The Indian Navy has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to procure 10 Special Operation Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (SORs) for conduct of operations in harbour and at sea, from global manufacturers.
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 as per the RFI.
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The boats should have the ability to carry a minimum payload of up to 2,200 kg excluding fuel and has to be able to cruise at speeds up to 50 KTS (knot top speed) and an endurance of 400 N at max speed. It 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. Forward and aft mounts for the fitment of 12.7 mm calibre weapons and suitable firing positions for short tripod launched heavy weapons and such as self-homing projectiles up to 50 kg, auto grenade launchers, etc.
The Indian Navy prefers carbon fibre layered Hull with a foam core and should have an outer layer of Kevlar for additional support.
