FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY, PFG UNVEIL NEXT GENERATION DEFENCE VESSEL AT INDO PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL MARITIME EXPO
Tasmanian advanced manufacturer, PFG, has today unveiled its newest vessel in The Sentinel Range; an ultra-durable High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) 11-metre tactical watercraft at Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition 2022 in Sydney.
The Sentinel 1100 has been designed to demonstrate PFG’s proven boat building capabilities and its application to the defence sector.
PFG Chief Executive Officer, Robert Inches, said the Sentinel 1100 is an adaptable platform designed to deliver advantage in insertion, extraction, and interdiction operations, enhancing mission capability for defence and security organisations.
“HDPE is the next generation boat-building material delivering a vessel of unparalleled safety, survivability and performance in interdiction boarding, pursuit, tactical assault, and first response applications,” he said.
“Cutting edge Hamilton jet propulsion and dynamic positioning systems work in tandem to provide precision manoeuvrability at low speed, resulting in propeller-free propulsion for personnel safety.
“The Sentinel range is the world’s only tactical watercraft manufactured from HDPE, autonomous ready, offering superior durability and reliability in the face of sustained force, optimised for airdrops and hard beaching and ultimately delivers enhanced capability to tactical missions.”
HDPE’s absorption properties dampen noise, vibration and personnel fatigue, while its high stability and responsive handling reduce rollover risk.
Mr Inches said the construction of this vessel was an important step in demonstrating PFG’s ability to deliver next generation world class tactical watercraft.
“We provide a sovereign capability with Australian design, manufacture, and sustainment. In partnership with One2three naval architects, PFG has developed and delivered an adaptable platform deployable to a range of mission sets, offering unmatched performance, safety, and stability,” he said.
“The construction of this vessel was made possible with the support of the Tasmanian Government and its focus on assisting Tasmanian businesses like ours to secure future opportunities across domestic and international military and security domains.
“We were grateful to have Tasmanian Minister for Advanced Manufacturing and Defence Industries, Madeleine Ogilvie, present at the expo to officially unveil the vessel today.”
The Sentinel 1100 vessel will be available for demonstration and sale on return to Tasmania in the coming weeks.
