The US Coast Guard has accepted the Birdon America 47C MLB SLEP First Article Vessel at the National Motor Lifeboat School (NMLBS) in Ilwaco, WA, completing the first significant milestone in the Motor Lifeboat Service Life Extension Program (MLB SLEP).
The boat will undergo a four-month operational assessment by members of NMLBS. The NMLBS trains personnel to become elite Coast Guard surfmen.
The 47 MLB is the standard lifeboat of the USCG. The boat is designed to weather hurricane force winds and heavy seas, capable of surviving winds up to 60 knots, breaking surf up to 20 ft and impacts up to three G's; and, if the boat should capsize, it self-rights with all equipment remaining fully functional.
Birdon America designed the 47C configuration of the 47 MLB for optimal performance, crew safety and ergonomics, and fuel economy. The systems are designed to reduce costs and improve reliability and maintainability.
Powered by twin diesel engines and a standard V-Drive/shaft/propeller propulsion system configuration, the 47C meets the US Coast Guard technical requirements and exceeds requirements in the areas of fuel economy and noise. The boat is fitted with new consoles, navigation systems, fire suppression systems, crew seating, lighting, power generation, and electrical system components.
“Birdon America is proud to have delivered this new capability and looks forward to the Operational Assessment and a long-term relationship with the Coast Guard," Jim Ducker, President, Birdon America, said. "The 47C MLB configuration represents a significant upgrade in overall performance for this very capable and familiar vessel to the Coast Guard.
"This is just the beginning of a long process to upgrade the entire fleet of 47 MLB vessels and Birdon is ready to move forward with this transformation.”
In August 2019, Birdon America was awarded the 47 MLB SLEP contract for the upgrade of all 117 MLB vessels in the fleet.
Birdon America, a subsidiary of the Australian company, is headquartered in Denver, Colorado.