Polar Security Cutter program: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 10:00, 10 August 2023

Revision as of 15:39, 7 September 2023

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==Design==

The Polar Security Cutters will be the largest icebreakers ever commissioned by the United States Coast Guard and the largest coast guard vessel in the world. With an [[length overall|overall length]] of {{convert|460|ft|m}}, beam of {{convert|88|ft|m}}, and a full load displacement of {{convert|22900|LT}},<ref name="vthalter-psc">{{cite web|url=http://vthm.com/polar-security-cutter/|title=Polar Security Cutter|publisher=VT Halter|accessdate=2 June 2019}}</ref> they will be bigger, wider and heavier than the current record-holder, the medium icebreaker USCGC ''Healy''. The general design is reportedly based on the proposed German polar research vessel ''Polarstern II'' which has been modified and adapted to USCG requirements such as long open water transit from its home port to Antarctica.<ref name="halterdetails">{{cite web|title=VT Halter Marine Details Coast Guard Icebreaker Bid |url=https://news.usni.org/2019/05/08/vt-halter-marine-details-coast-guard-icebreaker-bid |website=USNI News |date=8 May 2019 |accessdate=8 May 2019}}</ref> The PCSsPSCs will have accommodation for up to 186 crew, scientists and other personnel, and endurance time of 90 days.<ref name="st_second" />

Like most icebreakers built worldwide, the PSCs will have a [[diesel-electric]] power plant rated at over {{convert|45200|hp|kW|abbr=on}}. The vessels' main diesel generators will be supplied by Caterpillar and the propulsion system consisting of two [[Azipod]] propulsion units and a third fixed shaft line by [[ABB]] and Trident Maritime Systems.<ref name="RL34391_old" /><ref name=HalterMay05/><ref name="halterdetails" /> This will allow the PCSsPSCs to break ice with a thickness between {{convert|6|and|8|ft|m|1}}.<ref name="st_second" /> Designed according to the [[International Association of Classification Societies]] (IACS) ''Unified Requirements for Polar Class Ships'', the PCSsPSCs will be strengthened to [[Polar Class 2]] which is intended for vessels operating year-round in moderate multi-year ice conditions.<ref name="ice class">{{cite web|url=https://www.marinelink.com/news/uscg-psc-equals-meaningful-polar-presence-472887|publisher=MarineLink|title=USCG PSC Equals meaningful Polar Presence|date=14 November 2019|accessdate=15 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iacs.org.uk/download/1803|title=Requirements concerning POLAR CLASS|publisher=International Association of Classification Societies|date=April 2016|accessdate=2 January 2021}}</ref>

The PSCs will feature a combat system derived from the [[Aegis Combat System]].<ref name="halterdetails" /> The vessels have been said to include "space, weight, and electrical power set aside to carry offensive weapons".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://breakingdefense.com/2018/01/new-icebreaker-will-have-space-power-for-weapons-coast-guard/|title=New Icebreaker Will Have Space, Power For Weapons: Coast Guard|publisher=Breaking Defence|date=10 January 2018|accessdate=2 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ice-Strengthened Cutters For The U.S. Coast Guard ? |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/02/ice-strengthened-cutters-for-the-u-s-coast-guard/?fbclid=IwAR0T2VPthGx4Mwde-AD2v3IzdRAYynkVcDbg9XHmDum0XHqYzXTMLXDjz4g |website=Naval News| date=6 February 2021 |access-date=6 February 2021}}</ref>