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MARK V SOC (Special
Operations Craft)
The Mark V is a marine
security, patrol, and special forces insertion boat used
by the United States Navy and manufactured by VT Halter
Marine Inc. It was introduced into service with the US
Navy SEALs in 1995.
The Mark V's primary mission is medium range insertion
and extraction platform for Special Operations Forces
(primarily SEAL combat swimmers). The secondary mission
is limited Coastal Patrol and Interdiction, specifically
limited duration patrol and low to medium threat coastal
interdiction. The typical Mark V SOC mission duration is
12 hours.
In 2003, in one of the first actions of Operation Iraqi
Freedom, Mark V SOCs operating out of Kuwait disembarked
at least two platoons of Navy SEALs to capture Iraqi
offshore oil terminals.
The Mark V has the capacity to carry sixteen fully
equipped SEALs to missions 500 miles away from where
they are based. They ride on seats that are designed for
maximum comfort and shock mitigation in high seas or
heavy maneuvering, and allows occupants to either stand
or sit. The craft can carry four Combat Rubber Raiding
Crafts with six outboard motors and fuel, to deploy
forces from a clandestine distance.
The Mark V has many special features that make it more
survivable while delivering sailors to their missions.
Its angular design and low silhouette reduces its radar
signature. Its V-hull design gives it good handling
qualities in rough water as well as speed and shallow
draft (four feet when cruising on-step). Its twin MTU
12-cylinder TE94 Diesel engines give it power and
reliability and, coupled with the two K50S water jets,
provides fast acceleration for operations near shore or
in shallow waters as well as cutting down on the rooster
tail effect that can make fast boats easier to see and
track.
This primarily wood
model is 20" long (1/48 scale) will be completed
soon. $2,270
shipping
and insurance in the
contiguous USA included. Other
places: $200 flat rate.
Learn more about the Mark V here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_V_Special_Operations_Craft
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