An A$500m Increase in Government Investment in Special Forces Means Australian SMEs can Offer New Innovations
Australian company, The Whiskey Project, unveiled its Next Generation Tactical Watercraft named Whiskey Alpha at the Pacific 2019 exhibition on 8th October.
The 9.38m-long boat is designed to provide optimal performance and protection for personnel operating in maritime tactical environments and is relevant for SOF with Project Greyfin as well as the SEA 5000 Hunter-class frigate programme and SEA 1905 Minehunter Replacement project.
The company employs veterans, ex-RAN clearance divers from 2 Commando and Far Designers naval architects and the Whiskey Alpha will provide increased operational advantage by utilising more assets and improving human performance onboard.
Whiskey Alpha has a maximum displacement of 5,140kg and with a beam of 2.9m, draft of 0.6m and maximum load of 1,960kg there is space for 12 crew and passengers. The company said that its modular design means it can utilise plug and play technology, with improved shock mitigation for the consoles and seats, larger deck space for payloads with better access points.
Darren Schuback, Managing Director of The Whiskey Project said: “Ultimately, if you have the option to reconfigure your boat to meet unique operational situations, you take that option as an immediate competitive advantage.”
He added: “Maritime tactical operators are highly trained personnel who work in extreme environments. Our mission is to ensure the watercraft they rely on is optimally suited to meet the requirements of contemporary maritime missions, whilst minimising the risks to personnel and equipment.”
The specially moulded advanced carbon composite V-hull can reduce the impact of slamming by 40% which is vitally important reducing injuries to boat operators and improves health and in turn improves operational effectiveness.
Tim Fish
