The Tempest 44-FCI, a state-of-the-art high-speed coastal interceptor, has been introduced as its first model by Tampa Yacht Manufacturing in the United States. The 44-FCI is a 44ft (13.2 m) interceptor-class vessel with a proven design heritage that has seen historic action with US Customs and the US Coast Guard.

High-speed coastal interceptor vessel

A totally redesigned world class naval vessel, the 44-FCI is fully customizable with featured enhancements and modifications that include, but are not limited to, 360 degree pan and tilt infra-red night vision camera, 50-caliber machinegun mounts and threat level NIJ-3 and 3A ballistic protection, utilizing DYNEEMA, the world’s strongest fiber.

Designed for coastal and offshore operations in varying sea and weather conditions, the 44-FCI is capable of achieving a maximum speed of 50 knots (WOT) with a minimum sustained cruising speed of 45 knots. With a minimum range of 225 nautical miles at wide open throttle and a cruising range of 340 nautical miles, the fully-outfitted 44-FCI is a very capable and effective intercepting vessel of unmatched performance in its class.

Tailor-made multi-mission vessel

The 44-FCI is tailor-made for multi-mission operations, including identification, interception and interdiction of suspicious vessels entering a nation’s territorial waters. The 44-FCI is also ideal for search and rescue, port security, police action and the pursuit of suspect vessels for the purpose of boarding and for arresting violators and seizing criminal vessels and contraband. Interception and identification can be accomplished without question or compromise.

The Tempest 44-FCI is 14m in overall length and can reach speeds in excess of 50 knots.

Overhead, the crew is protected by a cockpit-length hardtop which houses search lights, infrared night vision camera, electronics and ventilation hatches.

Custom shock-mitigating seating with a four point harness system is standard for a crew of up to six.

The Tempest 35-SPC can reach speeds of 35 knots.

Water-jet propulsion provides maneuverability and responsiveness.

The forward cabin features a large sliding companion way door and an overhead escape hatch. There is approximately 6ft of standing headroom in the cabin, along with standard amenities that include a 24 volt refrigerator, a head and sink, hand-held shower, hanging locker and forward v-berth with ammunition and weapons storage lockers.

Hydraulic steering and full navionics

In the cockpit, the portside console features optional redundant engine instrumentation and the starboard helm station includes shift/throttle controls, joy-stick bow-thruster control, hydraulic steering, full navionics, GPS, chart plotter, depth sounder, auto-pilot, infra-red night vision, and radio systems. In position, behind the forward control stations, the helmsman and engineer are ballistically protected by 1 1/4″ (31.75 mm) thick, laminated polycarbonate non-glare windshields. The adjustable shock-mitigating seating for the helmsman, engineer and crew was custom designed for the 44-FCI by MWR UK, the industry’s leader in military seating. These seats help dampen rough sea conditions, reducing occupant stress and fatigue, and are fitted with gel-seat bottom and back cushions for thermal heat reduction and comfort and a four point harness system.

The Tempest 44-FCI is powered by a pair of inboard MAN R6-800HP electronic turbo-diesel engines. Each engine is fitted with a 1.12:1 gear ratio transmission with special TwinDisc MGX gears for low-speed maneuverability and Arneson ASD-11 surface drives. Other propulsion options are available from Cummins, Volvo, and Yanmar.