Austal Australia has commenced sea trials of the first of six Evolved Cape-class Patrol Boats under construction for the Royal Australian Navy.
Based on Austal’s proven 58 metre aluminium monohull design, the Evolved Capes include a number of enhancements that further extend the capability of the vessel and the fleet.
The Evolved Cape-class patrol boats include modifications determined through the extensive in-service experience of the two RAN and eight Australian Border Force Capes, operating throughout Northern Australia waters.
Crew capacity on the Evolved Capes has been increased by 10 people, and quality-of-life provisions have been enhanced, ensuring those who operate the new patrol boats have connectivity to the outside world.
Austal Australia is on track to deliver this first vessel in the first quarter of 2022, with the remaining five Evolved Capes in various stages of construction at the company’s shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia.
(Austal)