Sponsorship

The F.R.B. Experimental is a test bed for the future of littoral and ocean small rescue craft designed and built by Brian Louden, former host of MythBusters on Discovery networks. Built on the bullet proof hull of a retired Fast Rescue Boat from the cargo ship "Mimer Brando" the experimental will take the boats original role, restore it's capabilities and then expand them. The capabilities of the boat will be expanded from it's original requirements with next generation marine-hybrid propulsion. This system's design increases the available torque and horsepower without sacrificing range. Along with mechanical simplicity and increased maneuverability this results in a broad expansion of the mission types the craft can handle. 

Each mission type has unique challenges. Be it search and rescue (SAR) of missing people or crafts or foul weather and surf operations. The FRB Experimental design includes a flexible mission package (MP) allowing for the development of automated and assistive technology that can ultimately take over full operation and navigation (Op/Nav) of the craft in anchorage, marina, and open-water conditions. MP technologies integrate visible, forward looking infrared, and stereoscopic cameras along with 3D scanning sonar, radar, and high definition lidar as core technology with flexible additions. Advanced gimbaling and stabilizing technology will be integrated with machine learning computing to offload SAR tasks typically requiring additional crew. Decreasing both operational and informational crew burden changes the paradigm in how rescues can occur on the ocean. 

While this project is self funded as a passion of Brian he recognizes that the possibilities of advances in maritime search and rescue coming out of this small Caribbean shop grow vastly with the support of others. Community is why he chose St. Croix as his home and wants you invite you into his community. Sponsors gain recognition as part of this life saving project of a world recognized master builder. If you or your business think you can gain from being part of this mission and wish to figure out how reach out to Brian below. He will talk boat, rescue, and technology all day long.