Welin Lambie, a Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) company in Beliot, Wis., announced its TWPIV 5.0E all-electric, dual point davit system successfully completed the First Article Test milestone for the Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter Stage 2 program.
The milestone confirmed the system satisfies OPC Stage 2 requirements for safely launching and recovering small boats in demanding maritime conditions, “with the TWPIV 5.0E designed to deliver high availability in elevated sea states,” company officials say.
Originally scheduled over four days, the First Article Test was completed successfully in three days with representatives of Austal USA and the Coast Guard present.
This trial validates the transition to an all-electric dual-point davit, providing the Coast Guard with a reliable and sustainable system while maintaining the rigorous standards required for the Offshore Patrol Cutter’s primary missions.
“This is an incredibly proud moment for Fairbanks Morse Defense and Welin Lambie. The fact that we successfully completed the test a day ahead of schedule gives us confidence that we are closing the gap to solve one of the Coast Guard’s toughest operational challenges,” said Ben Dunscombe, managing director at Welin Lambie. “The TWPIV 5.0E will allow the USCG to increase its operating envelope and ensure OPC Stage 2 cutters can perform their mission across a wider range of maritime conditions.”
The all-electric davit features a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 5,000 kg. (around 11,000 lbs.), providing high-capacity hoisting power required for the Coast Guard’s Over-the-Horizon small boats. By transitioning to an all-electric architecture, TWPIV 5.0E addresses specific customer needs for sustainability, simplified shipboard maintenance and long-term reliability.
A key component of the TWPIV 5.0E is an advanced, software-integrated control architecture that utilizes high-torque electric winches and synchronized dual-point lifting to maintain constant tension. The electrical constant tension winches ensure that the davits’ wire rope remains in tension throughout the launch and recovery sequence.
The new dual-point, all-electric davit is the electric version of the TWPIV 5.0B, currently in service aboard Coast Guard 210’ and 270’ Medium Endurance Cutters. Built to OPC program specifications, TWPIV 5.0E is a progression of a mission-proven electrical drive architecture Welin Lambie developed for the U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) davit program.
“The Welin Lambie team has poured years of expertise into this capability. Beyond the engineering accomplishment, this is how we show our commitment to the men and women who depend on this equipment. Welin Lambie's legacy of reliable performance means giving crews the confidence to conduct all-weather recovery and giving the Coast Guard the freedom to operate whenever and wherever the mission demands,” said Dunscombe.
The successful test of the TWPIV 5.0E marks a pivotal shift in the OPC Stage 2 program as Welin Lambie moves from validation into active production for the future cutter Pickering. Fairbanks Morse Defense and Welin Lambie were awarded a contract from Austal USA in March 2023 to provide two all-electric davits for the program.
