Atlas Elektronik UK has delivered another Sea-class workboat to the Royal Navy as part of a 2017 contract for the delivery of up to 38 boats for a range of tasks.
What makes the most recent delivery special is the fact that RNMB Hebe, as the vessel is named, is the first 15-meter version the company is delivering.
RNMB Hebe was delivered with a work module complete with dedicated operator workstations for use when conducting survey operations. It will ultimately be transferred to Project Wilton, a maritime autonomous systems (MAS) team based out of HM Naval Base Clyde, and will play a role in the Royal Navy’s mine countermeasures and hydrographic capability.
The 15-meter workboat will be integrated with several specialized payloads such as sonars and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) that can be remotely launched and recovered. The increased capacity allows RNMB HEBE to function as a floating command and control center from which to operate an 11m autonomous surface vessel (ASV) RNMB Harrier, which AEUK is also delivering as part of its involvement in Project Wilton.
In addition to the 11-meter and 15-meter workboat models, Atlas Elektronik is also on contract to deliver 13-meter versions and the 18-meter survey boat HMS Magpie, which has already been delivered.
The remainder of the 15m Sea-class will be delivered in a range of specifications, including officer training, dive training/support and survey workboats between now and 2024, Atlas Elektronik said.
