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Maritime Security Whaler Robotics WVjve of the future 1 Boston Whaler Vessel (RPSV) s 15 ft s powered by a nSSorface rcury 175 hp Boston Whaler Unveils "Robot" Security Boat A Remotely Piloted Surface Vessel (RPSV) was unveiled at the Navy League Air Sea and Space Exhibition in Washington D.C. from March 26-28, 2002 by Boston Whaler Commercial and Government Products Inc, a Brunswick Corporation boatbuilding division. Developed jointly by Boston Whaler, Global Atlantic Inc. and Smart boat Inc., the 15 foot fiberglass hull of the RPSV is propelled by a 2.5-liter V6 cylinder 175-hp Mercury SportJet water jet giving a speed capability in excess of 40 knots. Although initially offered with a gasoline engine, a diesel or multi-fuel variant will be optional in the near future. (See related story, page 26 of this edition). Selection of Boston Whaler as lead contractor to supply the boat hull was made due to its long reputation as vol- ume manufacturer of hulls with proven sea-keeping qualities and its experience in governmental and military boats. General Manager Eric Caplan said, "this cost-effective RPSV brings about a quantum leap in naval/marine tactics, heralding a new era in maritime securi- ty." The RPSV operates without a pilot and is controlled either remotely or autonomously according to mission and set-up. Typical tasks for this craft are surveillance and interdiction: able to operate for periods ranging from several hours to several days, depending on fuel limitations. Propulsion and steering con- trol functions use a customized Mercury SmartCraft CAN-bus network, integrat- ed to the "black boxes" of the command and control system specially developed for the application. The on-board com- puter is a COTS design with open archi- tecture. retained in special marine shock mounts. High-definition video with low light capability, infrared camera, spot/floodlights, electric thrusters pro- viding position loitering. Additional roles could include port and coastal security, mine detection and neutralisa- tion, fire fighting and observation - putting a robot in harms way where you don't want to risk human life. Circle 70 on Reader Service Card www.maritimereporterinfo.com 1-800-465-7749 www.stork.com/bronswerk We control the elements Circle 282 on Reader Service Card or visit www.maritimereporterinfo.com SCHOTTEL for the Shipping World Our product range embraces 360° steerable propulsion systems rated at up to 30 MW, manoeuvring devices, and also complete conventional propulsion packages. Through our worldwide sales and service network we offer economical and reliable solutions for every imaginable maritime application. So we can provide the right thrust for your vessel. SCHOTTEL GmbH & Co. KG • Mainzer Strasse 99 • D-56322 Spay/Germany Tel.: + 49 (0) 26 28 / 6 10 • Fax: + 49 (0) 26 28 / 6 13 00 • e-Mail: info®schottel.de • www.schottel.de Circle 275 on Reader Service Card or visit www.maritimereporterinfo.com 18 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News Stork Bronswerk Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems Stork Bronswerk is a turnkey system integrator specialized in state of the art HVAC systems. Being at the forefront of development, Stork Bronswerk supplies systems that fully meet the high standard of today's vessels. Over 3,000 ocean going ships, such as cruise ships, passenger ferries and other merchant vessels, have been equipped with our installations. Our capabilities: • Project Management • Development • Design • Engineering • Procurement • Installation works • Testing & Commissioning • After Sales Services Stork Bronswerk Inc. 3755C boul. Matte Brossard, Quebec J4Y2P4 Canada Phone 450-659-6571 Fax 450-659-1035 E-mail stork@stork-mtl.com Stork Bronswerk B.V. Uraniumweg 23, RO. Box 494 3800 AL Amersfoort The Netherlands Phone 31 33 467 8300 Fax 31 33 463 7161 E-mail info.bronswerkOstork.com U.S. 0 2468 Dauphine Street Suite A New Orleans, LA 70117 Phone 504-943-6284 Fax 504-943-0268 E-mail ebstork(5)i-55.com 701 NW. Madrona Way Coupeville, WA 98239-9798 Phone 360-678-3720 Fax 360-678-2253 E-mail storkwestcoast@att.net
