The US Navy has taken delivery of the first example out of an order for 119 newbuild Force Protection-Medium (FP-M) craft to be supplied by Wisconsin builder Lake Assault Boats.
The aluminium V-hulled vessels are designed to help secure US Navy ships and personnel against waterborne threats within and outside of US Navy ports around the world. The five-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract carries a maximum value of US$56 million, and subsequent deliveries will be made throughout 2021 and beyond.
The new boat measures 33 by 10 feet (10 by three metres) and is powered by two 225hp (167kW) outboards. Four weapon mounts are available onboard to accommodate machine guns of up to 0.5-inch (12.7-millimetre) calibre.
