Response Boat-Small II
For more photos of the Response Boat-Small II, visit the image gallery on Flickr.
Why this program?
The Response Boat-Small II (RB-S II) Program renewed the Coast Guard’s RB-S fleet, delivering high-speed, easily deployable capability. The RB-S II has an increased emphasis on ergonomics and crew comfort when compared to the first generation Defender-class RB-S. Designed to operate year-round in waters along coastal borders, the RB-S II has proven effective in executing Coast Guard missions including port and waterway security, search and rescue, drug and migrant interdiction, environmental and other law enforcement missions. The Coast Guard acquired 370 RB-S IIs at an approximate total contract value of $150 million, making it one of the largest boat buys of its type for the service.
The final RB-S II was delivered to Station Honolulu, Hawaii, in December 2019. The acquisition program is transitioning to sustainment, with the service’s small boat product line responsible for future change management and maintenance.
Characteristics
- Length: 28 feet 8 inches
- Beam: 8 feet 5 inches
- Draft: 1 foot 8 inches
- Displacement: 8,300 pounds
- Maximum Speed: 40+ knots
- Range: 150 nautical miles at cruising speed
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Features
- Functional design and focus on crew comfort
- Standardized communications and navigation suite
- 360 degrees visibility
- State-of-the-art shock-mitigating seats
- Fore and aft gun mounts with a forward shock-mitigating gunners seat
- Crew restraints
- Lowering cabin windows
- 2 NAVNET 3D displays for secondary navigation
- Cabin integrated ballistics panels for crew protection
- Left-side coxswain placement
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Acquisition Milestones
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| June 2010 |
The Coast Guard establishes RB-S II Program. |
| Feb. 2011 |
The Coast Guard awards contract to Metal Shark Aluminum Boats of Jeanerette, Louisiana allowing for the procurement of up to 500 boats through 2019. The company is awarded multiple delivery orders throughout the procurement. |
| June 2011 |
The first RB-S II is delivered to the Coast Guard for testing and evaluation. |
| Sept. 26, 2011 |
The first delivery order, for the production of 38 RB-S IIs valued at $13 million, is placed with Metal Shark Aluminum Boats of Jeanerette, Louisiana. |
| June 2012 |
First RB-S II is placed in service at the Coast Guard Special Missions Training Center at Marine Corps Base Camp, Lejeune, North Carolina. |
| Dec. 2019 |
The 370th and final RB-S II is delivered to Coast Guard Station Honolulu, Hawaii. |