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Naval
Industry News - France |
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Zodiac Milpro wins French Navy commandos ECUME RIBs order
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The French defence ministry has confirmed its acceptance of the first
advanced ECUME RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) manufactured by Zodiac Milpro
and has placed an order for 9 boats. The purchase is the first part
of an investment option that will ultimately result in the delivery
of another 10 of the advanced new boats by Zodiac Milpro. The initial
contract follows a detailed and challenging period of testing by the
Direction Génerale de l’Armement during which the versatile
new RIB was required to prove its suitability as a multi-purpose commando
craft
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picture:
Zodiac Milpro
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The ECUME has been developed by Zodiac Milpro International
and its Canadian subsidiary Zodiac Hurricane which specializes in the
design and manufacture of high speed and high specification RIBs for
military and civil use. The design of the ECUME was based on the proven
Zodiac Hurricane ZH-935 RIB which was then refined and adapted for the
specialized high speed deployment of navy commandos. The ECUME consequently
includes numerous features that have been seen to enhance the original
design to make it what is believed to be one of the most versatile and
best equipped commando boats in the world.
The ECUME will enter service as a multi-mission craft that can be deployed
individually or as part of a powerful assault group. The new RIBs will
now meet the needs of French Navy commandos operating in three mission
areas including special operations, air-sea operations and activities
relating to the protection of the maritime approaches. The RIB is suitable
for conducting raids from shore or from a naval vessel and can be deployed
from any of the principal classes of French navy frigates. The boats
can carry the full spectrum of commando weaponry and equipment in addition
to advanced radio communications. This will also enable an ECUME to
operate as a command post for naval operations.
Because of their speed and load carrying capabilities the new RIBs will
also be used for conducting law enforcement patrols as required when
they are in service with the French navy. Their deployment capacity
has been further enhanced with the inclusion of four air delivery systems
(SLE) that enable command and assault vers ions of the ECUME to be air-dropped
into operations from a C-130 Hercules or the new A400M Atlas from Airbus.
The ECUME is 9.30 metres long and is powered by two diesel inboard engines
that were designed specifically for the purpose by Volvo Penta. With
a maximum cruising displacement of 7 tonnes, the ECUME RIBs are able
to undertake long distance raids carrying 12 fully equipped navy commandos
at speeds in excess of 40 knots. The key to its on-water performance
lies with the use of the unique Zodiac Milpro MACH II (Military Air
Channeled Hull). This has been developed to reduce water resistance
and enhance directional stability so that higher speeds can be maintained
with greater fuel economy and safety. The aluminum or GRP (on the ECUME)
air step hull’s low centre of gravity enables the boat to sustain
high speeds in demanding sea conditions while retaining the comfort
and security that helps preserve the operational performance of its
passengers and crew.
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