back and forth along a line while directing protective spray cover on shore structures or vessels threatened by a fire. A low-profile design also makes it possible to attack under-wharf and marina fires remotely.
RALamander can also be used to tow a burning vessel away from threatened surroundings by means of its Grapnel Emergency Towing system.
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