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Uscg Polar Class Icebreaker




The USCG Polar class of heavy Icebreaker s consists of three vessels, the USCGC ''Polar Star'' (WAGB-10) , the USCGC ''Polar Sea'' (WAGB-11) , and the USCGC ''Healy'' (WAGB-20) . The Healy may be considered to be in its own sub-class, as it was built to a modified design and constructed more than a decade after its sister ships. These cutters, specifically designed for open-water icebreaking have reinforced hulls, special icebreaking bows, and a system that allows rapid shifting of ballast to increase the effectiveness of their icebreaking. These vessels conduct Arctic and Antarctic research and are the primary icebreakers which clear the channel into McMurdo Station for supply ships. All are homeported out of Seattle, Washington .


HEALY SPECIFICATIONS

  • Length: 420 ft (128 m)

  • Beam: 82 ft (25.0 m)

  • Designed draft: 29 ft (8.8 m)

  • Displacement : 16,000 tons

  • Propulsion: Diesel Electric, AC/AC Cycloconverter

  • Shaft power: 30,000 hp (22 MW) max

  • Commissioned: June 1999



POLAR CLASS SPECIFICATIONS

  • Length: 399 ft (122 m)

  • Beam: 83.5 ft (25.5 m)

  • Designed draft: 28 ft (8.5 m)

  • Top of mast above waterline: 138 ft (42 m)

  • Displacement at designed draft: 13,194 tons

  • Potable water (100%): 26,586 US gallons (101 m³)

  • General cargo: 400 tons

  • Cargo volume (upper/lower hold): 350/250 m³

  • Maximum cargo dimensions: 7 by 11 by 7 ft (2.1 by 3.4 by 2.1 m)

  • Commissioned: 1976 & 1978



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