MEL Composites, the leading Spanish supplier of materials, engineering and technical support for the marine composites sector, will collaborate with Barcelona-based ARESA Shipyards to build the new V2.0 version of the Black Falcon high speed interceptor craft.

The new 15.2-metre-lonmg vessel will be powered by four 450HP Yamaha engines and will reach speeds of over 65 knots.

MEL Composites has supplied ARESA with a complete materials package that will include precision kitted Aircell PVC cores, glassfibre quadraxial fabrics, vinylester resins, vacuum consumables and even a new vacuum pump for the infusion process. MEL will also provide full technical assistance for the dry laminate assembly in the mould, the resin infusion strategy and the on-site support for the one-shot infusion of the new hull with integrated bulkheads and stringers.

ARESA has a long history in building steel, aluminium and more recently composite boats up to 60 metres in length and specialises in military, defence and surveillance boats, as well as ferries and other commercial craft.

The V2.0 version of the Black Falcon follows on from the ten V1.0 craft built for the Royal Saudi Naval Force. The new infused composite vessel will provide a higher top speed, more options for defence systems and improved comfort for up to 17 people.

MEL Composites is currently supervising the production of the new hull with the first sea trials for potential military clients planned for the end of January 2025.

“For the new Black Falcon we have tailored the composite materials to deliver exceptional performance and durability,” said Eduardo Galofre, CEO at MEL Composites. “The one-shot infusion of the hull and creates a lightweight, stiff and robust structure that will allow the new V2.0 Black Falcon to perform thousands of hours of trouble free service in the harshest possible conditions.”

www.melcomposites.es