Armorflate News

Speed. When Zodiac unveiled its Hurricane MACH2 earlier this year, its eye-popping 60+ knot speed caught the attention of potential military and port security clients. "Today, if you're not 50 knots plus, you're not in the running," said J.J. Marie, president, Zodiac, at the Mach2's in-water running earlier this summer at the MACC 2008 exhibition, While the 11-m RIB is indeed fast, powered by a trio of 300-hp Mercury outboards as tested in Virginia, the boat is designed to be a flexible…

boats, at the 2002 Multi-Agency Craft Conference at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, in Norfolk, Va., June 18-20. tubes from gunfire. The inflatable Armorflate system made its debut on the legendary Zodiac F470 CRRC inflatable boat, which has been used for decades by military and special forces operations worldwide and combat tested many times. The Armorflate system is available with either soft or hard armor protection, made from a bulletproof material provided by Simula, Inc. "This inflatable bulletproof system will revolutionize the way combat and security missions are conducted on the water," said Rick Scriven, vice president of Zodiac Professional Products. "Armorflate provides troops with dramatically increased levels of safety in close combat situations," he continued.

Zodiac last month unveiled Armorflate (patent pending), a system it is touting as the world's first bullet-resistant system for Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC). The innovative product, undoubtedly created to fulfill the burgeoning need for combat and security craft in the wake of previous terrorist attacks, was unvelied at the 2002 Multi-Agency Craft Conference (MACC), held at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek, in Norfolk, Va. The inflatable Armorflate system made its debut on the Zodiac F470 CRRC inflatable boat, which has a long history of military and special forces operation. The Armorflate system is available with either soft or hard armor protection, made from a bulletproof material provided by Simula, Inc.

The 10.5 ft. Oceanus 3.20VSC from AB Inflatables is a sporty RIB with a deep V hull construction large, 17-in.-diameter tubes, and a rounded, European-style console and seat. In fact, the company has redesigned each boat in the Oceanus line to be even more attractive and distinctive. The tubes are now a softer gray color and have a sportier, more recognizable stripe to help identify the brand. To add to the fresh new look, nylon lifelines have been replaced with long-lasting, dark Grey hypalon fabric handles, carefully placed for ease of grip and functionality. The boat has a 5.5 ft. overall beam and 7.5 ft. interior length. Suggested retail price of the Oceanus 3.20VSC is $5,995, without engine.