VESSEL REVIEW | Durable interceptor RIBs for Lebanese Army commandos

UAE builder Asis Boats has delivered four rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) in a series to the Lebanese Army for use by its Marine Commando Regiment.

With each one measuring 11.5 by four metres and displacing approximately 4,300 kilograms, the four interceptor RIBs were built and delivered to the Lebanese Army in fulfilment of a contract awarded by the US Department of Defense’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA).

Each RIB has an aluminium deep V hull and deck and is designed to be driven efficiently in rough seas thanks to a protective, military-grade Orca hypalon 1670 Dtex Collar. An array of nine chambers ensures that each RIB can remain afloat even after sustaining damage.

Ullman Dynamics jockey suspension seats are available for two operators and 12 passengers on each boat, though the RIBs are certified under category “B” for offshore use with up to 15 passengers. The total load that can be carried is 2,195 kilograms.

Also fitted are an aluminium T-top, a heavy duty keel guard that runs along the full length of the hull, an aluminium tube ladder, and four lifting points.

The RIBs are also each fitted with a gun mount at the bow and two gun mounts at the stern, allowing for the carriage of automatic weapons, while three Mercury Verado 260kW outboard engines deliver speeds of up to 55 knots. The aluminium fuel tank on each boat has capacity for 400 litres.

Electronics include Raymarine radar and multi-function touchscreen displays, Iridium satellite weather receivers, Harris radios, and Teledyne FLIR thermal cameras. David Clark fully-integrated digital wireless headset communications system is available for use by the crew and passengers.

Asis Boats custom-designed the new RIBs for the MCR, which will operate them on high-speed vessel interdiction and visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) operations. The builder also provided crew training for the Lebanese Army in fulfilment of the DTRA contract.

Click here for more news stories, feature articles, and vessel reviews as part of this month’s focus on maritime security vessels.