Length: 4.7 m (15'5" )
Width: 1.9 m (6'3" )
Empty weight: 238 kilograms (522 lb)
Max engine weight: 110 kg (243 lb)
Max passengers: 10
Max payload: (including fuel): 1,161 kg (2,556 lb)
Max range: varies depending on fuel load and payload
General Information
The boat can be used for over-the-horizon transportation, inserting lightly armed raiding parties or reconnaissance teams onto beaches, piers, offshore facilities and larger vessels. The CRRC can be inflated in minutes by foot pump, compressor or CO2 tank and can be deployed from shore and a variety of vessels. Additionally, it can be launched from several types of aircraft and submarines equipped with a special lockout chamber. Its chief advantages are light weight, compact size when stowed, and the safety imparted by its super-buoyant nature (which gives it the ability to operate in relatively high seas) stealth, and versatility.
A total of eight individual airtight chambers comprise the F470. The main hull or gunwale contains five intercommunicating chambers, which are separated by internal baffles and valves. This means that a single leak will not result in loss of pressure throughout the boat, and that air can be bled between chambers to compensate for loss in one. Two additional chambers, located below the gunwale on either side and called "speed skags," provide cushioning for the boat's occupants and additional buoyancy in case of pressure loss in the hull. The final chamber is an inflatable keel tube which runs the length of the craft and gives the bottom of the hull a "V" shape, imparting directional stability and additional shock absorption. A wooden "transom" board at the stern provides a mounting point for the outboard engine(s) and a "thrustboard" at the bow keeps the hull from collapsing inward under power.
A ready-for-use craft includes an outboard engine (two in some configurations); removable aluminium deckplates or roll-up slatted decking; paddles; a bow line for securing the docked boat and a "righting" line which is used to flip the boat in the event of capsizing. At the bow of the boat are storage bags for equipment (foot pumps, extra lines, etc.) and a special fuel bladder, which can be of either 6- or 18-gallon capacity and which feeds the engine via a flexible hose. Deflated and rolled up, the boat and all necessary equipment can easily fit into the bed of a small pickup. Most military CRRC's use a 55 horsepower (41 kW) two-stroke engine with a pumpjet propulsor, which consists of a shrouded impeller. This design reduces the risk of serious injury to personnel in the water when compared to the traditional open propeller. It also reduces the risk of the propulsion system being seriously damaged by submerged objects, and reduces the noise and signature of the water by being shrouded.
A specially-trained coxswain sits at the stern (rear) of the boat and controls it via the tiller arm, attached to an outboard engine. The coxswain is considered the commander of the craft and is ultimately responsible for its operation, regardless of whether a senior-ranking individual is on board. Across from him sits the assistant coxswain, who relays hand signals from other boats and aids the coxswain as required. The remaining passengers (six raiders plus the two coxswains make up a full team) normally lay on and straddle the gunwale, keeping a low silhouette to help avoid detection and leaving room on the deck for weapons, equipment and (if necessary) additional fuel bladders.
Operations involving the CRRC commonly take place at night and depend on the elements of stealth and surprise due to the poor armor performance of the vehicle and it's relatively low protection. The boats are not designed for storming beaches under heavy fire, but rather quickly raiding them or crossing short distances such as rivers or lakes before being detected. However, Zodiac now offers ArmorFlate, the world's first inflatable bulletproof system for inflatable boats. It can be installed on the Zodiac F470, and inflates in 40 seconds. Demonstration occurred at the 2002 Multi-Agency Craft Conference at Naval Amphibious Base -Little Creek, Norfolk, Virginia, June 18–20, says an "Advanced Materials & Composites News" article. The material is might out of light weight, low density dyneema that are capable of floating on water. Dyneema's density is approximately .97 grams per cubic centimeter, slightly less than 1 gram for water, allowing it be buoyant and float on water. In addition, it requires approximately 3 pounds per square foot to be equal to level III armor, or stop standard rifle threats. Utilizing the composite of the inflated boat and the strong material, the material is resistant to multiple shots from light arms, including Ak-47's and 7.61mm x 51mm NATO rounds, offering limited protection from light arms and providing cover for the troops inside. The armor is extraordinary expensive, but it's high protection for it's weight and buoyancy provides good protection for Zodiac boats with these armor panels added. Zodiac boats are not limited to military use. They are often chosen for law enforcement, search and rescue, and hobbyists.
