Stability analysis for installation of electro-optical sensor onboard fast interceptor craft

Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) is the new combat boat procured by Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to support the inshore and coastal operation. The new FIC is equipped with radar and Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) for detection purpose but limited with the range detected. The FLIR installed onboard is the small in size with less load and does not affect the stability of the boat. The Electro-Optical (EO) sensors is highly needed to detect the present of the surface target. However, the stability analysis for its installation is required to ensure the stability of the vessel and its additional load of the EO . Therefore, this research is to analyse the effects of EO payload on the stability of FIC and to identify the suitable position for EO sensors onboard FIC for the operational safety of the boat. With the data and specification of the boat, the MAXSURF Modeler and Stability software will be used to provide the lines plan, maneuverability, range of payload required and appropriate position to be installed onboard the vessel. The interview with RMN FIC Project Team was conducted for the novelty of this research. The maximum payload that can be carried onboard was 10 tonne on the midship position of the vessel due to stability effect. The findings can be used to decide on the EO installation at the appropriate position with the maximum payload 10 tonne based on IMO criteria with full load displacement. The midship position was found to be the most suitable position for EO to be installed onboard FIC based on the data analyzed by MAXSURF software.