U.S. Special Ops Kayaks / Canoes

The use of canoes / kayaks for clandestine military operations goes back as far as World War 2, with British commandos raiding German shipping at Bordeaux by sneaking up the river in 2-man canoes in order to plant magnetic mines on ships in the harbor. Even in the age of stealth helicopters and HAHO jumps, American special operations forces still employ kayaks as a method of amphibious infiltration.

Units known to employ canoes in such a manner include the Navy SEALs, Marine Force Recon, Marine Special Operations Battalions and Army Special Forces.

Models of Kayak used include the Klepper Aerius II, as used by the SEALs and USMC SOF, and the Long Haul Mark II Commando, as used by the Special Forces. These models are foldable, which means they can be collapsed down for transportation or for caching. They can also be submerged and cached underwater. They are 2-man, tandem designs, with air-tight comportments which make them virtually unsinkable. Mission equipment and the personal kit of the operators is stored inside the kayaks. When in use, the kayaks sit low in the water, making for a very low visual signature. Other stealth characteristics include low radar, infrared, acoustic and thermal signatures.

 

Klepper Aerius II Specifications

Payload 712 lbs
Gross Weight 71 lbs
Dimensions Length - 17.8 ft
Beam Width - 34 in




klepper canoe
Critical Skills Operators with the 3rd MSOB paddle a Klepper canoe during a training mission.
sourced from public domain | U.S. Dod photo by Sgt. Edmund Hatch


Long Haul Mark II Commando Specifications

Payload 900 lbs
Gross Weight 96 lbs
Dimensions Length - 17 ft
Beam Width - 34 in




special fdrces kayaks
Green Berets on a Combat Diver Qualification Course execute a tactical kayak navigation exercise.
sourced from public domain | U.S. Dod photo by Staff Sgt. Marshall Pesta

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