Page 47: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 2022)

The Combat Boat 90 is fast, maneuverable and capable of operating right next to the shore.

These CB 90s are participating in the 2022

Archipelago Endeavor exercise in Sweden.

Photos by Edward Lundquist

The Royal Danish Navy operates the U.S. Navy phased out the RCBs in favor

SB90E aboard the Absalon-class ASW of the larger MK VI patrol boats, which frigates / ? exible support ships, as well are also being phased out.

modi? ed versions capable of operating Sweden is by far the biggest user with in and around ice for the Knud Rasmus- more than 200 craft, and the boats are sen class of Arctic Offshore Patrol Ves- still in production. The newest variant, sels, patrol vessel. the Docksta CB 90HSM, is being offered

The U.S. Navy operated six CB 90s, by Saab. It features “a robust weapons which they called Riverine Command platform can include stabilized turnta-

Boats as part of the Navy Expeditionary bles, smaller missile systems and remote

Combat Command (NECC). The U.S. weapon stations like Saab Track? re.” boats were built by Safeboat Interna- According to Saab, an adjusted place- tional of Port Orchard, Washington. The ment of the engine makes the boat more heavily armed RCBs were based in Bah- stable, faster and quieter. Saab said the rain where they provided high-value ship new version has improved speed, ma- escort duties, usually operating in pairs. neuverability, attack power and surveil-

The American RCB version is lance capabilities.

equipped with several universal topside The Swedish Marines are skilled at mounts for machine guns or grenade navigating their CB 90s at high speed launchers, as well as a remote-operated in con? ned waters between the many small arms mount (ROSAM). The RCB islands of the archipelago. The Naval has a crew of four to eight, which are Base at Berga, about 20 miles south of required to operate the boat and the Stockholm, is home to dozens of them. weapons, but can also carry addition At the recent Archipelago Endeavor ex- troops. The U.S. version also has The ercises, Swedish and U.S. Marines re-

RCB armored cockpit and engine com- lied on the CB 90 for movement around partment protects the crew and systems and between the many islands, and used against small arms ? re or shrapnel. The the boats to launch unmanned vehicles.

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