Assault boat

Assault boats are light, usually open boats with outboard motors. They are from the army or pioneer units for rapid crossing of inland waters, such as the formation of bridgeheads or discontinuation of commandos used. Even with civilian organizations, such as THW or fire department, boats like these are often referred to as assault boats, although they serve completely different purposes there.

Assault boats are used depending on the intended use in very different sizes and designs. Small assault boats usually offer an infantry squad with his personal equipment slot.

Example, the technical data of a modern pioneer Storm Boat of the Austrian Armed Forces:

• Length: 6.6 m
• Width: 2.1 m
• Weight: 400 kg
• Drive: 2 x 60 hp outboard motors
• Loading capacity: 8 people with equipment (including 2 man boat crew)

For fast operation even under enemy threat, assault boats of the crew should be able to without any additional aids are lowered into the water, so they are usually made ​​of lightweight materials such as wood, light metal or plastic. Larger boats, which are also suitable for transporting heavier equipment, but can not be used by hand, but are allowed by trucks or trailers right to water, the transitions to landing craft are here fluently.