The Air/Marine Division of US Customs and Border Protection recently selected Furuno to be the navigation solution for a technology demonstrator boat that serves as a template for future US CBP boat plans. Like many law enforcement organizations, Customs and Border Protection is using some substantially aged boat assets for marine interdiction. Now, US CBP is evaluating every kind of “whiz-bang” technology they can to improve their ability to protect US borders, cut down on drug trafficking as well as enhance their own operator and crew safety on their boats. US Customs chose Nor-Tech Boats to build a single racing hull to serve as a demonstrator. Nor-Tech is known for performance boats, but the US Customs “ACTD” – or “Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrator” redifines the term “performance”. Running quad Verado 350 outboards, the ACTD top speed is classified, but is thought to be over 80 miles per hour! That’s serious speed that requires serious navigation technology.
Enter NavNet 3D. A group of senior CBP trainers had been evaluating many different kinds of equipment for use on the ACTD, and NavNet 3D looked like a powerful solution for their needs. After meeting with Furuno in our Denton, MD facility and attending NMEA, Customs agents performed their own “in-house” shootout of NavNet 3D alongside other manufacturers’ equipment on retrofit installations on their aging boats. Navnet 3D was the clear winner, and a package was chosen for the ACTD in consultation with Eric Kunz, FUSA Senior Product Manager, and Matt Wood, FUSA Sales Manager.
Customs’ new demonstrator ride is fully packed with the latest goodies from Furuno, including:
- NavNet 3D MFDBB Black Box multi-function processor
- MU155C 15-inch LCD Marine Monitor
- NavNet 3D MFD12 12-inch multi-function display
- NavNet 3D DRS6A 6KW Open Array Digital Radar Sensor
- GP330 GPS WAAS Antenna
- DFF1 Network Echosounder
- BBWX1 Sirius Satellite Weather Receiver
- SC30 Dual-Antenna Satellite Compass
- PG500R Fluxgate Compass
After installation and sea-trialing, the ACTD vessel embarked on a nationwide tour, ranging from live-fire testing at federal proving grounds in Quantico, VA, and numerous promotional stops throughout the US, including Florida, Texas, California, Washington State and Detroit, MI. Furuno personnel have been on hand at a couple of the tour stops to assist in demonstrations, and Furuno continues to offer training to US CBP as this new technology enters their fleet.
The ACTD will eventually result in a boat specification for US Customs & Border Protection that will be sent as a Request For Quote to boat builders. Customs will gradually rebuild their aging fleet and Furuno is very pleased to play a role in improving mission navigation for CBP marine agents as well as defending US borders.