Tampa Yacht Manufacturing’s TEMPEST 50-FAC

The Tempest 50-FAC from Tampa Yacht Manufacturing (TYM) is designed to provide Patrol and surveillance in shallow coastal and riverine waters by day and night in marshy areas of creeks with shifting sand bars, with low draft, high maneuverability and speed. The vessel’s hull design, which includes forward center of projected planning area center to ensure controlled turning at extreme rudder angles at high speed for pursuit and evasion, is of conventional high speed modified-vee hull with engineered deadrise distribution and chine beam distribution for low accelerations and smooth performance in a seaway and high speed transport in calm seas. The vessel’s bottom area supports large payloads and ensures performance under all loading conditions, TYM said. The 50-FAC is powered with twin MAN Model R6-800 - 800 mhp (588 kW) high speed, turbocharged, intercooled, common rail direct fuel injection, electronically controlled diesel engines, with ZF 500 hydraulic transmissions, driving MJP Ultrajet Model 410 - single stage, axial flow waterjet pumps. The 50-FAC’s fendering system aims to protect it from damage during boarding operations. The arrangements of the 50-FAC maximize system functionality while minimizing crew fatigue. Built and outfitted to comply with all the applicable provisions and requirements of RINA Classification, ABYC and NMMA Rules, 50-FAC vessels will operate in varying sea and weather conditions, in littoral waters worldwide. Typical missions include locating, tracking and intercepting suspicious vessels. The 50FAC is mission capable for port security and pursuit of suspect vessels for the purpose of boarding and searching and, when necessary, arrest of violators and seizure of vessels and/or contraband. The vessel is equipped with night vision cameras, red LED lighting, flood lighting, spotlights and other equipment for night operability and with the helmsman and engineer having a radar and integrated chart plotter system, the 50-FAC is fully capable and comfortable in over the horizon missions. With integrated ballistic protection, 50-caliber machine gun armament, autopilot and the ability to cruise at any speed comfortably, TYM said the 50-FAC is suited for force protection. Main engines are turbocharged and tuned for quicker accelerations, along with shock mounted seating, making the vessel ready to rapidly pursue and aggressively maneuver at high speed, the manufacturer claims. The large aft deck and heavy duty aft platform make boarding simple and safe. With a full suite of electronics; enclosed cabin with galley, head, and two bunks and large open aft cockpit, the vessel switches missions to board the incapacitated and search for extended periods. The 50-FAC also features low observable profile, muffled exhaust, high speed, and large mission reconfigurable area, which can be rigged for launch and retrieval of small boats.

(As published in the April 2013 edition of Marine News - www.marinelink.com)