The 35M fast patrol vessels (FPVs) are built by Swiftships at its shipyard in Jeanerette in Louisiana, US.
The fast patrol vessel is armed with an Aselsan 30mm SMASH remote controlled stabilised naval gun system. Credit: ASELSAN.
The FPV features a Raytheon synapsis tactical command system (SYNTACS). Credit: Raytheon Anschutz.

The 35M fast patrol vessel (FPV) is offered by Swiftships for deployment by naval forces worldwide.

It has been designed to deliver high levels of speed, manoeuvrability and reliability in order to meet the various requirements of challenging naval missions.

The US State Department initially approved a $60.25m foreign military sale (FMS) for the supply of two 35m fast patrol boats to Bahrain in September 2017.

The FPVs can be deployed for maritime patrol and surveillance missions to counter terrorism, piracy, smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal immigration.

Swiftships 35M FPV design and features

The 35M FPV is a monohull ship, and its hull and superstructure are manufactured from all-welded aluminium alloy.

Its hull features seven watertight bulkheads, which create a total of eight watertight compartments.

The vessels are equipped with replenishment systems to allow refuelling at sea by side-by-side procedures.

35M FPVs can survive in severe weather conditions up to sea state 6 and are able to operate in sea state 4 conditions.

Each vessel features a fast launch and retrieval system for a 7m rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB).

The vessel has an overall length of 35.06m, beam of 7.25m and draft of 1.5m.

It can complement a crew of 12 and carry 28,400l of fuel, as well as 1,890l of potable water.

Other on-board systems include desalination and HVAC chilled water systems, in addition to a fire detection / suppression solution.

Command and control

The vessel’s on board Raytheon synapsis tactical command system (SYNTACS) integrates the tactical situation awareness or command and control architecture with an integrated navigation system (INS).

The modular system offers high scalability and flexibility regarding the installation and removal of sub-systems and components.

SYNTACS also allows the crew to perform target classification, evaluation, tracking and engagement.

In addition, the system ensures full control of the data link systems, electro-optical sensors and weapons on board the vessel to facilitate the countering of asymmetric threats.

Armament on board the fast patrol vessel

The 35M FPV’s main gun is an Aselsan 30mm SMASH remote-controlled stabilised naval gun system mounting an Mk44 Bushmaster-II canon, which is fitted on the forward bow deck.

The weapon station is also equipped with an electro-optic sensor system for automatic target tracking and engagement capability.

Its dual-feed automatic cannon has a rate of fire of 200 rounds a minute.

Furthermore, the vessel is armed with a Raytheon Griffin missile system with two quad launchers, as well as two Mk 93 50-calibre mounts or a MK16 tripod.

The Griffin missile is able to engage small, fast-moving surface craft within a range of 8km.

Navigation and communication systems

35M FPVs are equipped with an integrated bridge system (IBS), two navigation radars, an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS), gyrocompass and magnetic compass.

The vessels also feature a speed log, differential global navigation satellite system (DGNSS), echo sounder, electro-optical / infrared (EO/IR) thermal imager, multi-function displays, autopilot and automatic identification system (AIS).

The communication systems include two HF / SSB radios, a very high-frequency / ultra-high frequency (VHF/UHF) tactical radio, four handheld VHF units and an intercom system.

In addition, the vessels are equipped with a sound-powered phone device as well as a global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS).

Propulsion of Swiftships 35M FPV

The FPV is powered by three MTU 16V2000 M94 main diesel engines, driving three Kamewa A3-63 water jets through ZF 2075 gearboxes.

Each engine has a rated power output of 2,450hp.

The vessel is also fitted with an engine and gearbox control and monitoring system (ADEC).

Its shipboard electricity is supplied by two 75kW Caterpillar C4.4 generators.

The propulsion system provides a maximum speed of 40k at normal load and maximum range of 1,800 nautical miles (nmi) at 12k speed.