RNLI - Severn Class Lifeboat The Severn class lifeboat is the largest lifeboat in the fleet and is one of the latest designs of all-weather lifeboats with a top speed of 25 knots. Built of FRC (fibre reinforced composite) which has advantages of both strength and lightness, she is designed to lie afloat. She is powered by two 1250 HP V12 turbocharged diesels which burn 480 litres of fuel per hour and has a range of 250 nautical miles. The Severn is fitted with a bow thruster to improve manoeuvrability. The Severn class is fitted with a very sophisticated navigation system which includes a Differential GPS satellite navigator which interfaces with a an electronic chart system which carries all the admiralty charts on computer for display on a monitor. This in turn interfaces with a Bridgemaster Radar. This system allows the boat's track to be superimposed onto the charts and the radar. The Differential GPS is the piece of the jigsaw that supplies the boats position to the system. Other electronics include VHF and MF/HF radios both with GMDSS fitted, VHF Direction fnding equipment, speed log, anemometer and autopilot. The Severn carries a small outboard power Y class inflatable which can be launched using a small crane for shallow water work. Closed circuit television is fitted to the Severn, this allows two cameras to monitor the engine room and a third camera to monitor the after deck. Length 17m Beam 5.5m Draught 1.8m Weight 37.5 Tonnes Range 250 miles (N)  Cost £1,750,000

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