Faster and further: On board the Royal Marines' new Commando Raiding Craft
The Commando Raiding Craft (CRC), a vessel that can go further, is more manoeuvrable and has more power, has been issued to the Royal Marines and is already seeing operational service.
The multi-role CRC replaces the troop-carrying and fire support variants of the Offshore Raiding Craft (ORC).
With flanking fire support no longer a priority and more focus on discreet entry into a combat environment, the CRC can be easily reconfigured to store smaller inflatable raiding craft which can be used to venture deeper behind enemy lines and deliver lethal strike teams ashore.
Already deployed with amphibious landing ship RFA Lyme Bay, the CRC can do it all, as Colonel Will Norcott, the CO of 47 Commando (Raiding Group) told Forces News.
"Instead of having those two variants, you've now got a single craft that can be configured differently," he explained.
"It's multi-purpose and that's more supportive of the Commando Force model, so small, disaggregated teams, dispersed footprint, etc.
"Indeed, these craft are already deployed on operations as we speak."
Manoeuvrability is key as the craft will operate tactically along complex waterways and coastlines, with a return to the Commandos' Second World War raiding roots.
Visually, the biggest difference is that the craft operators are positioned at the front of the CRC rather than at the back.
This allows the coxswain an uninterrupted line of sight which increases agility, whether carrying troops to board a ship or for a rapid insertion along inland waters.
Col Norcott also said the CRC has better communications and radar systems on board.
"Command and control is more effective and your situational awareness is better because of that improved technology," he added.
The CRC is made from marine-grade aluminum and painted grey to make it harder to detect coming over the horizon.
There are three crew, two Royal Marines to operate the craft and one to manage different payloads or launch Uncrewed aerial systems, and they can switch with the operators on longer journeys.
There are then six seats for Commandos and equipment.
The vessel has a top speed of around 40 knots and a range of over 220 nautical miles - an increase on the ORC's range of 200 nautical miles.
There are three universal gun mounts, one at the front and two at the back that can be fitted with general purpose machine guns or .50 caliber heavy machine guns.
With flanking fire support no longer a priority and a focus on discreet entry into the battle space, the CRC can be easily reconfigured to store smaller inflatable raiding craft.
This allows it to venture deeper behind enemy lines and deliver lethal strike teams ashore.
47 Commando are expected to get 24 CRC, with the aim that they will enable the smallest signature to create the biggest operational impact, whatever that might be.
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