News

Patrol Vessels:  Denel and Hysucat Partner Up

Denel Integrated Systems and Maritime has concluded a strategic partnership with Cape Town based company Hysucat to develop and market its range of patrol vessels.

The Denel-Hysucat partnership made its public debut last week at the Africa Aerospace & Defence 2016 exhibition held at AFB Waterkloof, with Hysucat displaying its 850 rigid inflatable boat at the Denel stand, which was fitted with a weapons turret.

Zwelakhe Ntshepe, Acting Group CEO of Denel, said the partnership with Hysucat forms part of the company’s efforts to develop and support innovations in the maritime environment using uniquely South African technology. Denel said it adds value through its well-established global marketing network and ability to provide complete, life cycle support.

“Denel is confident that it will be able to market, sell and support Hysucat to international clients where it can be deployed on both inland lakes and rivers and along coastlines,” the company said.

Hysucat, headed by Malan Conradie, developed a Hydrofoil-Supported-Catamaran Hull which offers exceptionally high speed and agility combined with superior fuel efficiency.

Hysucat was established following research at the University of Stellenbosch into the application of hydrofoil technology in the marine racing and leisure environments. The technology has since been extended for security and military applications with some products already in use by police and defence forces.

“Hysucat brings a fast and stable weapon and radar platform and offers clear competitive advantages in terms of affordability and through life cycle costs. The Denel-Hysucat can provide bullet proof areas to protect the crew with advanced remote-controlled weapon systems that be operated from the safety of the cabin.

“It also offer a much longer operational range compared to conventional craft due to its efficient design. Specialized ambulance models are offered to emergency services looking for a stable and more comfortable ride on the water for patients and medical personnel,” Denel said.

Denel and Hysucat are also collaborating with Reutech Solutions to integrate suitable weapons onto the craft – such as the popular 12.7mm machine gun with its remote weapon stations. This was on display on the boat at AAD.

The 8.5 metre long Hysucat 850 features a modular deck area that allows for a variety of seating options with enough space for up to 14 people. The boat can reach a speed of over 70 knots with special surface piercing propellers, making it well suited for special naval operations and marine police coastal patrols.

The hull features fully asymmetrical demi-hulls connected by a double arc-tunnel with ventilated tunnel step behind the bows. A main foil is mounted slightly forward of the longitudinal centre of gravity and twin rear foil struts near the transom on the tunnel vertical walls. The foil system makes it possible to power up in any sea at full bore without the craft slamming, flying, or burying its nose.

The Hysucat 850 has a dry weight of 1.5 tons, fuel capacity of 227 litres and can be powered by single or twin engines from 90 to 300 hp. Depending on the engine option and propellers this gives a cruise speed of 26-35 knots and maximum speed of over 70 knots.