Euronaval Online 2020: Finnish Company Marine Alutech displays its military transport vessel Watercat M9.

On its virtual booth, at Euronaval Online, the digital edition of Euronaval 2020, International naval defense and maritime security industry exhibition, the Finnish Company Marine Alutech displays its military transport vessel Watercat M9.

Watercat M9 military transport vessel fully designed and manufactured by the Finnish Company Marine Alutech. (Picture source Marine Alutech)

The Watercat M9 is a military transport vessel fully designed and manufactured by the Finnish Company Marine Alutech. The boat is in service with Swedish Armed Forces, Finnish and German Navies. It is a fast landing craft, which can carry ten men with their equipment. Eight men have saddle-type seats in front of the steering console. This vessel is designed and manufactured especially for river and coastal operations.

The Watercat M9 is able to operate in very shallow (less than 1 meter) waters in disaster and crisis areas. The low draft in high speed (approximately 40 cm) enables the boat to operate on shallow beaches or landings on the beach. The hull of the vessel is made of aluminum and the construction is all welded. The propulsion is one water jet powered by a diesel engine giving a service speed over 30 knots with a full load.

The propulsion of Watercat M9 is one waterjet Rolls-Royce FF270 powered by a Diesel engine developing 190 kW. It can reach a top speed of 30 knots (48 km/h) and 25 knots (40 km/h) with a full load. It has an overall length of 9.0 m, a beam of 2.4m, and a draught of 0.5m.

The Watercat M9 has a crew of three and can carry 8 passengers. Standard equipment includes navigation systems with radar, magnetic compass, GPS, and depth sounder. It is also equipped with a communication system. The crew cabin is located in the middle of the boat and eight seats are mounted at the front.