Aircat on the attack

Singapore-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine has signed a memorandum of understanding with US-based Eureka Naval Craft to collaborate on the construction of the first Aircat Bengal MC Modular Attack Surface Craft. The vessel has been designed to operate in low-manning mode, or as an uncrewed surface vessel (USV), if required. Versions of the Aircraft Bengal MC could also be developed for use in the offshore oil and gas industry.

The Aircat Bengal MC uses a surface effect ship (SES) hullform, originally developed by Norwegian ship designer ESNA. An SES design has a catamaran hullform borne by a combination of an air cushion between the side hulls and the buoyancy of the hulls.

The partnership will use Eureka’s modular naval version of the SES design to deliver a new class of non-ITAR, dual-use vessels designed for both defence and civilian applications. Non-ITAR vessels are not subject to the America’s International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which control the export and import of defence-related equipment.

This means that the Aircat Bengal MC can respond to evolving requirements, such as the US Navy’s Modular Attack Surface Craft programme, and can fulfil the US Navy’s and allied nations’ requirements for optionally manned combatants. Its non-ITAR status and modular, dual-use design also make it ideal for rapid deployment and operational integration with US and partner forces, and the vessel’s high-speed, shallow[1]draught and modular payload system are optimised for littoral environments, key to Indo-Pacific naval defence and maritime security.