It's weird, it's water-proof and it's jolly well going into Biglorryblog! What you have here is the latest, Mercedes-powered Launch and Recovery System (L&RS) developed by Supacat for the RNLI's new class of all-weather lifeboat. The SupaCat L&RS has successfully completed a two-year trials programme, culminating in rough weather tests completed during last winter---that must have been fun to watch (from the seafront cafe at least). SupaCat tells me: "These trials tested the entire system in demanding conditions and were held at Hayle, Cornwall, which experiences regular Atlantic swells. The new L&RS design met all the requirements of the prototype specification and exceeded expectations during the trials; lifeboat crew feedback is now being used by the RNLI and Supacat to refine the pre-production design."
The new prototype all-weather lifeboat, designated FCB2 (Fast Carriage Boat 2), will ultimately rplace the RNLI's Mersey class lifeboats which are currently serving at some 28 stations around the UK and Ireland. And Supacat’s L&RS is itself one of two new models under development to launch and recover the FCB2, which has to be transported between the boathouse and the water, safer and simpler. Now pay attention 'cos here's the clever bit. "As the FCB2 is launched and recovered bow first, Supacat’s L&RS has a turntable is built into the boat carriage to rotate the lifboat once it's been recovered,thereby reducing the time and space needed to prepare for a re-launch to just 10 minutes."
Neat eh? I wonder if I can get a miniature one to go in the bath when I launch my rubber duck?
Now click through here for all the techie details on the L&RS...how does 422hp and a 90-metre wading depth grab you?
Prior to the aforementioned rough-weather trials, `wet` trials were conducted throughout 2006 and 2007 at various lifeboat stations in order to replicate the range of launch conditions that can be experienced around the UK’s shores, For example, at Dungeness in Kent, with its steep shingle bank and long journey to the water’s edge at low water, and Wells-Next-The-Sea, Norfolk, which has a deep river channel at the foot of the slipway to be negotiated as well as a 2.5 km long journey to the water’s edge across soft surfaces at low water. Initial `wet trials` started in February 2006 at Instow, Devon, where the sheltered coastline allowed the compatibility of the launch system with the FCB2 boat to be assessed. `Dry` proving trials were conducted at QinetiQ’s vehicle test facility at Hurn, Bournemouth in 2005.
Its manufacturers tell me that: "The Supacat L&RS comprises a completely new submersible tractor and powered- carriage combination, for which Bosch Rexroth was selected to supply the hydraulic drive system to the individually powered tracks. The system has computer controlled hydrostatic transmission and permanent 4-track drive provides exceptional traction for climbing steep gradients with poor surfaces, such as loose shingle. The L&RS has proved its ability to operate in heavy surf conditions, and in water at depths approaching 3m. In case of breakdown, the L&RS is designed to withstand submersion in water up to 9m deep. Powered by a Mercedes-Benz V6 12-litre engine producing 422bhp it can reach a top speed of 10.5mph at a gross vehicle weight of approximately 47 tonnes including the lifeboat. The 360 degree rotating cradle on the carriage enables the FCB2 to be swivelled from its recovery position (bow forward) to its launch position (bow aft), in under 2 minutes. “Rubber band” track belts provide the highest possible tractive effort and are smooth and quiet in operation."
I want one..in fact I want two! "Shackles away Shamuel!"