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The latest RNLI experimental Lifeboat
FCB2 (Fast Carriage Boat 2) reaches St Ives for part of it's
extensive trials programme.These trials are part of the development
process for the new class of
lifeboat which will ultimately be the replacement for the Mersey Class
lifeboat around 2012.
This experimental
lifeboat is
designed to be faster so that it can reach casualties quicker,
and is powered by two water jet propulsion drives (impellers as used in
Jetski's)
giving a top speed of over 25 knots as compared to the 17 knots of the Mersey
Class.
It is also designed to have an improved launch & recovery system to make
the process of recovering from the beach safer & less labour intensive.
FCB2 has already
undergone extensive sea trials, and was in St Ives to undertake
launch & recovery trials in heavy swell.
The first phase of
these took place off Hayle Towans in early November when strong
winds blew in from the North giving a good wind swell to launch into.
This is one of two prototype launch
systems currently being considered,
this option having a rotating launch carriage and a new tractor.
The tractor drives the trailer &
Lifeboat out into the sea.
The boat needs to be well in the water
for the Water Jet engines to be able to drive it
off the carriage, with an impressive spray of water during the launch as
the jets
are diverted away from the tractor
The trials were very impressive viewed
from the shoreline & very exciting for those on the boat.
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