Special Operations.Com
Rigid Inflatable Boat
(RIB)
Photo:
Official RIB Logo
Photo: RIB
underway
Overview
The NSW Rigid Inflatable Boat is a high
speed, high buoyancy, extreme weather craft assigned
the primary mission of ship-to-shore insertion/extraction
of SEAL tactical elements from beach areas.
Designed with input from the SEALs and
Special Warfare Combatant Crewmen, this newly configured
RIB replaces three previously manufactured RIBs, the
24', 30' and 10 meter RIBs. The NEW RIBs were
delivered in November 1997; an additional 70 will
be produced during the next three years.
Unlike previous configurations, the
NSW RIB is quieter, faster, has a longer range and
can transport an entire SEAL squad. A major
design improvement minimized the amount of water sprayed
into the boats, thus the NSW RIB delivers SEALs to
and from their destinations dryer and warmer.
Additionally, modifications to the engine compartment
will make repairs easier.
The hull is a deep 'v' fiberglass and
Kevlar reinforced Vinlyester resin with the rigid
inflatable sponsons manufactured from 2 piece nylon
reinforced neoprene.
Characteristics
