Enforcing the law doesn’t just happen on land; it is also essential at sea. With record interdiction using tough, lightweight aluminum patrol boats, the success of the National Security Cutter program at apprehending criminals is remarkable. The 11M Long Range Interceptor II is just such a vessel, designed to pursue high-speed target craft for vessel board and seizure, rescue, and recovery.

Engineered for stern launch and recovery aboard the 418-foot Sentinel class of Fast Response Cutters of USCG, the Long Range Interceptor hull shape has a fine bow entry and elongated waterline and bow curve for high-loading operations in rough conditions of Sea State 5.

Built by MetalCraft Marine US Inc (MCM) and outfitted by partner Brunswick Commercial and Government Products (BCGP), the new generation Long Range Interceptor II (LRI II) for the United States Coast Guard is an integral part of the National Security Cutter’s Over the Horizon Program.

Military vessels count on Cummins for reliability and support. Twin Cummins QSB6.7L Tier III diesel engines power two Ultra 305 water jets with electronic joystick controls top out the high speed interceptor at 42 knots, giving it a nautical range of 236 miles to patrol after the mother ship’s electronics have detected something suspicious.

The engines are JP-5 or alternative Bio-Fuel optional with a five-minute run dry feature, making these boats warmed up and ready the second they hit the water. Designed for equatorial and arctic conditions, each patrol boat is fully integrated with standard Coast Guard Furuno electronics package.

Hot pursuit patrol boat

VBSS or visit, board, search and seizure involves maritime boarding actions and tactics for United States military and law enforcement agencies. VBSS teams are designed to capture enemy vessels, combat terrorism, piracy and smuggling, and to assist customs, safety and other inspections for US Homeland Security.

“This is an aluminum hull and RIB type vessel run for testing, launching and intercepting radar combatants,” said Jonathan James, engineering manager for Cummins.

“Chasing the bad guys while making a 180 turn at pulse speed, reverse water jets make a fast stop doing 40 knots out open,” said James. “With joystick control like an airplane, you can turn immediately and go the other way. The shock absorber seating goes up and down, mitigating continual impact in rough seas.”

Carrying 15 crew in ergonomic suspension seating from Shoxs and Bostrom to mitigate impact, the cabin can be partially or fully enclosed with 360 degree and overhead visibility for navigation, shipboard recovery and launching maneuvers, accommodating for hostile conditions.

In high-threat missions, portable ballistic panels stowed onboard the ship can be mounted in less than 10 minutes with external brackets on the fixed superstructure and sliding doors. The open cabin arrangement allows for crew to return fire over a wide range with good protection.

The vessel is outfitted with several gun arrangements. With 50-caliber gun mounts fore and aft, the bow and towpost are used as the gun mount base supporting the ballistic package protecting the crew from a 200° field of fire.

The hull structure is designed to ABS High Speed Naval Craft standards, with ABYC compliant systems. MetalCraft incorporated a heavy duty closed cell foam fendering system withstanding 9-knot impact.

With an overwide beam, a wave brake built into the face of the forward bustle breaks up green water on deck. A proprietary clamping system allows individual, 6-foot sections of the 22-foot collar to be replaced independently.

Rough water performance, the Ultra Jet Jetmaster joystick control system provides amazing control, thrusting and turning on a dime.

Photo courtesy of USCG

Specifications for INTERCEPTOR 11M