Vigor Fast Interceptor (VFI) is a multi-mission vessel built by American shipbuilding company Vigor Industrial.
It is intended to address the maritime requirements of naval forces and government agencies operating in challenging conditions.
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The vessel was unveiled at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) 2018 held in Arlington, US, in May 2018. It was showcased at the naval defence and maritime security exhibition (NAVDEX) 2019 held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in February 2019.
The reliable high-speed platform can be used to perform multiple missions, including dive operations, patrol missions, search and rescue (SAR), and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS).
It also assists law enforcement agencies in protecting territorial waters, high-speed interdiction of marine vessels, and prevention of illegal drug trafficking. It enables the simultaneous engagement of multiple targets or swarming threats.
Vigor fast interceptor design and features
Michael Peters Yacht Design collaborated with Vigor Industrial for the vessel design, which is based on an industry-proven platform.
The step v ventilated tunnel (SVVT) hull form is reinforced and optimised to offer enhanced sea-keeping characteristics in adverse environmental conditions. The hull components are manufactured using 5000 series marine-grade aluminium alloy.
Deckhouse and superstructure of the vessel are strengthened with the use of fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) composite material. The vessel features a large deck area, while the stern offers ample space to accommodate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
The overall length of the multi-mission craft is 21m and its overall beam and draft are 4.7m and 1.1m respectively. The maximum payload carrying capacity of the vessel is 10,000lb (5t), while displacement of the lightship is 50,500lb (25.25t).
The enclosed deckhouse of the vessel is fully climate-controlled and equipped with 16 shock mitigation seats that can absorb abrupt shocks experienced by the crew during a mission.
Armament and navigation features
The modular design of Vigor fast interceptor allows for the integration of multiple remote-controlled weapons. The primary armament includes a 30mm heavy machine gun mounted on the roof-top weapon station and a 50-calibre bow-mounted machine gun.
VFI incorporates two weapon mounts at the stern, which can be armed with 50-calibre machine guns. It can be optionally armed with multiple weapons based on mission requirements.
Operations are controlled using helm joystick control system installed in the deckhouse. Night operations are made efficient using the FLIR 230 night vision systems supplied by FLIR Systems.
The vessel can launch and recover UAVs from the platform on its stern. Mission plans can be fed to the unmanned vehicles from the control room.
Performance features of the interceptor
Vigor fast interceptor is powered by a pair of MAN V12 engines, which have a maximum power output of 1,900bhp each. The engines are coupled to a drive system comprising two ZF SeaRex 130S series surface drives.
Auxiliary power requirements of the vessel are served by on-board Kohler AC generator with a rated power of 35kW.
The sprint speed and cruise speed of the vessel are approximately 70k and 45k respectively. The vessel can carry out missions continuously for up to 72 hours. The on-board fuel tank can house 5,678l of fuel.
