Welin Lambie, part of Fairbanks Morse Defense, has completed key testing for a new boat handling system intended for the US Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter Stage 2 program, which covers the next batch of cutters under construction.
Called TWPIV 5.0E, the system is an all-electric dual-point davit used to launch and recover small boats from ships.
The test, intended to verify compliance with program requirements, was completed in three days instead of the planned four, with representatives from Austal USA and the US Coast Guard in attendance.
Test results confirmed the system meets requirements for safely launching and recovering small boats in difficult sea conditions, a core function for the Offshore Patrol Cutter fleet, which relies on deployable boats for missions such as patrol, interception, and search and rescue.
The davits were originally contracted in 2023 by Austal USA.
With validation completed, the program moves into production, with installation planned on the future cutter USCGC Pickering (WMSM-919).
TWPIV 5.0E
The TWPIV 5.0E is an electrically powered davit with a safe working load of 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds).
It uses a dual-point lifting configuration, meaning the boat is supported from two points during launch and recovery to improve stability.
A central feature is the use of electric constant-tension winches, which keep the lifting cables under continuous tension throughout operations.
This reduces slack and helps maintain control of the boat, particularly in rough sea conditions.
The system builds on the TWPIV 5.0B davit already in service on Coast Guard cutters and on an electrical drive architecture previously developed for US Navy platforms such as the Littoral Combat Ship.
