{{Short description|Class of patrol boat}} {{distinguish|Defender-class torpedo boat}} {{Infobox ship |sclass=2 |section1={{Infobox ship/image |image=USCG RB-S 25595.JPG |image_caption=Defender-class boat }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/class overview |name= Defender class |builders=SAFE Boats International |class_before= |class_after= |subclasses=Defender "A" Class Defender "B" Class Defender "C" Class |operators= See ''Operators'' |cost= |built_range= |in_service_range=2002–present |in_commission_range= |total_ships_building= |total_ships_planned= |total_ships_completed= 800{{citation needed|date=February 2013}} |total_ships_canceled= |total_ships_active= 800{{citation needed|date=February 2013}} |total_ships_laid_up= |total_ships_lost= |total_ships_retired= |total_ships_preserved= }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics |hide_header= |header_caption= |type= |displacement={{cvt|8.5|LT|t}} |length=* {{convert|8.9|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (A class) * {{convert|9|m|ftin|abbr=on}} (B class) |beam={{convert|2.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |draught={{convert|0.98|m|ftin|abbr=on}} |propulsion=2 × Honda 4-stroke outboard engines, {{convert|225|hp|0|abbr=on}} each |speed=*{{convert|46|kn|lk=in}} maximum *{{convert|35|kn}} cruising |range=* {{convert|175|nmi|lk=in|abbr=on}} (A class) * {{convert|150|nmi|abbr=on}} (B class) |capacity= |complement= 4 crew, 6 passengers |sensors= |EW= |armament=* 1–2 × M240B (A and B classes) * 1 × M2HB, 2 × M240B (C class) * M60 machine gun |notes= }} }}
The '''Defender-class boat''', also called Response Boat–Small (RB-S) and Response Boat–Homeland Security (RB-HS), is a standard boat introduced by the United States Coast Guard in 2002. The boats serve a variety of missions, including search and rescue, port security and law enforcement duties and replaces a variety of smaller non-standard boats.<ref name="uscg1">{{cite web | url = http://www.uscg.mil/datasheet/25rbs.asp | title = 25-Foot Defender Class Boat (RB-HS/RB-S)| publisher = United States Coast Guard | access-date = December 13, 2008}}</ref>
The design length of the hull is {{convert|25|ft}} and the boat is officially referred to as such. However, the overall length with engines mounted is approximately {{convert|29|ft|m}}. Powered by twin {{Convert|225|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} outboard motors, they are capable of speeds in excess of {{convert|46|kn|lk=in}} and have a range of {{convert|150|to|175|nmi|lk=in}}, depending on the class. The boat requires a minimum crew of two persons, but has a carrying capacity for ten persons. The boat is easily trailerable and can be transported by a C-130 Hercules aircraft or truck.<ref name="uscg.mil">{{cite report |url=http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/16000-16999/CIM_16114_37B.pdf |title=Defender Class Operator's Handbook |publisher=U.S. Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard |date=June 27, 2006}}</ref>
Although similar in appearance to a rigid-hulled inflatable boat, the Defender is actually an aluminum-hulled vessel, equipped with a rigid foam-filled flotation collar. The first generation of boats were built by SAFE Boats International of Bremerton, Washington, a vendor of government and law enforcement boats.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.safeboats.com/ | title = SAFE Boats International | publisher = SAFE Boats International LLC | access-date = November 11, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.gsaadvantage.gov/advgsa/advantage/search/search.do?contract=GS-07F-0038H | title = GSA Sales page for SAFE Boats International | publisher = United States Government | access-date = April 18, 2008 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The replacement second generation was ordered in 2011 from Metal Shark Boats.
==Design== [[File:USCG defender class NY harbor.jpg|thumb|A {{convert|25|ft|m|0|adj=on}} Defender A-class boat from Maritime Safety and Security Team 91106 in New York Harbor]] The Defender class utilizes a rigid deep-V hull constructed of marine grade aluminum. While similar in appearance to the sponson of a rigid-hulled inflatable boat the Defenders' collar is actually made from rigid polyethylene foam. The boat is powered by two {{convert|225|hp}} outboard engines, usually Honda four-strokes though Mercury and Johnson engines have also been used. Tow bitts are fitted forward and aft which also serve as mounting points for M240B or M60 machine guns.<ref name="uscg.mil"/>
==Variants==
===A class=== [[File:PSU 305 Boat.jpg|thumb|A Defender C-class boat on patrol near Guantanamo Bay]] The Defender A class or Response Boat–Homeland Security (RB-HS) was the first version of the Defender class and entered service in 2002. Some A-class boats in service with the Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT) have gray collars instead of the more common orange.
===B class=== [[File:NOAA law enforcement boat patrols offshore during Operation Kohola Guardian in Maui, Hawaii - 170214-G-MT091-105.jpg|thumb|NOAA law enforcement operate Defender class boat offshore during Operation Kohola Guardian in Maui, Hawaii]]
The Defender B class, also known as the Response Boat–Small (RB-S) is a further development of the A class. First entering service in 2003 it has a slightly longer cabin, additional spotter windows aft, shock mitigating cabin seats, a smaller {{convert|105|USgal}} fuel tank, and various other minor changes. It is the most common of the three classes.<ref name="uscg1" /><ref name="uscg.mil"/>
===C class=== The Defender C class, sometimes known as the Response Boat Small–Charlie, is a modification of the B class and was designed as a replacement for the aging {{convert|25|ft|m|adj=on}} Transportable Port Security Boats (TPSB) currently used by Port Security Units. The C class has a gray foam collar, a cabin climate control system, and an increased armament of one M2HB .50-caliber machine gun on a modified forward mount and two M240B machine guns on port and starboard mounts just aft of the cabin. alt=Defender-class boat with the Ohio Naval Militia in the water.|thumb|220x220px|Defender-class boat in service with the Ohio Naval Militia patrolling Lake Erie 2024thumb|A Defender-class boat in service with the Kenya Navy Special Boat Unit in 2010 The first C-class boats were delivered to Port Security Unit 305 in May 2008 for testing and entered operational service at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in 2009.<ref>http://www.jtfgtmo.southcom.mil/wire/wire/WirePDF/v9/Issue%2049v9.pdf{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The Wire Vol 9, Issue 49</ref>
==Service life and replacement== With the Defender-class boats nearing the end of their ten-year service life, the United States Coast Guard issued a request for proposal for replacement design for the Response Boat-Small. The request called for a {{convert|25|-|30|ft|adj=on}} boat, with weapon mounts, a minimum speed of {{convert|40|kn}}, and a range of at least {{convert|150|nmi}}.<ref>{{cite news |first=Linda M. |last=Johnson |title=Coast Guard Releases Request for Proposal for New Response Boat-Small |date=September 2010 |work=Delivering the Goods |publisher=United States Coast Guard |volume=31 |page=2 |url=http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/newsroom/pdf/CG9newsletterSep10.pdf#page=2}}</ref>
thumb|USS ''Cole'' (rear) under escort 2011 Contracts were awarded for two boats, one from SAFE Boats International and one from Metal Shark Aluminum Boats, for testing and on September 26, 2011 the Coast Guard awarded a contract to Metal Shark Boats for the production of 38 Response Boats-Small.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Contract Awarded for the Production of 38 Response Boats-Small |publisher=United States Coast Guard |date=September 28, 2011 |url=http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/newsroom/updates/rbs092811.asp}}</ref> In November, Metal Shark was awarded a $192 million contract for up to 500 response boats—470 to replace the entirety of the Coast Guard's 2002-built fleet, 20 for the US Border Patrol, and 10 for the US Navy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marinelink.com/news/awarded-shark-metal341380.aspx|title=Metal Shark Awarded $192T Coast Guard Contract |publisher=Marine Link|date=November 14, 2011|accessdate=January 1, 2017}}</ref>
==Operators== *{{navy|Antigua and Barbuda|coast guard}} *{{navy|Bangladesh}}<ref name="Bangladesh">{{cite book |editor-last=Saunders |editor-first=Stephen |year=2014 |title=Jane's Fighting Ships 2014-2015 |publisher=IHS Jane's |location=Coulsdon, UK |page=55 |isbn=978-0-7106-3101-5}}</ref> *{{coast guard|Bangladesh|Coast Guard}}<ref name="Bangladesh" /> *{{coast guard|Belize|Coast Guard}} *{{navy|Canada}} Naval Security Team<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.lookoutnewspaper.com/traffic-technicians-prepare-nst-lift/|title=Traffic technicians prepare NST lift off|date=2017-06-20|work=Pacific Navy News|access-date=2017-11-22|language=en-US}}</ref> *{{navy|Chile|coast guard}} *{{navy|Colombia|coast guard}} *{{navy|Djibouti|navy}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/us-provides-patrol-boats-to-djibouti/|title=US provides patrol boats to Djibouti|date=2020-03-03|work=Defenceweb|access-date=2020-03-03|language=en-US}}</ref> *{{navy|Iraq}}<ref>{{cite news |first=Hunter C. |last=Keeter |date=November 2008 |title=Iraqi Navy's Boat Purchase Marks Milestone for Coast Guard FMS Program |work=Delivering the Goods |publisher=United States Coast Guard |url=http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/newsroom/pdf/CG9newsletterNov08.pdf}}</ref> *{{naval|Israel}} *{{flagicon|Israel}} Israel Police *{{naval|Kenya}} *{{flagicon|Liberia}} Liberian Coast Guard<ref>http://www.liberianobserver.com/node/10592 US Equip AFL with 2 Boats</ref>{{failed verification|date=May 2016}} *{{navy|Malta|Armed Forces of Malta}} *{{navy|Mexico|navy}} *{{navy|Nigeria}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tbs-ng.com/navy/Ships |title=Ships|accessdate=2013-12-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140403135236/http://tbs-ng.com/navy/Ships |archivedate=2014-04-03 }}Ships of the Nigerian Navy</ref> *{{coast guard|Philippines}} 4 units Acquired via US FMS Program. Additional units scheduled for delivery.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ph.usembassy.gov/u-s-facilitates-small-boat-operations-training-course-for-philippine-coast-guard/ | title=U.S. Facilitates Small Boat Operations Training Course for Philippine Coast Guard | date=22 September 2022 }}</ref> *{{coast guard|Somaliland}} *{{flagicon|Togo}} Togolese Armed Forces operates one<ref>{{cite news |last1=defenceWeb |title=Togo receives Defender patrol boat from United States |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/sea/sea-sea/togo-receives-defender-patrol-boat-from-united-states/?catid=51%3ASea&Itemid=106 |access-date=30 June 2021 |publisher=defenceWeb |date=10 July 2014}}</ref> *{{naval|United States}} *{{coast guard|United States|Coast Guard}} *{{flagicon image|Flag of the United States Department of Homeland Security.svg}} U.S. Customs and Border Protection *{{flagicon image|NOAA Flag.svg}} U.S. NOAA Division of Law Enforcement *{{naval|Ohio}} *{{flagicon|Virginia}} Virginia Marine Police
==See also== *Equipment of the United States Coast Guard *Response boat-medium
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{Commons category|USCG Defender class boat}} *[http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20091015144424/http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/programs/pdf/rb-sfactsheet.pdf U.S. Coast Guard: Response boat-small fact sheet] (PDF)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Uscg Defender Class Boat}} Defender Category:Deployable Operations Group