Swedish-Estonian builder Cross Water has begun construction of a new rigid inflatable boat (RIB) fitted with an aluminium hull.
Work on the 10.5-metre RIB is ongoing at Cross Water's facilities on Muhu Island, Estonia. The company expects the launch to take place in the spring of 2027.
Built for speeds of up to 60 knots and prepared for remote and autonomous operation, the new RIB will be the first to carry Cross Water's own software for running mission modules, remote control and autonomy on one hull.
The software will also be able to recognise which modules are mounted and where, and run the whole deck as one system.
As with other RIBs manufactured by the company, the 10.5-metre vessel will have structural rails designed into its deck from the outset. Consoles, seats, sensors and other mission equipment can lock onto the rails in minutes, with no tools, so the same hull changes missions instead of being replaced.
