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FSF-1 Sea Fighter.
Image courtesy of U.S. NavyAs the global landscape rapidly shifts in the 21st century, armed forces worldwide must adapt their weaponry to face evolving threats. Unlike the traditional, colossal naval warships of the past, which were built to battle enemy vessels in open waters or provide coastal artillery support, today's military operations demand ships that are faster, more agile, and capable of countering unconventional warfare, including guerrilla tactics.
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In February 2005, the U.S. Navy unveiled the FSF-1 Sea Fighter, initially known as the X-Craft. This cutting-edge, high-speed vessel serves as an experimental platform designed to test new technologies, such as its ability to navigate shallow waters close to shore, even in the presence of mines and small attack boats.
This article explores a groundbreaking new warship and the innovative technologies that may revolutionize naval combat forever.
A Fresh Concept for a New Mission
Sea Fighter is equipped with a versatile stern ramp that facilitates the launching and recovery of both manned and unmanned surface and sub-surface vehicles, including Rigid-Hull Inflatable Boats.The Sea Fighter is an aluminum catamaran designed to operate efficiently in shallow coastal waters, able to navigate in depths as low as 11 feet (3.35 m). Known as FSF-1, it is the first U.S. Naval vessel built with a catamaran hull, intended to test the performance, durability, behavior, versatility, and propulsion of high-speed vessels.
The vessel’s adaptable design accommodates a range of mission types. Over 12 20-foot mission modules can be stored in its mission bay, allowing quick reconfiguration for various tasks like battle force protection, mine clearance, anti-submarine warfare, amphibious assault support, and humanitarian efforts.
A versatile stern ramp enables the Sea Fighter to launch and retrieve both manned and unmanned surface and sub-surface vehicles, including those up to the size of an 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB). Its flight deck supports operations for up to two H-60 helicopters or vertical takeoff and landing tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (VTUAV) simultaneously.
The Sea Fighter's flight deck allows it to maintain continuous operations around the clock, supporting up to two H-60 helicopters or VTUAVs at a time.
To minimize vibration and noise, many internal surfaces of the ship are coated with QuietShip, a viscoelastic polymer that can be applied to vessels made of aluminum, steel, and composite hulls. This coating, developed by Quiet Solution, can reduce noise by up to 70 percent, with Sea Fighter benefiting from a 15-decibel noise reduction.
The Sea's Sports Car
The Sea Fighter is being constructed at Nichols Bros. Boat Builders in Washington state.In contrast to traditional, larger warships, the Sea Fighter boasts superior speed and agility, with some likening its performance to that of a sports car. It can reach a top speed of 50 knots (57.5 mph, 92.6 kph) while carrying a full payload and is engineered to sustain speeds of 40 knots (46 mph, 74 km/h) even in rough seas with waves as high as 7 feet (2.13 meters).
Equipped with four Rolls Royce Kamewa 125 SII waterjets, the Sea Fighter generates a combined 50.4 megawatts of power, offering impressive maneuverability. These independent waterjets allow for sideways movement, making operations and berthing much easier.
Waterjet tunnel under construction
Photo courtesy U.S. Navy
Construction underway for the housing of two of the Sea Fighter's four waterjets.
Photo courtesy U.S. NavyThe Sea Fighter's waterjets are powered by two GE LM2500 gas turbine engines and two MTU 16-valve propulsion diesel engines.
- Length: 262 feet (79.86 meters)
- Width: 72 feet (22 meters)
- Weight: 950 tons
- Engines: 2 GE LM2500 gas turbine engines; 2 MTU 16V 595 TE90 propulsion diesel engines; 4 Rolls-Royce Kamewa 125SII waterjets
- Operating crew: 26
- Maximum speed: 50 knots (57.5 mph, 92.6 kph)
- Cost of the experimental vessel: $80 million
The Team Behind the Sea Fighter
The Sea Fighter is a compact vessel that offers remarkable flexibility in its mission capabilities.The crew arrangement aboard the Sea Fighter is just as revolutionary as its design. This smaller ship only requires a crew of 26—16 Navy sailors and 10 Coast Guardsmen—who must be proficient in multiple tasks. The crew consists of five officers and 21 enlisted personnel. With such a small team, each member is expected to be highly knowledgeable about the ship and perform various roles.
"What's unique about our crew is that with only 26 of us, engineers aren't limited to just engineering, and navigators aren't restricted to navigation duties," explained Navy Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Bryan. "Everyone must understand each other's roles. My engineers can drive the ship, and those driving the ship can go below deck and start the diesel engines."
The combination of Navy and Coast Guard personnel brings a diverse range of expertise, making the crew well-suited for a variety of mission types.
"The Navy contributes its extensive experience in operating within a Department of Defense environment," said Coast Guard Chief Operations Specialist John Leary. "Meanwhile, the Coast Guard offers its specialized international boarding authority for global operations, along with greater experience in staffing ships with smaller crews."
Aboard the Sea Fighter, the crew sleeps in three-person staterooms, a significant contrast to the large communal quarters found on most traditional naval vessels. The ship is also designed to accommodate both male and female crew members.
While the Sea Fighter serves as an experimental vessel, its features will be integrated into future Navy and Coast Guard ships, including the larger Littoral Combat Ship and the Coast Guard's Deepwater concept.
