Special Operations: French RIBs

Archives

January6, 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.

 

Article Archive

Special Operations: Current 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   Contribute   Close