RIBs to the rescue: rigid hull inflatable boats have made their way from sea to shining sea. Used in military and rescue operations in over 80 countries, they are engineered to be tough, fast, and maneuverable. A design firm shares how these boats are engineered to chase the waves. (Real-World Engineering).(U.S.)

Product Design & Development, August, 2002 by Welsh, Rosaleen

Emergencies don't wait for sunny skies and calm seas. That's why boats involved in homeland security and search-and-rescue missions have to be able to maneuver quickly in and out of danger.

The fleet of Hurricane boats added to the U.S. Naval forces at Cheetham Annex in Virginia, for instance, must patrol harbors along the East Coast in all weather conditions. The same tough maneuverability is what defines the craft used by the U.S. Naval NALF Station at San Clemente Island when hazardous spills occur on rough seas.

These fearless vessels are examples of rigid hull inflatable boats or RIBs. They combine the stability, security, light weight, and ease of use of an inflatable craft with the speed and comfort of a traditional boat. Designed to be...

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