View source for Defender-class boat

{{Short description|Class of patrol boat}}
{{distinguish|Defender-class torpedo boat}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin |sclass=2}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=USCG RB-S 25595.JPG
|Ship caption=Defender-class boat
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
|Name= Defender class
|Builders=[[SAFE Boats International]]
|Class before= 
|Class after=
|Subclasses=Defender "A" Class
Defender "B" Class
Defender "C" Class
|Operators= See ''[[Defender-class boat#Operators|Operators]]''
|Cost= 
|Built range= 
|In service range=2002–present
|In commission range= 
|Total ships building=
|Total ships planned=
|Total ships completed= 800{{citation needed|date=February 2013}}
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships active= 800{{citation needed|date=February 2013}}
|Total ships laid up=
|Total ships lost=
|Total ships retired=
|Total ships preserved=
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Ship type=  
|Ship displacement={{cvt|8.5|LT|t}}
|Ship length=* {{convert|8.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (A class)
* {{convert|9|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (B class)
|Ship beam={{convert|2.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught={{convert|0.98|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship propulsion=2 × [[Honda]] 4-stroke outboard engines, {{convert|225|hp|0|abbr=on}} each
|Ship speed=*{{convert|46|kn|lk=in}} maximum
*{{convert|35|kn}} cruising
|Ship range=* {{convert|175|nmi|lk=in|abbr=on}} (A class)
* {{convert|150|nmi|abbr=on}} (B class)
|Ship capacity= 
|Ship complement= 4 crew, 6 passengers
|Ship sensors=
|Ship EW= 
|Ship armament=* 1–2 × [[M240 machine gun|M240B]] (A and B classes)
* 1 × M2HB, 2 × M240B (C class)
* [[M60 machine gun]]
|Ship notes=
}}
|}

The  '''Defender-class boat''', also called Response Boat–Small (RB-S) and Response Boat–Homeland Security (RB-HS), is a standard boat introduced by the [[United States Coast Guard]] in 2002. The boats serve a variety of missions, including [[search and rescue]], [[port security]] and law enforcement duties and replaces a variety of smaller non-standard boats.<ref name="uscg1">{{cite web | url = http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/25rbs.asp | title = 25-Foot Defender Class Boat (RB-HS/RB-S)| publisher = United States Coast Guard | access-date = December 13, 2008}}</ref>

The design length of the hull is {{convert|25|ft}} and the boat is officially referred to as such. However, the overall length with engines mounted is approximately {{convert|29|ft|m}}. Powered by twin {{Convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} [[outboard motor]]s, they are capable of speeds in excess of {{convert|46|kn|lk=in}} and have a range of {{convert|150|to|175|nmi|lk=in}}, depending on the class. The boat requires a minimum crew of two persons, but has a carrying capacity for ten persons. The boat is easily trailerable and can be transported by a [[C-130 Hercules]] aircraft or truck.<ref name="uscg.mil">{{cite report |url=http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/16000-16999/CIM_16114_37B.pdf |title=Defender Class Operator's Handbook |publisher=U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard |date=June 27, 2006}}</ref>

Although similar in appearance to a [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]], the Defender is actually an [[aluminium|aluminum]]-hulled vessel, equipped with a rigid foam-filled flotation collar. The first generation of boats were built by [[SAFE Boats International]] of [[Bremerton, Washington]], a vendor of government and law enforcement boats.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.safeboats.com/ | title = SAFE Boats International | publisher = [[SAFE Boats International LLC]] | access-date = November 11, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advgsa/advantage/search/search.do?contract=GS-07F-0038H | title = GSA Sales page for SAFE Boats International | publisher = United States Government | access-date = April 18, 2008 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The replacement second generation was ordered in 2011 from [[Metal Shark Boats]].

==Design==
[[File:USCG defender class NY harbor.jpg|thumb|A {{convert|25|ft|m|0|adj=on}} Defender A-class boat from [[Maritime Safety and Security Team]] 91106 in New York Harbor]]
The Defender class utilizes a rigid deep-V hull constructed of marine grade aluminum. While similar in appearance to the [[sponson]] of a [[rigid-hulled inflatable boat]] the Defenders' collar is actually made from rigid [[polyethylene foam]]. The boat is powered by two {{convert|225|hp}} outboard engines, usually [[Honda]] four-strokes though Mercury and Johnson engines have also been used. Tow bitts are fitted forward and aft which also serve as mounting points for [[M240 machine gun|M240B]] or [[M60 machine gun]]s.<ref name="uscg.mil"/>

==Variants==

===A class===
[[File:PSU 305 Boat.jpg|thumb|A Defender C-class boat on patrol near [[Guantanamo Bay Naval Base|Guantanamo Bay]]]]
The Defender A class or Response Boat–Homeland Security (RB-HS) was the first version of the Defender class and entered service in 2002. Some A-class boats in service with the [[Deployable Operations Group#Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT)|Maritime Security Response Team]] (MSRT) have gray collars instead of the more common orange.

===B class===
The Defender B class, also known as the Response Boat–Small (RB-S) is a further development of the A class. First entering service in 2003 it has a slightly longer cabin, additional spotter windows aft, shock mitigating cabin seats, a smaller {{convert|105|USgal}} fuel tank, and various other minor changes. It is the most common of the three classes.<ref name="uscg1" /><ref name="uscg.mil"/>

===C class===
The Defender C class, sometimes known as the Response Boat Small–Charlie, is a modification of the B class and was designed as a replacement for the aging {{convert|25|ft|m|adj=on}} [[USCG transportable port security boat|Transportable Port Security Boats]] (TPSB) currently used by [[Port Security Unit]]s. The C class has a gray foam collar, a cabin climate control system, and an increased armament of one [[M2 Browning machine gun|M2HB]] .50-caliber machine gun on a modified forward mount and two M240B machine guns on port and starboard mounts just aft of the cabin. [[File:Ohio Naval Militia RB-S.jpg|alt=Defender-class boat with the Ohio Naval Militia in the water.|thumb|220x220px|Defender-class boat in service with the Ohio Naval Militia patrolling Lake Erie 2024]][[File:US Navy 100324-N-4205W-065 Members of the Kenya Special Boat Unit evacuate a casualty during a mass casualty drill.jpg|thumb|A Defender-class boat in service with the Kenya Navy Special Boat Unit in 2010]]
The first C-class boats were delivered to Port Security Unit 305 in May 2008 for testing and entered operational service at [[Guantanamo Bay Naval Base|Naval Station Guantanamo Bay]], Cuba in 2009.<ref>http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/wire/wire/WirePDF/v9/Issue%2049v9.pdf{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The Wire Vol 9, Issue 49</ref>

==Service life and replacement==
With the Defender-class boats nearing the end of their ten-year service life, the United States Coast Guard issued a request for proposal for replacement design for the Response Boat-Small. The request called for a {{convert|25|-|30|ft|adj=on}} boat, with weapon mounts, a minimum speed of {{convert|40|kn}}, and a range of at least {{convert|150|nmi}}.<ref>{{cite news |first=Linda M. |last=Johnson |title=Coast Guard Releases Request for Proposal for New Response Boat-Small |date=September 2010 |work=Delivering the Goods |publisher=United States Coast Guard |volume=31 |page=2 |url=http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/newsroom/pdf/CG9newsletterSep10.pdf#page=2}}</ref>

[[File:Security Escort (6830970554).jpg|thumb|USS ''Cole'' (rear) under escort 2011]]
Contracts were awarded for two boats, one from SAFE Boats International and one from Metal Shark Aluminum Boats, for testing and on September 26, 2011 the Coast Guard awarded a contract to [[Metal Shark Boats]] for the production of 38 Response Boats-Small.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Contract Awarded for the Production of 38 Response Boats-Small |publisher=United States Coast Guard |date=September 28, 2011 |url=http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/newsroom/updates/rbs092811.asp}}</ref> In November, Metal Shark was awarded a $192 million contract for up to 500 response boats—470 to replace the entirety of the Coast Guard's 2002-built fleet, 20 for the US Border Patrol, and 10 for the US Navy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marinelink.com/news/awarded-shark-metal341380.aspx|title=Metal Shark Awarded $192T Coast Guard Contract |publisher=Marine Link|date=November 14, 2011|accessdate=January 1, 2017}}</ref>

==Operators==
*{{navy|Antigua and Barbuda|coast guard}} (coast guard)
*{{navy|Bangladesh}}<ref name="Bangladesh">{{cite book |editor-last=Saunders |editor-first=Stephen |year=2014 |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 2014-2015 |publisher=IHS Jane's |location=Coulsdon, UK |page=55 |isbn=978-0-7106-3101-5}}</ref>
*{{coast guard|Bangladesh|Coast Guard}}<ref name="Bangladesh" />
*{{coast guard|Belize|Coast Guard}}
*{{navy|Canada}} [[Naval Security Team]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.lookoutnewspaper.com/traffic-technicians-prepare-nst-lift/|title=Traffic technicians prepare NST lift off|date=2017-06-20|work=Pacific Navy News|access-date=2017-11-22|language=en-US}}</ref>
*{{navy|Chile|coast guard}}
*{{navy|Colombia|coast guard}}
*{{navy|Djibouti|navy}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/us-provides-patrol-boats-to-djibouti/|title=US provides patrol boats to Djibouti|date=2020-03-03|work=Defenceweb|access-date=2020-03-03|language=en-US}}</ref>
*{{navy|Iraq}}<ref>{{cite news |first=Hunter C. |last=Keeter |date=November 2008 |title=Iraqi Navy's Boat Purchase Marks Milestone for Coast Guard FMS Program |work=Delivering the Goods |publisher=United States Coast Guard |url=http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/newsroom/pdf/CG9newsletterNov08.pdf}}</ref>
*{{naval|Israel}}
*[[Israel Police]]
*{{naval|Kenya}}
*{{flagicon|Liberia}} [[Armed Forces of Liberia|Liberian Coast Guard]]<ref>http://www.liberianobserver.com/node/10592 US Equip AFL with 2 Boats</ref>{{failed verification|date=May 2016}}
*{{navy|Malta|Armed Forces of Malta}}
*{{navy|Mexico|navy}}
*{{navy|Nigeria}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tbs-ng.com/navy/Ships |title=Ships|accessdate=2013-12-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403135236/http://tbs-ng.com/navy/Ships |archivedate=2014-04-03 }}Ships of the Nigerian Navy</ref>
*{{coast guard|Philippines}} 4 units Acquired via US FMS Program. Additional units scheduled for delivery.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-facilitates-small-boat-operations-training-course-for-philippine-coast-guard/ | title=U.S. Facilitates Small Boat Operations Training Course for Philippine Coast Guard | date=22 September 2022 }}</ref>
*{{coast guard|Somaliland}}
*{{flagicon|Togo}} [[Togolese Armed Forces]] operates one<ref>{{cite news |last1=defenceWeb |title=Togo receives Defender patrol boat from United States |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/togo-receives-defender-patrol-boat-from-united-states/?catid=51%3ASea&Itemid=106 |access-date=30 June 2021 |publisher=defenceWeb |date=10 July 2014}}</ref>
*{{naval|United States}}
*{{coast guard|United States|Coast Guard}}
*{{naval|Ohio}}
*[[Virginia Marine Police]]

==See also==
*[[Equipment of the United States Coast Guard]]
*[[Response boat-medium]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|USCG Defender class boat}}
*[http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091015144424/http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/programs/pdf/rb-sfactsheet.pdf U.S. Coast Guard: Response boat-small fact sheet] (PDF)

{{DEFAULTSORT:Uscg Defender Class Boat}}
[[Category:Boats of the United States Coast Guard|Defender]]
[[Category:Deployable Operations Group]]