X38 Combat

The Combat Cat is a stepped-hull high-speed power catamaran design that offers sea-keeping, speed and safety in all operating conditions. It can be configured for military, law enforcement, diving and Search and Rescue (SAR) use, and is ideally suited for rapid response interception, amphibious deployment of commandos, counter-piracy, medical evacuations or regular patrol work.

For less cost and risk than other high value patrol or combat assets, it can provide striking power against critical targets, as well as protect inshore and off-shore resources and assets. It can also be equipped with enhanced features for special warfare operations.

A catamaran has distinct advantages over mono-hull craft, as the low draft allows them to operate in shallow water and river estuaries, and conduct beach landings. Its wide beam reduces rolling, and produces a stable level ride, that makes it easier to come alongside other vessels, and creates a superior arms platform with improved weapons accuracy.

The foredeck has a gun-well that provides 270 degree coverage for a GPMG, or a 40mm grenade launcher, and two large deck hatches ensure fast and direct access forward for amphibious assaults. The aft deck has space for 2 side mounted GPMG.

The cabin accommodates a Captain/Navigator, helmsman, engineer and gunner, and features forward facing windows, which increases the effective cabin space, and reduces glare and heat build-up in the cabin. Troops or passengers are accommodated in transport seats in the hulls.

The Combat Cat can be operated by a crew of 2 or 4, and is capable of carrying an additional 10 - 12 fully equipped troops. It can reach speeds of around 40 knots, using either twin inboard diesels or outboards. The inboard diesel model has large deck access hatches to the engines, and transom platforms for boarding and diving.

CONSTRUCTION

Built entirely from composite GRP with cored sandwich panels, utilising the vacuum resin infusion system. It incorporates vinylester resin and stitched multi-directional E glass and carbon fibre reinforcements and additional strengthening members. The closed-cell high density foam cores increase panel stiffness and reduce the weight usually associated with (solid) GRP boats. This offers great strength and robustness and maximises hull integrity in the event of a collision.

Composite vessels have proven to have lower operational, maintenance and life-cycle costs, and longer life spans than aluminium and steel vessels.