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TEXTRON Marine & Land Wins $26.6 Million USCG Contract JL US. With options, contract could total 140 boats, $165 million Textron was awarded the initial contract for the construction of twenty 47-ft. (14.3-m) Motor Life- boats (MLB) for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG). The contract is valued at $26.6 million and includes associated training, spares and other incidentals. The new MLB significantly enhances the USCG's ability to perform search and res- cue operations in heavy weather. "This is a great victory for Textron Marine & Land Systems, our em- ployees, and our community," said John J. Kelly, president of Textron. "We are proud to be able to produce this technical innova- tion with its significant humanitar- 22 ian implications for marine safety at sea. Further, there is a strong international interest in this unique design." Textron Marine & Land Systems designed and manufactured the prototype 47-ft. MLB in 1990 and later won a contract for the five pre-production boats. During the pre-production phase of the pro- gram, the company made signifi- cant investments to develop inno- vative engineering solutions and initial manufacturing processes for the prototype and five pre-produc- tion craft. The latest contract for the con- struction of the MLBs was won competitively under a full and open competition. Following construc- tion of the initial 20 vessels, the USCG plans to exercise options for up to 120 additional craft. The contract value, will all options, is approximately $165 million. Packed with technological advances The 47-ft. MLB design incorpo- rates many technological innova- tions. It features a lightweight, rugged aluminum hull designed to withstand 20-ft. (6.1-m) breaking waves at three times the force of gravity. The vessel is fast — sport- ing a top speed of 25 knots — which provides for faster response times in life-threatening situations. The MLB also has a self-righting capa- bility which enables it to pitch-pole or role into swells and self-right in less than 30 seconds. The crew can operate from an open bridge or an enclosed bridge in heavy weather, for added safety and better visibil- ity. Headquartered in New Or- leans, Textron Marine & Land Sys- tems will do all of the manufactur- ing work at its facility in New Or- leans East. Work is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 1995, and delivery of the first craft should commence in late 1996. For more information from Textron Circle 199 on Reader Service Card Maritime Reporter/Engineering News
