Metal Shark’s 40-Defiant for Navy

JEANERETTE, La. – Alabama-Louisiana shipbuilder Metal Shark and the Navy are nearing the end of the operational test and evaluation (OT&E) trial period for the service’s incoming standardized “40 PB” patrol boat platform. Full-rate production is imminent. The 40 PB was developed as the replacement for up to 160 patrol vessels deployed worldwide with the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command’s Coastal Riverine Forces (CRF). Metal Shark’s 40-Defiant design was selected in late 2017 from a field of seven competing shipbuilders. Metal Shark has produced two of the 40-foot PBs for test and evaluation purposes. Hull 001 was first displayed at the 2018 International Workboat Show in New Orleans. As OT&E trials near completion, Metal Shark is preparing to commence full-rate production at its Jeanerette, La., production facility. With a full slate of delivery orders in place, Metal Shark initially plans to deliver one completed unit to the Navy every four weeks. This new platform is a radical change from conventional Navy CRF PBs currently in use. 40-Defiant delivers substantial increases in capabilities and firepower. (Source: Metal Shark 12/19/19) https://www.metalsharkboats.com/december-19th-2019-metal-shark-to-commence-full-rate-production-of-next-generation-us-navy-patrol-boat/