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Riverine Command Boat (RCB)

2007 MODERN NAVY

History of the River Command Ship (RCB)

The Riverine Combat Boat was launched in 2007 and is based on a successful Swedish design. Built locally for the United States Navy (USN) under license from SAFE Boats in Bremerton, Washington, the boats provide the service with rapid attack and response arms. As part of the Naval Expeditionary Warfare Command, the RCB is assigned to three river squadrons and to date (2016) has provided extensive service in the waters of the Persian Gulf.

The US Navy has 6 RCBs in service as part of the CB90 class.

These ships are characterized by sharp lines and strong silhouettes, with very shallow drafts, allowing them to operate close to shore - an area inaccessible to larger ships and warships. This makes the design useful in intercepting enemy elements, rapidly attacking valuable targets near shore, and supporting special forces missions by providing deployment/evacuation services.

Armor protection up to 7.62mm weapons. On board, crew members have access to several modern systems, including thermal imaging cameras, laser ranging and stabilization systems.

The operator consists of 5 people, with room for an additional 19 people. Dimensions include a length of 53 feet, a beam of 12 feet and a draft of 3 feetthe latter extremely important for offshore operations. The displacement is 22 tons.

Power comes from Scania DSI14 V8 diesel engines of Swedish origin, each producing 625 hp and driving 2 Kamewa FF water jets. This arrangement propels the boat at speeds in excess of 40 knots and has a range of up to 300 miles.

Despite its bulk, the RCB is well-equipped in four locations around the vehicle. Weapons can be variable, with a mix of 12.7mm Browning M2HB machine guns, 7.62mm M240B medium machine guns, 40mm Mk 19 grenade launchers and 7.62mm GAU 17/12.7mm GAU-19 miniature machine guns.

The ships were also deployed to support the Israeli "Raphael" Mk 49 Remote Weapons Station (RWS), which was fitted with a .50 caliber machine gun that allowed the operator to fire at the enemy from cover.

RCB ships frequently clashed with Iranian naval vessels in the Persian Gulf theater.