Feature 2
independent shaft s), will off er a speed at
full load of at least 16knots, according
to Noel-Johnson. “Th is is almost 80%
faster than the 9knots average attained
by traditional craft in this class,”
he explained.
Active bow ramp
However, the adoption of a more effi cient
hullform demands that a new way is found
of providing stability on the beach.
“The solution we have developed is
to transfer the function of providing
stability from the hull to the bow
ramp,” Noel-Johnson explains. “Th is is
achieved by using hydraulic actuators, in
combination with some clever geometry
so as not to impinge on the hullform, to
force the lip of the ramp into the beach,” The improved hydrodynamics of the Caimen-200 hullform allow for a maximum speed in
he explained, noting that this puts a load excess of 16knots. (BMT Defence Services/
DefenceImaging.com).
equivalent to 5-10% of the displacement
of the hull through the front of the ramp
so as to eff ectively anchor the landing craft at maximum speed. Food and fresh water accommodate payload changes.”
on the beach and reduce any inclination provisions on board will provide for 25 The Caimen-200 is provided with a
to roll. crew and an embarked military force of communications fit consistent with its
In operation, two electro-hydraulic 260 for a period of fi ve days. participation in a wider amphibious task
rams force the ramp downwards into the Another feature of the Caimen-200 group. Two remotely operated 25mm
landing beach, minimising roll and pitch. design is a bridge superstructure block mountings and two 12.7mm machine guns
Th e ramp can support tanks and other traversing the cargo deck. “Th is helps are included in the baseline specifi cation
vehicles of up to 60tonnes at a time. with getting effi cient trim for the vessel,” to provide limited self defence.
In terms of range and endurance, Noel-Johnson says. “It also reduces “Producibility” has been another
Caimen-200 is designed to transit 1075nm the need for compensating ballast to consideration for the BMT InSpira
team given that there was an express
intention to develop a simple, consistent
and low-cost design that lends itself to
in-country build.
“We have maximised the flat plate
content to reduce complexity,” said
Noel-Johnson, “and foresee the maximum
utilisation of proven, commercial-off -the-
shelf equipment throughout to drive down
construction and through-life costs.”
He added: “We have also paid a lot
of attention to structural continuity.
Our experience of supporting the
UK’s landing craft fleet has given us
a comprehensive understanding of
the forces that act upon landing craft,
particularly when beached.
“This experience has been taken
forward into Caimen-200, which will
have robustness and durability through
stringent attention to structural detail
and continuity. The design will also
Two electro-hydraulic rams force the bow ramp down into the beach so as to reduce any adhere to SOLAS, IMO and appropriate
inclination to roll. (BMT Defence Services/
DefenceImaging.com). classifi cation society standards.” WT
Warship Technology October 2008 27
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