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French RIBs
January
6, 2007: The French navy has ordered twenty 9.5 meter (30 foot) rigid
inflatable boats (RIB) for commando operations. RIB is a relatively new
technology, developed in the 1960s. Inflatable sections are added to a rigid
(aluminum or plastic composite) frame. Powered by a rather large engine, the
boats are fast (over 60 kilometers an hour), shallow draft and more resistant
to damage than standard boats. Light as well, the boats can be easily
transported by aircraft. British commandos have been using such boats since
they were first developed, and the success of that employment has led to other
nations acquiring the boats for their amphibious commando operations. The
British firm VT Halmatic, which specializes in RIBs, is supplying the French
navy with this order.
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