Program Overview
Birdon has built and delivered 26 Regional Patrol Craft (RPC) vessels supporting maritime surveillance, enforcement and security operations across regional and remote environments.
The vessel is designed to provide a reliable, cost-effective platform capable of sustained deployment, supporting a range of operational requirements including patrol, response and monitoring activities.
Developed in partnership with Southport Custom Yachts, who designed the hull and naval architecture, Birdon integrated vessel systems to deliver an operationally capable and adaptable patrol platform. With a focus on operational flexibility, crew safety and long-term maintainability, RPC’s are built to perform effectively across varied maritime conditions while meeting mission-specific requirements.
Quick Facts
- Client
Australian Army
- Lifecycle Stage
Design and Build
- Asset
Regional Patrol Craft
- SCope
Vessel Build, Systems Integration and Platform Delivery
Objectives
- Deliver a reliable patrol capability aligned to regional maritime security requirements
- Support surveillance, enforcement and response operations across regional and remote environments
- Ensure crew safety, reliability and long-term operational capability
- Balancing agility, durability and operational capability across varied environments with cost efficiency
Challenges
- Provide a low draft, agile vessel platform suited to shallow waters and tight river systems, remote coastlines and confined waterways
- Integrating mission systems into a flexible vessel platform including ability to enlarge decking space to deploy other
- Ensuring the design supports long-term sustainment and maintainability
- Deliver a cost-effective and scalable platform
Birdon’s Approach
Birdon led the build, systems integration and delivery of the vessels, translating operational requirements into a capable, adaptable and cost-effective patrol platform suited to demanding regional environments.
Across 26 delivered vessels, Birdon worked hand in hand with stakeholders to iteratively refine and improve the platform, strengthening reliability, operational capability and performance in service.
Outcomes & Impact
Designed for low draft operations and agility in constrained waterways, the RPC performs effectively in shallow waters and tight river systems, supported by Hamilton jet propulsion for enhanced manoeuvrability. Quick removable seating also enables rapid deck reconfiguration to support changing operational requirements and additional deployment capability.
Capabilities in Action
- Vessel build and delivery
- Systems integration into specialist hull platforms
- Engineering analysis to support vessel performance and endurance
- Integration of mission-specific requirements into a flexible platform
- Design aligned to operational, safety and sustainment requirements
