The Whiskey Project successfully launched their new multi-mission reconnaissance watercraft (MMRC) to US government and military stakeholders at the AUSA (Army USA) trade event in Washington DC on 11 October.
Displayed at the centre of the Australian pavilion, the 9.5 metre craft attracted significant attention from US military and defence personnel, as well as a visit from Australian ambassador Arthur Sinodinos.
AUSA is being followed by a series of capability demonstrations and trials with different elements of the US Marine Corps (USMC) and US Navy along the US eastern seaboard, company co-founder Ryan Carmichael told ADM.
The new craft, built in Yamba and airfreighted from Sydney, features a Sea Blade Ultra Deep V aluminium planing hull designed by Hawaiian company Navatek in response to a commission from the US Navy Office of Naval Research. This reportedly cuts debilitating slamming by up to 40 per cent from that experienced by a comparable rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB).
The MMRC displaces 6,490 kg with a payload of more than 2,000 kg. Typically, this could include eight fully-equipped troops and two crew, all in shock-mitigating seats as part of the modular deck system; advanced systems and sensors including Teledyne FLIR integrated by Virginia company Aries Defense; fully-integrated ballistic protection; and weapon systems mounted fore, aft and amidships.
The launch configuration at AUSA comprised three Dillon Aero 7.62mm miniguns and a stern-mounted 40mm automatic grenade launcher.
The MMRC is powered by two OXE 300 hp turbo-diesel outboards backed by a fuel capacity of 700 litres and can reach speeds of up to 40 knots, depending on sea conditions.