The key feature of HSIC is that it would improve the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy’s maritime operational capabilities as it would secure stability while cruising at high speed at sea.
The new HSIC is a 20 ton-vessel with a length of 20 meters, a width of 4 meters, and a height of 2.5 meters. It can accelerate up to 60 knots at maximum speed, being capable of cruising 300 NM (nautical miles) with 12 crews and 2 tons of payload.
Weapons and defensive assets include a 7.62mm gun, RCWS 12.7-30mm gun, rubber boat, bullet-proof wheelhouse, etc. This HSIC is expected to be apt for patrol or rescue boats for purposes of infiltration, transportation, and combats.
According to the DAPA, HSIC is an asset with improved survivability and maneuverability. The boat will be made of carbon fiber composite material that is lighter than steel, aluminum, or other materials. It also adopted a high-speed propulsion system that is equipped with three diesel engines of 1500 horsepower and SPP (surface penetrating propulsion) which would maximize its propulsion efficiency. The boat design was customized to enable the highest speed possible, enhancing stable maneuvering and safety of crews while securing the operational golden time. The boat is also easy to have a clear forward view and is able to decrease the noise made by impulsive noise.
HSIC is predicted to be able to serve in both civilian and military applications. According to the lead developer Woori Oceantech’s Technical Advisor Peter Kidd, the HSIC will be broadly used as patrol boats and could be used in other applications that require speed.
