NSW RHIB

The Naval Special Warfare (NSW) RHIB is a 11 meter long rigid hull inflatable boat powered by twin diesel engines, operated by SWCC Special Boat Teams.

NSW RHIB Roles

The primary role of the NSW RHIB is insertion and extraction of Special Operations Forces (SOF), typically Navy SEALs. Other roles include general patrol duties, coastal surveillance and resupply of SOF. A squad of 8 fully-equipped SEALs + SWCC crew can fit into a single NSW RHIB.

NSW RHIB Features:

Like many other RHIBs, the NSW RHIB features a hull made of Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) which is given buoyancy by air-filled gunwales made from reinforced fabric.. This design makes the RHIB tough but fast. NSW RHIBs can operate in heavy seas with winds up to 45 knots.

The RHIBs feature 2 470 HP turbo charged caterpillar in line 6 cylinder diesels with jet pump drives that propel the NSW RHIB to speeds exceeding 45 knots. Max range is 190 nautical miles.

The vessel features saddle-seats for the SWCC crew and up to 8 passengers.

NSW RHIBs are air transportable. They can be parachuted onto water from C-130 cargo planes or slug under heavy lift helicopters.

NSW RHIB Equipment

• radar
• GPS navigation
• IFF (identification Friend or Foe) transponder
• VHF/HF/UHF & SATCOMM

NSW RHIB Weapons

The craft has provisions (2 mounts - 1 forward, 1 aft) for the mounting of the following weapons systems:

• M2HB .50 machine gun
• M240 7.62mm belt-fed machine guns
• MK19 40mm grenade launchers

NSW RHIB - Specifications

A NSW RHIB manned by Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewmen (SWCC) from Special Boat Team 12 at sea at Coronado Bay, California. Note the .50 cal machine gun fitted to the forward mount.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Terrence Siren

NSW RHIB Resources

• photo : nsw rhib
• photo : naval special warfare rhib
• photo : nsw rhib

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