When You Demand Strength and Sea-Keeping
World Speed Record holders with our own vessel and crew
Barracuda
Barracuda’ is a high speed, low RCS Interceptor designed specifically for military and law enforcement roles. One of Barracuda's unique features is that a range of both lethal & non-lethal weapons can be concealed below deck and raised up through hatches only when required during engagement. Utilizing various stealth technologies in its form, which combined with specialized outfitting and construction, enables a greatly reduced RCS compared to conventional patrol vessels. As such, Barracuda is capable of operating with a high degree of invisibility to any opponent’s radar. Barracuda's 'Stealth' has been independently tested and validated by the Irish Naval Service. The design features a deep V high-speed hull, incorporating a wave-piercing bow providing excellent seakeeping abilities allowing a high level of crew comfort & endurance as wel as S.A.R. capabilities. The design is capable of speeds of 35-40kts+ depending on the chosen propulsion system.
Design
Main technical features
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High speed hull design combined with excellent seakeeping and survivability allow for S.A.R. capabilities and offshore endurance.
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Stealth technologies allow for a low RCS, enabling a high degree of invisibility to any opponents radar. Barracuda's 'Stealth' capabilities have be tested and validated during trials with the Irish Naval Service.
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Concealed weapon systems. A range of lethal and non lethal weapons are hidden below decks and raised only for deployment including a remote control gyroscopically stabilized 12.7mm machine gun, or a manned motorised gun turret incorporating a 7.62mm MG.
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Crew capacity of between six and sixteen combatants, all on shock mitigation seating.
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Ballistic protection to crew compartment up to level BR6 (7.62mm projectile)
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Variable configurations to suit mission parameters. Available in 11 to 13m lengths.
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Transportable by land, sea or air (helicopter)
STEALTH
The innovative design of the vessel utilizes various ‘stealth’ technology’s to produce a low RCS (radar cross section), allowing it to operate with a very significantly reduced degree of visibility to an adversary’s radar. The superstructure and hull design of Barracuda utilises flat plane principles to its surfaces, especially so in its f/wd projections, to deflect radar beams away from source, which together with specialized construction and outfitting (RAM), and the adoption of ZERO metallic fittings exposed above decks, all of which combine to produce a vessel with a very significantly lower than normal RCS. Barracuda's 'Stealth' capabilities have be tested and validated during trials with the Irish Naval Service
WEAPON SYSTEMS
The design uses an innovative solution to weapon deployment. Various different types of both lethal and non-lethal weapons, including a remote control gyroscopically stabilised 12.7mm machine gun / 40mm grenade launcher can be fitted to Barracuda. In Barracuda the weapons are cleverly concealed below decks in the f/wd section of the superstructure, and are raised up to above deck level only for deployment through large watertight carbon fibre hatches built into the superstructure. In this way when the vessel is in engaged in surveillance or patrol, the weapons are concealed and the vessels RCS signature is greatly reduced. When the vessel is engaged in pursuit or apprehend modes, the weapons are raised for deployment.
Another advantage being that the weapons are hidden when not in use. There may be occasions and missions when the overt expression of force with exposed weaponry may not be desirable such as civilian patrol operations or peacekeeping missions, as well as for security, durability and covert reasons. In addition having the heavy main weapon contained low down inside the hull greatly reducing the vessels VCG , extremely beneficial to the vessels seakeeping in heavy weather.
As an alternative to the remote control machine gun option, a manually hand operated 7.62 / M135 Minigun can be incorporated into the f/w cabin using a CS5200 series lightweight motorised gun turret. In this option the gun is concealed below the cabin under a watertight turret hatch and rotated up through the hatch on a gun pedestal for operation. The gun operative stays partially concealed below decks and operates the weapon through the turret standing on a platform inside the cabin. This option may be useful when the weapon is only likely to be operated occasionally in sheltered inshore conditions, or used as a deterrent where the intended use of the vessel does not justify the cost of a gyro stabilised remote controlled machine gun.
Another advantage of this option is that it provides greater space inside the forward cabin for carrying up to 10 extra combatants, allowing a total personnel capacity of 16.
In addition a range of operator-defined weapons can be installed on her aft deck. Two removable, universal pedestal-mounts can accept systems up to and including the GAU 19/B and in combination with f/wd main machine gun, enable 360-degree weapons coverage including interlocking fields of fire forward, off the beam and aft.
Non Lethal Weapons. A range of non lethal weapons can be incorporated, such as a Hyperspike H18 non lethal sonic weapon concealed below decks raised through hatch for deployment and Unifire Force 50 Robotic water cannon.
MODULAR WEAPON FIT & INTERNAL ARRANGMENT
The internal arrangement and weapon fit for the Barracuda can be modular. Three different configurations are possible for the arrangement of the forward accommodation and weapon fit with a single vessel platform. Modules can be interchangeable between the three different options, and changed over quickly and easily, with the choice being determined by the mission requirements.
Assault / patrol
Module 1. Remove control gyroscopically stabilised machine gun in its sealed deployment compartment
Assault / Troop deployment
Module 2. Motorised gun turret and manned machine gun via watertight hatch + 8 combatant seating module.
Patrol / S.A.R.
Module 3. Sealed cabin roof section and 8 combatant seating modules.
MULTI-USE CAPABILITIES
From a naval and military perspective its possible deployment scenarios are far reaching, launched from an ‘over the horizon’ mothership or base station, covert surveillance can be undertaken for far longer durations, and in much rougher weather than would be possible with conventional RIB’s. Covert ‘insertion’ can be undertaken with a greatly reduced risk of detection, thereby maximising the missions chances of success. Operator and crew safety is enhanced with reduced levels of risk to combatants.
The design however does not compromise on practicality or usability and provides for a high level of crew safety (wide side decks) for offshore boarding capabilities.
Barracuda is powered by twin diesel engines. Propulsion can be conventional stern gear, chosen for its weight carrying capabilities and durability, or alternatively water jets can be fitted for higher speeds and low draft allowing Littoral / Riverine operations.
Barracuda is capable of maximum speeds up to 40kts+ depending on the propulsion system and equipment installed.
Interior
ACCOMODATION
Barracuda features a fully enclosed, climate controlled cabin and can accommodate a crew of 6 and up to 8 additional combatants in the forward cabin (depending on main weapon configuration), all on high tech shock mitigation seating dramatically reducing crew fatigue and the risk of impact injury. A highly focused helm position allows the helmsman efficient control of the vessel even in demanding conditions, dedicated tactical positions with their own consoles are provided for weapons and navigators positions. Excellent all round visibility is provided by the cabins large glass area.
BALLISTIC PROTECTION
Optionally ballistic up to BR6 (7.62mm projectile) protection can be incorporated to provide protection to the crew compartment utilizing lightweight composite Kevlar ballistic panels. The glass is ballistic level BR6 and is directly bonded into moulded recesses without metallic frames.
NAVIGATION & SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS
As well as a full array of navigation equipment, a range of sonar equipment can be installed to monitor the underwater situation. FLIR Thermal and night vision infrared cameras are integrated for surveillance. A full digital Can Buss electrical system supplied by ETA has been integrated with all onboard systems controlled by touch screen computers at the helm and navigators positions and expandable to potentially allow all crew members the ability to monitor and control the vessels navigation and onboard systems.
Engineering
Transportation
AIR- Barracuda can be transported by air carried underneath a helicopter by 4 point recessed lifting eyes integrated on her deck structure
SEA- Capable of being recovered by stern ramp or transom recovery system when fitted with waterjet propulsion option.
In 11m lengths easily deployed to conflict area by 40ft flat rack container.
LAND - Transportable by land via commercial low loader.
Hull design
The hull design below the waterline is an all new constant deadrise, twin chine deep V hull form capable of high speeds. A wave piercing bow form, with a very fine wave cutting waterline entry at the bow of very effectively minimizes vertical accelerations at speed in rough weather, thereby maximising crew endurance. The hull provides exceptionally high levels of seakeeping abilities on all course, very much as one would expect from a builder renowned for its highly seaworthy pilot and S.A.R. vessels, and in fact, depending on specification, in its more basic patrol vessel guises can be self-righting, increasing its operational envelope to S.A.R. and enabling operation in extreme conditions.
Four watertight compartments ensure Barracuda is survivable both in combat as well as hostile sea and weather conditions. The design is capable of operating in up to force 8, and maintain high operational speeds in sea state 4-5.
Propulsion
Powered by twin electronic diesel engines of 500-600 hp. Propulsion can be either conventional stern gear generally chosen for its weight carrying capabilities and durability, or alternatively by water jets offering higher maximum speeds and low draft.
Construction
To ensure the lowest magnetic signature Barracuda is constructed from advanced lightweight FRP cored composites, with extensive use of carbon fibre in its outfitting . Substantial in size yet lightweight foam cored fenders, with a polyurethane skin are used to minimise weight and offer maximum protection to the hull. The vessel can be moulded at lengths between 11m and 13m, with a 4m beam, longer length versions benefit from a larger aft cockpit providing an increased external crew area, or longer cabin maximising accommodation
AUTONOMY
Safehaven are partnered with ASV (Autonomous Surface Vehicles) world leaders in their field, to produce a dual mode autonomous version which can operate either autonomously, remotely controlled from a base station, or fully manned, which is very much in line with current Naval thinking to keep sailors out of harms way in scenarios that could otherwise effectively be undertaken autonomously which increases Barracuda’s operational capabilities significantly.
Below, longer 13m version of Barracuda
