(CAMAS, Wash.) — The first of the U.S. Navy's new YT 808 tugs, successfully launched by Dakota Creek Industries, is outfitted with a sophisticated package of Furuno marine electronics. YT 808 is designed after the existing YT 802 Valiant-class tug, and will be replacing aging vessels commissioned nearly half a century ago.
Mackay Marine selected and installed a comprehensive suite of electronics that will assist YT 808 in fulfilling its ship-handling duties for the full range of U.S. Navy surface warships, barges, and submarines. The helm aboard the Navy's newest vessel includes a 12-kW FAR2218BB radar, DS80 Doppler speed log, GP330B GPS receiver, FA170 AIS, and RD33 data organizer. It also includes a 14-inch multi-touch MFD, the NavNet TZtouch TZT14, featuring upgraded C-Map cartography, and a 24-inch DRS4DNXT solid-state dome radar.
Designed by Robert Allan Ltd., YT 808 has a length of 90 feet and a 38-foot beam, with a maximum navigational draft of 16.5 feet. Its Caterpillar 3512E main engines give it a free-running speed of up to 12 knots, and Schottel 1012 z-drives allow for rapid changes in thrust and vessel direction. An articulating hydraulic brow installed aft of the deckhouse will allow for easy personnel transfers to and from other ships or submarines. Acceptance trials are expected in July 2020 with plans for an August delivery, with the remaining five vessels scheduled to be completed by early 2022.
For more information on Furuno's complete line of marine electronics, contact: Furuno USA, 4400 NW. Pacific Rim Blvd., Camas, WA 98607; phone (360) 834-9300; www.furuno.com.
