Typical Specifications

Miami’s Next-Generation Fireboats Have Arrived

When the time came for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) to upgrade its fireboat fleet, Metal Shark provided the winning solution. The modern and sophisticated 50 Defiant is a purpose-built, next-generation welded aluminum monohull fireboat designed by Metal Shark’s in-house engineering team and built to Lloyds Registry Standard, utilizing a proven hull form and a modern crew-friendly arrangement. Compared to Miami-Dade’s outgoing vessels, the new 55’ x 17.5’ Metal Shark fireboats offer faster speeds enabling shorter response times, greater pumping volume increasing firefighting effectiveness, and a next-generation design improving efficiency while affording greater safety to firefighters. Metal Shark works directly with its fireboat customers to assure that key particulars of each vessel are optimized to enhance that department’s operational readiness. This American-made vessel utilizes Metal Shark’s globally proven Defiant-class hull design, with hundreds of parent-class vessels in service worldwide.

Best-in-Class Visibility

Immediately identifiable thanks to its modern appearance, the 50 Defiant features an innovative pilothouse designed to deliver best-in-class visibility. The use of Metal Shark’s signature “pillarless glass” with reverse-raked windshield significantly reduces blind spots compared to the industry’s legacy pilothouse fireboats with smaller, framed windows. An innovative two-tiered side window arrangement, with a second row of windows below the beltline, provides unmatched downward-angle visibility from the helm, crucial during man-overboard retrieval or while maneuvering alongside smaller vessels. A panoramic skylight array provides an unobstructed upward view when operating alongside ships or elevated structures, or during helicopter hoisting operations. The result is mission-enhancing visibility throughout the complete range of firefighting and rescue scenarios. 

Custom-Configurable Pilothouse Arrangement

The 50 Defiant’s roomy, climate-controlled pilothouse may be custom configured to meet the client requirements. MDFR’s vessels shown here are equipped with SHOXS shock-mitigating seats for a crew of four with total seating for 16. The vessels may be operated from three different stations; each equipped with MJP’s Combinator digital controls and joystick Vector Control System for pinpoint maneuvering in close quarters situations. A dedicated officer communication station has been equipped with two Motorolla APX 8500 all-band mobile radios, Harris P-25 radio, Standard Horizon GX6000 VHF radio, and a dedicated monitor for viewing the onboard camera feeds. Two additional GX6000 VHF radios are installed aboard each vessel, one at each station.  An advanced Raymarine electronics suite includes multiple 12-inch and 16-inch AXIOM multifunction displays, with units installed at each of the three operators stations providing radar, GPS, engine and systems data, and displaying video feeds from onboard cameras and the FLIR M400XR gyro stabilized thermal night vision camera with firefighting mode. A 12” Humminbird Helix displays depth, sonar and 3-D side scan imaging. Fire pumps, monitors, and all fire fighting systems are operated remotely from the fire control panel at the port helm. 

Hull Design, Construction & Performance

The 50 Defiant features an extensively-proven Metal Shark hull design that has been engineered and built to precise tolerances. To achieve its superior hull life rating, the vessel’s hull, deck, and superstructure are composed entirely of heavy, welded plates of premium 5086 aluminum-magnesium alloy. The Defiant-class running surface has been designed for maximum efficiency and performance. This efficiency, combined with the vessel’s durable construction, results in the lowest possible operational costs while at the same time assuring maximum operability. Depending on client needs, the 50 Defiant may be equipped with a wide range of propulsion types including water jet, straight shaft inboard, and pods. Designed for maneuverability and fast response, the new MDFR fireboats shown here are powered by twin V8, 16-liter, 1,200-horsepower MAN D2868 LE436 inboard diesel engines coupled to Marine Jet Power (MJP) 350X waterjets via ZF500 transmissions, and reach top speeds of 44+ knots, while a fully-automatic Zipwake dynamic trim and ride control system enhances vessel performance, economy, comfort, and safety.

Fire Fighting Particulars

The fire fighting systems and components of each Metal Shark fireboat are selected and installed to meet the unique requirements of the operator. Options are many. The 50 Defiant fireboats build for MDFR  deliver a flow rate in excess of 8,500 GPM, with twin Darley ZFE 3000 self-priming fire pumps driven via PTO from the main engines. Each pump draws from its own dedicated in-hull sea chest, feeding a central manifold with crossover capability, which in turn supplies the entire system. From the fire control station at the port helm, flow is directed as desired via electronically-actuated 8” valves. The vessels are each equipped with a remote-operated Elkhart Spitfire electric rooftop monitor, two Elkhart Copperhead aft-mounted monitors, two aft dual handline outlets, forward and aft 5” Storz hydrant outlets, and a 3” outlet at the bow to accommodate an “Extenda Gun” from Task Force Tips. Dual 55-gallon reservoirs carry a total of 110 gallons of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) per vessel.

Modern, Crew-Friendly Deck Layout

The 50 Defiant ushers in a new era of capability, with a modern, crew-friendly layout that allows firefighters to perform their work more safely and efficiently. Crews aboard the 50 Defiant enjoy smartly-configured, wide-open work spaces that facilitate safe and surefooted movement from bow to stern. Wide, non-skid walkways feature low-level LED lighting for night missions, and careful consideration has been given to the placement of all rails and grab handles. Heavy emphasis has been placed on accessibility and ease of use, resulting in a purpose-built fire fighting machine with next-level capabilities and a crew-friendly layout that fire fighters will love.

Belowdecks Accommodations

The 50 Defiant offers large belowdecks crew quarters that may be configured to suit specific mission profiles. Typical features may include multiple bunks forward, full galley, enclosed head and hanging lockers. A mid-cabin offers ample space for additional bunking or multi-use storage space. Sleeping accommodations may be separated from the pilothouse, allowing off-watch crew to rest without disturbing operations. The vessels shown here have been configured to seat 16 total persons (including a crew of four) or to carry three EMS patients on backboards. An enclosed head compartment provides a freshwater shower to decontaminate firefighters that have been exposed to harmful chemicals or elements of firefighting. A sink and marine toilet are also provided. 

For more information on the 50 Defiant fireboat or any other vessel in the Metal Shark lineup, we invite you to contact us today. 

50 Defiant Fire Rescue Image Gallery