Updated. Originally posted 25th June 2016


With its sleek wave-piercing hull and stealthy lines, the blisteringly quick WP-18 Tactical Strike Craft is the fastest naval vessel in the world. And possibly the most stylish Special Forces boat too. And it is not all good looks! Underneath the fully-enclosed composite exterior, the type boasts a spacious engine room and highly automated cockpit. The type is built by Abu Dhabi MAR.

Three WP-18 Tactical Strike Craft (see arrows) in a yard in Mozambique. They were delivered in late 2014/early 2015 and do not appear to have moved since. The other boats are Interceptor DV15 RWS'.

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Specifications
Lengh: 18.6m (15.4m waterline)
Beam: 3.5m
Draft: 0.8m (half-load)
Weight: 13 ton (light ship)
Fuel capacity: 3,200L
Range: 400nm @ 47kt
Speed: 65kt+
Crew: 3

Combat Configuration
The WP-18 can be fitted out with a retractable remote weapons mount with a 30mm cannon. Uniquely for this type of craft, small SAM or SSM launchers in the bow. Two retractable Rheinmetall ROSY (Rapid Obscuring System) soft-kill systems are also carried in the bow. A retactable EO mast is also fitted.

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CLICK image for YOUTUBE:
Uploaded by Ullman Dynamics (website).

10 meter version
Abu Dhabi MAR built a smaller prototype with outboard motors and non-retractable weapons mount.

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