|
|
Background
— the Orca Class ( YAG 300 Replacement ) Project |
|
In July 2001, DND turned its attention to replacing its West Coast YAGs – six 23m training boats that are
based at CFB Esquimalt (near Victoria) – and a "YAG 300 (Training Vessel) Replacement" project was begun. In
November 2004, Victoria Shipyards were awarded a $69.7M contract – announced by Esquimalt MP Keith
Martin then the Parliamentary Secretary for National Defence and the Reserves.
|
|
|
The eight [1] 33m 210 tonne training boats (dubbed the Orca class) were to enter service from mid-2006 until late 2008. Design was completed
in May 2005 and VicShips began construction in mid 2005. The first hull (PCT #55) was completed in
August 2006 and officially accepted on 17 Nov. 2006. The eighth and final Orca class (PCT #62
Moose) was ready to be fitted out on 27 Nov. 2008 – right on schedule.
|
|
|
A Whale of a Boat? The Orca Class Patrol Craft Training
Like older YAGs, the Orca class' major role will be
training with emphasis on seamanship and navigational skills. But, Orcas are considered
multi-purpose boats. The secondary role assigned to the Orca class will be inshore patrol. While
Kingston class MCDVs with their 15 knot
(28 km/h) top speed are thought to be too slow for patrol, the Orca – powered by twin 1825kW
Caterpillar 3516 diesel engines of 69 litres which drive 120cm diameter screws through ZF gearboxes - will hit up
to 20 knots (or 37 km/h). Onboard power will be provided by three gensets (4 litre, 72 kW Caterpillar
3054 diesel generators).
|
|
|
[1] Originally six hulls were planned, later an additional two approved. Orca class hull
numbers/names are: PCT 55 Orca, PCT 56 Raven, PCT 57 Caribou, PCT 58 Renard,
PCT 59 Wolf, and PCT 60 Grizzly, the two add-on vessels being the PCT 61 Cougar and
PCT 62 Moose.
[2] The Orca is rather broad in the beam. This was determined by the training role. Accommodation was a major
factor – three crew cabins (for the crew of four) and three large student cabins (for 16 trainees) were required.
Duplicate training stations, etc. also impose additional space and weight requirements. This limits the usefulness
of the Orca as a patrol boat. Compared with the US Coast Guard's Island class patrol boat. Both
boats are 33m long. Orca's beam will be 8.4m, an Island class' is 6.4m. Orcas will be 10
knots slower and weigh 55t more.
|
|
For training, Orcas will be fitted with Pathfinder NCS 18 X-band navigation radar (this PC-based
system easing transitions from shore-based simulators, right ), MX420 DGPS (Differential GPS)
which makes use of four Canadian Coast Guard DGPS stations on the west coast) and a 'dumb'