milestone achieved less than seven months from contract signing

(october 6, 2009) -- the first two of four 21.2 metre aluminium patrol boats for the armed forces of malta (afm) have been launched at austal's western australian facilities - less than seven months from initial contract signing.

launch of the remaining two aluminium vessels will occur in coming weeks, with the four-vessel fleet on schedule for delivery in november.

with a speed of more than 26 knots, the vessels are designed to assist the afm with surveillance and border protection throughout malta's coastal waters. each vessel will be equipped with a 12.7mm gun, as well as two 7.62mm light machine guns on the aft flybridge deck.

the vessels also boast fire fighting capability via a fire monitor on the aft flybridge deck, while a radio direction finder capable of tracking emergency frequencies allows the vessels to perform search and rescue operations.

austal business development manager - defence, jamie robinson, said the 21.2 metre platform was capable of performing a number of different roles.

"one of the standout characteristics of these vessels is their versatility, particularly considering the size of the vessel," mr robinson said.

"customers are increasingly attracted to vessels that meet multiple requirements, avoiding the need for dedicated craft for each role. this combines with a growing need for fast delivery times, which in this case will be just nine months from initial contract signing ," he said.

adding to the platform's versatility is a bilge manifold located above the main aft deck, which can perform salvage pumping of another vessel if needed. a stern launching ramp allows ugg classic boots the safe deployment and retrieval of a rigid hull inflatable boat and dive operations are also supported via low-to short uggs -the-water platforms located aft.

sea trials buy uggs uk of the first two vessels will take place over coming weeks.