Rigid Raider CRAFT (RRC)
Rigid Raiders are small landing craft / patrol boats designed to carry a section of 8 Royal Marines Commandos into action. Rigid Raiders feature hulls made from sturdy Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) which makes them light and practically unsinkable. Older models had outboard diesel engines whilst the newer MK3 features an inboard 240 horsepower diesel.
The Royal Marines use rigid raiders for rapid beach and riverbank insertions and extractions as a coastal and river patrol boat. Army engineers also use Rigid Raiders. The Royal Marines are reported to be replacing many of their Mk3 Rigid Raiders with the new Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC). The SBS and SAS Boat Troops also use Rigid Raiders. Their lightweight construction means that a small team of men can carry the boats, even with engines attached. Rigid Raiders can also be air-dropped out to sea.
Rigid Raiders are manufactured by RTK Marine who are part of the VT group.
Rigid Raider Craft (RRC) Specifications
Mk1
| Weight | 0.87 tonnes |
| Length | 5.2m |
| Speed | 30 kts (fully laden) 50 kts (light) |
| Capacity | coxswain + 8 troops or 2000 lbs of stores |
| Engine | 1x or 2x 140hp outboard diesel motors |
Mk2
| Weight | 1.31 tonnes |
| Length | 6.5m |
| Speed | 30 kts (fully laden) 40 kts (light) |
| Capacity | coxswain + 10 troops + 1500 lbs of stores coxswain + 20 troops |
| Engine | 1x or 2x 140hp outboard diesel motors |
Mk3
| Weight | 2.25 tonnes |
| Length | 6.5m |
| Speed | 33 kts (fully laden) 38 kts (light) |
| Capacity | 3 crew + 8 troops + 1500kg of stores |
| Engine | 1x 240hp inboard diesel motor |
Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines (FPGRM) patrolling in a Rigid Raider.
photo by: Finlay McWalter (used with thanks) |
