Rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB)

The rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) provides Royal Australian Navy surface combatants with an over the horizon interception and boarding capability. The RHIB can seat up to 10 personnel, however the forward 6 seats can be removed to make room for cargo.

The Juliet 3 (J3) 7.2 metre Jet RHIB is a high speed, high buoyancy craft which consists of a reinforced fibreglass hull and inflatable gunwale (collar) constructed of reinforced fabric. The boat is powered by a Yanmar marine diesel engine driving through a Hamilton water jet and a fire suppression system. The boat has a self-righting mechanism, navigation system comprising of a Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), radar and very high frequency (VHF) radio. The chart plotter and radar image is displayed on a single multi-function display.

Specifications

  • Type: ancillary craft
  • Role:
    • high speed boarding
    • personnel and cargo transport
  • Builder: Zodiac
  • Length: 7.24 metres
  • Beam: 2.74 metres
  • Speed: 40 knots
  • Range: 200 nautical miles
  • Capacity: 1,400 kilograms in any combination of personnel, equipment or cargo
  • Machinery:
    • Yanmar 319 HP diesel engine
    • Hamilton HJ274 Series waterjet

Function

Ancillary craft