Aircraft, Boats, and Cutters: Cutters
179-foot Patrol Coastals (WPC) - Cyclone Class
The 179-foot Cyclone Class Patrol Coastal Boats will
conduct Homeland Security, Search and Rescue and Law Enforcement operations
in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. The Cyclone class patrol
boats will fill a gap in Coast Guard resources at a time when the service's
inventory of 110-foot patrol boats continue a historic, high operational tempo.The vessels were originally built as 170-foot patrol boats and were later fitted with a stern ramp modification that extended their length to 179 feet. The vessels have a beam of 25 feet, and a draft of 8 feet. They carry a crew of approximately 27, two officers, and 25 enlisted personnel. They are powered by four Paxman-Valenta diesel engines with a combined horsepower of 14,000. They can travel at a speed in excess of 35 knots, and carry a variety of weaponry.
179-foot WPBs in Service:
|
Characteristics:
|
Last Modified 9/11/2008