STEALTH BOAT

As of July, 2007, various sources are reporting that the SBS are to replace both the VSV and the MIL-50 boats with a new 'stealth boat'. Little is known about the new vessel which is said to be manufactured by the renowned VT Halmatic, the Portsmouth-based makers of the VSV and various RIBs operated by the SBS and Royal Marines.

The new boat is rumored to have an impressive top speed of 60 knots (70mph). The boat's angled design and grey paint scheme suggest that the boat has stealth characteristics. For further stealth, the boat features a hull design that results in a minimal wake.

As with he VSV and MIL-500, this new boat's role will be that of long range, high speed, interception and insertion. Details on sensors, communications and weapons systems remain classified at this time.

The SBS's new boat has been spotted in Poole harbour (the SBS are based at Poole, Dorset, on the UK's southern coast.)

related links :
VT Halmatic
(Manufacturers Website)

related article : Marines unveil stealth boat as latest weapon in war on terror
(Daily Mail report)

« sbs boats index