Fairbanks Morse Defense’s All-Electric Davit by Welin Lambie Achieves First Article Test Milestone for US Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter Program

TWPIV 5.0E uses proven technology to deliver an all-electric, dual-point davit system that meets OPC launch-and-recovery requirements for small boats

BELOIT, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Welin Lambie, a Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) company, today announced its TWPIV 5.0E all-electric, dual-point davit system successfully completed the First Article Test milestone for the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) Stage 2 program. The milestone confirms 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.

Click HERE for an image of the TWPIV 5.0E all-electrical dual-point davit system.

Originally scheduled to occur over four days, the First Article Test was completed successfully in three days with representatives of Austal USA and the U.S. Coast Guard present. This successful 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. 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,” said Ben Dunscombe, Managing Director at Welin Lambie.

The all-electric davit features a Safe Working Load (SWL) of 5,000 kg. (~11,000 lbs.), providing the 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 USCG 210-foot and 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutters. Built to OPC program specifications, TWPIV 5.0E is a natural 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,” added 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 USCGC Pickering (WMSM-919). 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. FMD also supplies Pickering’s main propulsion diesel engines, hangar door, stores elevator, reverse osmosis system and various electrical components.

Fairbanks Morse Defense has powered American fleets through every era of American naval strength and is ideally positioned to restore American maritime dominance, bringing the industrial strength, advanced manufacturing and proven maritime systems expertise needed to deliver at the scale and speed the mission demands.

About Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD)

Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD) builds, maintains and services the most trusted naval power and propulsion systems on the planet. For nearly a century, Fairbanks Morse Defense has been a principal supplier of a growing array of leading marine technologies, OEM parts and turnkey services to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and Canadian Coast Guard. FMD stands ready to rapidly support the systems that power military fleets without compromising safety or quality. In times of peace and war, the experienced engineers, sailors and technicians of FMD demonstrate our commitment to supporting the mission and vision of critical global naval operations wherever and whenever needed. FMD is a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management.

To learn more, visit www.FairbanksMorseDefense.com.