Development of Rigid Inflatable Boats for U.S. Navy Shipboard Use

Abstract

The Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) was originally developed as a gasoline outboard powered craft for surf zone rescue use by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in the United Kingdom. The objectives were to provide a craft with extremely good stability characteristics to operate in steep onshore breaking waves without capsizing, and to improve the safety of operations alongside other vessels. Open ocean rescue and boarding applications were of interest to the U.S. Coast Guard because of the inherent stability and alongside safety of the RIB. Subsequent feasibility studies by the U.S. Navy indicated that the RIB would be superior in performance to the present 26-ft motor whaleboat, and could also reduce topside weight. The Navy opted for diesel inboard power for the RIB's designated to be carried aboard combatant ships. A diesel-powered RIB was procured for concept evaluation by the U.S. Navy, and has undergone a series of trials and tests to establish smooth-and rough-water performance characteristics. The data acquired confirmed the theoretical performance predicted during the feasibility studies. This first RIB was deployed on a U.S. Navy DDG-993 Class ship utilizing an existing single-point davit. During that deployment, the RIB was launched and retrieved successfully at ship's speeds up to 12 knots. Early indications are that this development program will result in a new ship's boat and an accompanying davit system which will provide the Fleet with a safe, high-performance craft which will greatly enhance operational capability and safety, and substantially reduce topside weight. The enthusiasm of test and Fleet personnel who have operated the RIB attests to its superior performance and to a high degree of probability for success of the program.