The ORC is a 9m aluminium RIB with a closed cell buoyant collar fitted around its gunwale.

Powered by twin Steyr inboard marine diesel engines driving a pair of Rolls-Royce FF270 waterjets, it will be capable of carrying eight passengers, crew and coxswain at speeds in excess of 30 knots. In its full military guise the vessel may be fitted with gun mounts for a variety of weaponry as well as suitable fixings to enable the installation of ballistic protection throughout the vessel.

The design will replace the Royal Marines' existing glass fibre Rigid Raider Mk3 as their principle military raiding craft.

The aluminium built ORC will prove a much more rugged vessel, with its hull being able to sustain significant damage before repair is required.

The ORC hull design is based on a Tiger Marine hull form extensively developed in a partnership between Holyhead Marine and Amgram Ltd. The design provides a fast, durable and versatile weapons and troop delivery platform for carrying out an extensive range of tasks within any military arena. The final design work has been completed and the construction phase of the prototype vessel was due to commence towards the end of last month.

MJ Information No: 19707