TP Marine, the Dutch manufacturer of commercial RIBS, military catamarans, offshore support RIBS, wind farm support vessels, survey vessels, police RIBS and rescue boats, has revealed a new addition to its existing range of products, the K38.
TP's design brief was to develop a high-speed assault craft that offers multiple mission profile capabilities with speeds of up to 45kn per hour using twin outboards. It should be ideally suited to rapid response, amphibious deployment of commandos or regular patrol work.
This cutting-edge exclusive design combines the proven twin hull design with the requirements of a modern high-speed assault craft. Once again TP Marine has proven that, at less cost and risk than other high-value patrol or assault assets, the K-38 can provide covert striking power against critical targets, as well as protecting offshore resources and assets.
The forward area has the main forward/side facing gun-point suited for installation of M240 7.62 calibre, M-60, 7.62 or 40mm grenade launchers. The cabin consists of driver, navigator, engineer and gunner and eight to 12-man units can be accommodated in restrained transport seats in the hulls. The stern area of the boat has space for four to eight Hellfire missiles out on the sides, with an aft deck in the centre suitable for boarding, or for diving and recovery operations. In place of the missiles it is possible to install mine launchers or side/rear facing light machine guns.
For simplicity of maintenance and operation the boat is powered by outboard motors, using two motors and counter-rotating propellers.
Optional armour plating and ballistic proof windows can be provided, to a protection level of a AK47 high-velocity bullet fired at 15m distance from the target. Protected areas include the forward part of the cabin, two crew quarters in the hulls for embarked forces, the fuel tank area and the engines.
TP Marine CEO Ronald Kraft said: "The new K38 is an exciting development for the TP Marine team. We are committed to the continual growth of the TP Marine brand and the addition of this new craft is the first of many new developments in the pipeline, including the release of the much-anticipated TP Hurricane 16m."
