NS has confirmed the order for forty Protector 57As, a light patrol variant of the Pentekonter platform. Much of the design is said to be similar to the mid-end version of the highly popular Pentekonter Protector export ship (hence the name). However there are some differences especially with respect to the docking bay and crew accommodation which will be added to the first production Protectors coming later this year. The prototype 057-101 will have these retrofitted at a later date.
The Raegris will build the first two production Protectors this year as the new production jig will not be ready until the Summer. All going well NS should be able to build six in the rest of the financial year. NS plans to build eight a year for the four years.
