Indian Navy Issues RFI For Special Ops Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats

The Indian Navy has issued a request for information (RFI) to procure Special Operation Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (SORs) from global manufacturers to build independent amphibious group.

Indian Navy is considering procurement of 10 Special Operation Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (SORs), for conduct of operations in harbor and at sea. The special operation RHIBs shall perform independent ops and provide the capability of undertaking long range missions independently without the need of a surface/ sub surface / air platform, the RFI stated.

The special operation RHIB should have the ability to carry a minimum payload of upto 2200 kg excluding fuel. RHIB has to be able to cruise at speeds upto 50 kts and an endurance of 400 N at max speed. The boats should be able to carry at least 12 personnel including mission and craft crew. Craft should be fitted with VHF/HF/SATCOM suites, HDWS radar, ECDIS, Echo sounder and other essential navigation and communication equipment. Fwd and aft mounts for the fitment of 12.7 mm caliber weapons and suitable firing positions for short tripod launched heavy weapons and such as self homing projectiles upto 50 kg, auto Grenade Launchers, etc, according to the document issued on 17th of this month.

The Indian Navy prefers carbon fiber layered Hull with a foam core and should have an outer layer of Kevlar for additional support.