Installation of Gatling Gun: effect on CB 90 HEX stability

Combat Boat (CB) 90 HEX has been accepted on 23 Nov 2002 by The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and equipped with two 7.62 milimeter caliber General- Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) as the defensive gun. The existing combat power onboard CB 90 HEX is not formidable and RMN has planned to upgrade her armament to maintain its robustness in fast, offensive and element of surprise. In order to fulfill the requirement, M134D Gatling Gun has been tested on the CB 90 HEX to achieve her combat power. However, the stability analysis for its installation is required to ensure her stability with additional load of the Gatling Gun. This research aim is to analyse the effects of Gatling Gun payload on the stability of CB 90 HEX and to identify the suitable position for Gatling Gun onboard for the operational safety of the boat. With the data and specification of the boat, the MAXSURF Modeler and Stability software was used to provide the lines plan, maneuverability, range of payload required and appropriate position to be installed onboard the vessel. The findings can be used .to decide on the Gatling Gun installation at the appropriate position with its maximum payload based on International Maritime Organization (IMO) criteria with full load displacement. The midship position (i.e 7.5 metre from aft) was found to be the most suitable position for Gatling Gun, based on analysis using MAXSURF Software.