In preparation for the arrival of the RNLI's new FCB2 (Fast Carriage Boat Mk2) all-weather lifeboat, currently under development, Supacat has been awarded the pre-production contract for its launch and recovery system (L&RS). When the FCB2 enters service, it will require 20 L&RS units which will be required to launch from the boathouse within 10 minutes.
Supacat's solution is powered by a 422hp Mercedes-Benz 12-litre V6, which can propel the 47-tonne GVW outfit across sand at up to 10.5mph. With computer controlled hydrostatic four-track drive system, it is designed to routinely operated in up to 3m of water depth, and to withstand total submersion up to 9m when things go wrong. Uniquely, the L&RS can recover the lifeboat bow-first, using a 360 degree turntable to rotate ready for the next deployment in 2 minutes.
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