Meryl Grandy

Design 2601 R P I C

R.P.I.C. stands for Riverine Patrol Interdiction Craft. The object was to design a small, fast military craft that could be launched from a flying Lockheed Hercules C130 cargo plane with 6 crew members onboard at an altitude of 10', survive and deliver a top speed of 45 knots for rapid deployment where needed.

Here is the general arrangement of the aircraft.


Here's the cross section showing the launch parameters.


Originally a modified stock production boat with twin outboards (note the sketch above still shows that boat) was to be used but it was proven that the boat couldn't handle the slamming load of being dropped out of a plane. This new boat was then designed. In addition to withstanding slamming loads, G-forces sustainability for the crew members (seat and cockpit sole design) was engineered as well as light armament protection (Kevlar panels).

Power was provided by a single Seatek 6-4V-9D marine diesel generating 600 bhp at 3,150 rpm coupled to a Hamilton waterjet.

Here is the general arrangement plan.