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09-01-2009 Military/Law Enforcement Newsletter |
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Military / Law Enforcement Newsletter - September '09
Some major innovations have been going on over the last few years in Special Forces marine technology. The Mark V Special Operations Craft, used by the US Navy’s Special Warfare Command only entered service in 1999 and a successor is already in the works despite its prowess. Designed for infiltration and extraction of Navy Seals, the Mark V can carry up to 16 fully equipped Seals up to 431 nm from their base, carries a Combat Rubber Raiding Craft that can be deployed from a ramp on the vessel, and is loaded with firing stations for a variety of machine guns and grenade launchers. However, there are a number of structural issues that arise when crashing against powerful waves.
The Mark V’s successor, the Mark V.1 Mako, replaces the aluminum Mark V structure and replaces it with Kevlar, carbon fibre, and foam core, allowing the hull to be lighter and stronger. The Mako will join a number of next-generation vessels used for river and/or short-range operations. These kinds of operations have become crucial in Iraq operations on the Euphrates River, and the rise of piracy presents another growing concern. OTB amphibious boots offer excellent performance and value when used during river and short range tactical operations.
Some of the new vessels are less armored than the Mark V / V.1, but this allows them to move quicker in and out of danger zones without being noticed. Zodiac inflatable crafts have been upgraded to include a bulletproof version however, to protect against small arms fire. Another new technique involves deploying a covert submersible craft from a submarine.
Perhaps the biggest step forward however, is the M80 Stiletto, a 27 meter long Navy vessel that will be adept at riverine operations and beach landings, able to move quickly and remain stable in the process, and deploy drones and other unmanned vehicles.
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