Patrol Boat Mark V Special Operations Craft (SOC)

History

The Mark V SOC (Special Operations Craft) is primarily intended for use by the U.S. Navy Special Operations Forces Navy SEALs as a high-speed launch/evacuation vessel capable of transporting up to 16 SEAL specialists and their standard crew of five or six. In addition, the vehicle can also be used as a general-purpose patrol ship in low-usage areas and as a launch platform for drones. The first Mk V vessel built by Halter Marine, Incorporated was delivered in 1995, with a total of about 20 vessels.

It was fully operational in 1999.

After a period of rapid development, the original Mark V SOC vessel was found to have multiple structural design issues. Operating in rough waters, the Mark V's aluminum hull has been known to transmit most of the shock to the entire vessel and (in some cases) the crew, resulting in all kinds of injuries. In addition, it is known that plundering waves at full speed in choppy water will collapse if they hit the cab structure with the right amount of force (the Mark V can reach speeds of nearly 50 knots). After several years of service and modifications to the base Mark V, the improved Mark V appeared on the drawing board to address the rough water handling of the original vessel as a whole. The latest model in the Mark V SOC series is the Mark V.1 (unofficially known as "MAKO"), featuring a carbon fiber composite hull (as opposed to an aluminum model) and other improvements that help protect the crew.

At the time of writing, MAKO is in testing, and its design was inherited from Maine Shipbuilding LLC.

While in service with the Navy SEALs, the Mark V can carry up to four CRRCs (Combat Rubber Raiders) with outboard engines, including two spares. A convenient stern ramp makes picking up midships and SEALs easier as boats have direct access to the Mark V. Self-defense is addressed by at least five weapon mounts that provide an active firefield capable of covering all 360 degrees of the ship (and any personal weapons used by the crew).

Weapons initially consisted of large caliber and general purpose single-barrel machine guns and automatic grenade launchers, but the arsenal has since grown to include the (portable) Stinger surface-to-air missile system, miniguns, stations for chain guns, cannons and two heavy machine gun mounts . However, it should be noted that the Mark V series is not an ideal offensive weapons platform and is generally reserved for low to medium engagement threats - it is still primarily a high speed launch/evacuation vessel with a secondary coastal patrol/intercept effect.

In addition to ample firepower and speed, the Mark V-Series patrol boats have a sleek profile and angular shape that helps provide some "stealth" capabilities. In addition to the powerful diesel engine, the Mark V can rely on two water jets for slow approach, which significantly reduces its wake signature.

Mark Vs can be launched from virtually any forward combat post that provides adequate storage, supply and maintenance facilities, while deployment can be from a transport aircraft (C-5 Galaxy), land-based trucks via dedicated transport trailers or appropriate support/supply vessels.

Specification

Basic

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Dimensions

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Performance

Performance

Armor

AIR WING