Arrow boat
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Arrow , Cedric |
| Builders: | Sri Lanka Navy |
| Operators: |
 Nigerian Navy
|
| Cost: | Rs. 1.7 million (US$ 17,000) |
| In commission: | 2006 |
| Completed: | 100+ |
| Active: | 100+ |
| General characteristics | |
| Length: | 18 ft (5.5 m) |
| Propulsion: | single 200 bhp (150 kW) outboard motor |
| Crew: | 3-5 |
| Armament: | 23mm , PKM 7.62mm machine guns |
The Arrow class is a series of fast patrol/assault speed boat constructed by the Sri Lanka Navy for use by its littoral warfare units, the elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) and the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS). The boat is capable of achieving high speeds and is highly maneuverable, meeting the requirements of these units in small boat operations. Armed with an or automatic grenade launcher as its primary weapon system and with multiple machine guns, the Arrow boats provides relatively high firepower despite its small size. It is also used by the navy for inshore monitoring operations.
Designed according to the requirements of its elite unit, the SBS, for a fast and maneuverable boat with high firepower, the navy developed the first prototype of the Arrow in 1994 and the boats were first used in combat in 2006. The navy produces the Arrow at a unit cost of Rs. 1.7 million (US$17,000).
The Arrow boat is powered by a single 200 bhp (150 kW) outboard motor. Another variant of the boat, fitted with two outboard motors has also been developed. The hull is made of strengthened fiberglass. The boat is 18 feet (5.49 m) long. No armour is provided, with the intention of keeping the boat light enough to meet the primary requirements of speed and maneuverability.
A 23 mm caliber is installed as the primary weapon of the Arrow boat, mounted in the bow. In some variants, this is replaced by an automatic grenade launcher, secondary armament consists of several PKM 7.62mm machine guns mounted on each side of the boat.
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Wikipedia