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Port Orchard-based SAFE Boats International, LLC. (SBI) has been awarded a contract to provide a new asset to the United States Navy’s Riverine force. The vessel, designated as the Riverine Command Boat (RCB), is a 49’ diesel/jet platform with reconfiguration capabilities that will allow the Navy to convert the vessel’s mission with minimal changes to the base design.
Originally designed by Sweden’s FMV and produced by long time Swedish boat builder, Dockstavarvet, the vessel will now be built in the U.S. by SBI under license from FMV & Dockstavarvet.
The boat will be used as a Command and Control platform for the Navy’s Riverine force. Outfitted with the latest in C4ISR equipment, the RCB will have the ability to communicate with other vessels, aircraft and land based assets. The SeaFLIR III IR system and Furuno Navigation package allows for night operations, long range tracking and integration of the navigational equipment.
The RCB also carries with it a sophisticated weapons capability. This includes provisions for four individual .50 caliber mounts and a centrally located mount for a stabilized remote control weapons station (ROSAM) with a 360 degree arc of fire. The RCB also has the ability carry and deploy mines and has already been tested and certified to increase fire up to, but not limited to, Hellfire missiles and a gyro-stabilized twin-barrel 12-cm mortar.
Designed with an incredibly stout keel, the RCB can beach itself on harsh, rocky landings allowing for rapid troop deployment via a full height drop bow ramp.
The twin Scania DI16 850 hp diesel engines coupled to Rolls Royce FF410 waterjets will allow the RCB to run in excess of 40 knots.
Other benefits integrated into the RCB package include a nuclear, biological and chemical filtration system, full ballistic armor, including windows, and dual diesel generators with a peak output of 18kW. The RCB package also includes a heavy duty road transportation trailer.
SAFE Boats International, which is located in the Port of Bremerton’s Olympic View Industrial Park, is the industry leading manufacturer for extreme duty military and commercial work boats. SBI supplies boats to the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense and countless law enforcement agencies. SBI specializes in high-speed aluminum boats with redundant flotation properties creating a virtually unsinkable platform via a patented, 100 percent foam collar system and air tight hull. All of its vessels are built in the United States and are custom designed to meet the needs of maritime professionals around the world.
For more information about SBI visit www.safeboats.com as well as www.defenderclass.com. | 
