RNLI Appoints SC Innovation to Design New Shannon Lifeboat Launch & Recovery System

SC Innovation has been selected to design the first new variant of the Shannon Launch & Recovery System (SL&RS) since it entered service three years ago for the RNLI’s all-weather lifeboat.

The SL&RS is a 20.2m high-mobility tractor and powered tracked carriage system, designed and developed by SC Innovation and the RNLI’s Engineering Project Team to launch the Shannon independently of slipways and harbours.

The carriage is powered by a Four-Track-Drive system from Bosch Rextroth, providing the traction needed for negotiating steep gradients and rough shingle. Subject to successful trials, the new 'non-powered carriage`variant will be applied in stations with relatively benign conditions, substantially reducing the costs of components, production and operating costs.

Due for completion in January 2017, SC Innovation engineers will support the RNLI in conducting practical trials and collaborate wth Bosch Rexroth on software trials. All tractors must be compatible with both powered and non-powered carriages subject to the RNLI’s assessment of the station’s ground conditions. 

SC Innovation will also upgrade the tractor unit of the first pre-production SL&RS, SC-T01, delivered to the RNLI in 2011, for use as a relief vehicle.

“We are proud to be collaborating again with the RNLI on the further development of the SL&RS, which we have been supporting throughout the project since we started designing a pre-prototype 14 years ago. It is an essential piece of equipment that has proved itself in service and has also become a showcase for our engineering capabilities in developing bespoke equipment for hostile environments.” said Joe Wilcox, Head of SC Innovation.

 
About SC Innovation

SC Innovation is an innovative engineering and design services company. It incorporates specialist vehicle work with the RNLI and the emergency services together with products and services for challenging sectors such as oil & gas, marine, renewable energy and nuclear. 

SC Innovation is exhibiting at Advanced Engineering UK, 2-3 November at the NEC, Birmingham (Stand K32). For more information please email Jamie Clarke or call +44 (0)1404 891777/ +44 (0)7921 973916. 

About the RNLI
The RNLI charity is dedicated to saving lives at sea. Volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the coast of the UK and the Republic of Ireland, with over 230 lifeboat stations and 180 lifeguard units on UK beaches. The RNLI is independent of the MCA and government and depends entirely on donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since its foundation in 1824, RNLI  lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 139,000 lives. RNLI is a registered charity in England and Wales (209603), Scotland (SC037736) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY 2678).