Metal Shark has completed production of the US Navy’s 40-foot Patrol Boat (40PB) Flight 1 program, marking a major milestone in the company’s support of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC).
Originally conceived as part of the Navy’s Patrol Boat X (PBX) initiative, the 40PB program was launched to deliver a modern, purpose-built platform capable of addressing evolving maritime security threats. Following a competitive selection process,
Metal Shark was awarded the prime contract in 2017 for the design and production of the first flight of vessels.
After completion of rigorous design reviews, Metal Shark delivered two first-article vessels, which underwent navy testing and evaluation. Incorporating feedback from these trials, the platform was refined into its final production configuration.
Full-rate production was authorized in 2020, with more than 45 vessels initially ordered.
Over the course of the program, Metal Shark produced a total of 57 vessels for the US Navy. Execution of the contract spanned significant global and operational challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the diversion of early production vessels to support US efforts abroad, according to the company.
“This milestone represents years of hard work and dedication by our team,” said Metal Shark CEO Chris Allard .
“From concept through production, the 40PB program reflects Metal Shark’s ability to deliver mission-ready capability at scale, even in the most challenging conditions.”
With Flight 1 now complete, Metal Shark is currently under contract to produce the next generation of 40PB vessels under the Flight 2 program.
To remind, the company recently received a contract from the US Coast Guard to deliver one demonstrator boat with design and performance characteristics closely aligned with coast guard mission needs and requirements.
The boats range in length from approximately 8.8 to 11.3 meters, and each is powered by twin outboard engines producing up to 600 horsepower. The units will support a range of missions, including drug interdiction, living marine resources, migrant interdiction, defense readiness, search and rescue, other law enforcement, aids to navigation, and ports, waterways, and coastal security.