Mega yacht “Radiant” sails in the North Sea – with heavy weapons

private ship
Mega yacht “Radiant” cruises through the North Sea – that’s how heavily armed the huge ship is

The mega yacht “Radiant” is currently visiting German waters. The ship is a floating fortress – because the owner attaches particular importance to safety.

A very special ship is visiting Hamburg and the North Sea: the “Radiant”. The yacht is 110 meters long and was built by Lürssen in 2009. Its current value is said to be around 300 million euros – and that is certainly related to the equipment.

Because the subject of safety is obviously very important to the owner of the yacht. The ship belongs to Abdulla Al Futtaim, a businessman from Dubai who is said to have made his money from cars and real estate. He owns the Al-Futtaim Group, which has rights in the Emirates for brands such as Ikea, Toys “R” Us and Ace Hardware, an American hardware store chain.

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Attacked with water and sound, escape at 140 km/h

In addition to luxurious rooms and space for around 10 guests, looked after by up to 44 crew members, the “Radiant” also offers rather unusual features. That doesn’t mean the obvious things, like the helipad, the pool in the back, or the hot tub on the top floor, but what you can’t see.

According to “Boat International“The “Radiant” is supposed to have various safety features that are not often found on ships of this size. There is supposed to be a garage for a speedboat behind a larger flap in the stern, that in case of danger with up to 75 knots, i.e 140 kilometers per hour, can whiz away.

But until the time comes that guests and crew have to leave the ship, the crew can initially defend themselves surprisingly well. It is said that the “Radiant” has a military water cannon on board, which is said to be able to inflict severe damage on incoming boats at a distance of up to 90 meters. What is meant are probably smaller wooden boats, like those used by pirates in some coastal areas.

The “Radiant” should also be able to do something against the people on board hostile ships. In addition to the water cannon, there are said to be several sound cannons (“LRAD”) on board. Such non-lethal weapons are capable of sending very loud sounds over hundreds of meters which, depending on the distance, can cause severe pain and serious damage to the hearing of those struck.

From Russia to Dubai

Al Futtaim came into possession of the ship by accident. She was originally ordered by the former Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky, who had to sell the ship due to payment defaults. According to “superyacht fan” Berezovsky commissioned the brokerage company Edmiston with the sale, which then approached the captain of Al Futtaim through another company to make the offer to the billionaire. Eventually, the parties are said to have agreed on a price of $ 240 million have and the ship changed hands.

Some non-lethal armament on board yachts appears to be becoming more common. In a report by the British “Times” last year, an industry insider gave out insider tips. He also reported on sonic cannons, but also on beam weapons that use microwaves to heat water molecules in the skin to around 55 degrees within seconds (find out more here). In the current test drives around Helgoland, the “Radiant” will probably not need the equipment.

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