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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.


The primary role of the NSW RHIB is insertion and extraction of Special Operations Forces (SOF), typically Navy SEALs. This may include insertion/extraction at the shoreline or the NSW RHIB may also be used to deliver SOF on Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) such as Visit Board Search Seizure (VBSS).

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.

The NSW RHIB is also in use with some Naval Expeditionary Warfare units in the MIO role.
photo: Marine Corps boarding team using NSW RHIB

Marsoc Marine Raider Battalions also the NSW RHIB.
photo: Marine Raiders aboard a 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

NSW RHIB Weapons

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

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

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