THE PATROL COASTAL CYCLONE CLASS - A DESCRIPTION OF THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE US-NAVY

The U.S. Navy is procuring a new class of ships to serve Coastal Patro l and Interdiction and Naval Special Warfare roles. The new ship, the Patrol Coastal (PC-1 class), was procured using a non-developmental it em (NDI) acquisition strategy and is currently under construction at B ollinger Machine Shop and Shipyard, Inc. of Lockport, Louisiana, Thirt een PC's will be delivered to replace the aging 65 ft. MK III Patrol B oats. The 170 ft., 331 ton PC is based upon the Vosper Thornycroft des igned and built 52 meter Ramadan class missile attack craft and will p rovide enhanced endurance, seakeeping and speed relative to the boats they are replacing, The authors describe the design, arrangements and unique features of the Cyclone Class Patrol Coastal ships. Topics that are discussed include the ships general characteristics, general arra ngements, hull structure, propulsion system, electrical systems, comma nd and control systems, auxiliary systems, outfit and furnishings and weapon systems. Special features of the Cyclone Class will also be hig hlighted to include a discussion on the as-delivered configuration as well as future upgrades. The Cyclone Class is a forerunner of the Secr etary of Defense's new initiative on the use of commercial specificati ons and standards.