Arrow boat

Arrow is a speed boat developed by the Sri Lanka Navy for use by its elite units, the Special Boat Squadron and Rapid Action Boat Squadron. [cite web |url=http://www.asiantribune.com/?q=node/13183 |title=Launching of 100th indigenous special designed fighting boat by the Sri Lanka Navy |accessdate=2008-09-16 |work=Ravin Edirisinghe |publisher=Asian Tribune |date=12 September 2008 ] The boat is capable of achieving high speeds and is highly maneuverable, meeting the requirements of these units. Armed with multiple machine guns and an autocannon or automatic grenade launcher as its primary weapon, the Arrow provides relatively high firepower despite its small size. It is used by the navy for inshore monitoring operations.

Development

According to the requirements of its elite squadrons for a fast and maneuverable boat with high firepower, the navy developed the first prototype of the Arrow in 2006. The prototype was completed within a month. The tests carried out with this prototype were successful. Production was carried out immediately after this, and the boats were deployed soon after production. The navy produces the Arrow at a unit cost of Rs. 1.7 million (US$ 17,000).cite web |url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/12/08/fea03.asp |title=Navy achieves superior firepower and manoeuvrability with in-house technology |accessdate=2008-09-16 |work=Ranil Wijayapala |publisher=Daily News |date= ]

The 100th Arrow

The 100th Arrow boat was launched by the Sri Lanka Navy on 11th September, 2008.cite web |url=http://www.sundayobserver.lk/2008/09/14/sec02.asp |title=SLN launches 100th Arrow Boat |accessdate=2008-09-16 |work=Dhaneshi Yatawara |publisher=Sunday Observer |date=14 September 2008 ] A ceremony was held at the navy base SLNS Gemunu at Welisara to mark this event, presided by the Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Design

The Arrow boat is powered by a single 200 bhp outboard motor. Another variant of the boat, fitted with two outboard motors is also developed. The body is made of strengthened fiberglass. The boat is 18 feet (5.49 meters) long. No armour is provided, with the intention of keeping the boat light enough to meet the primary requirements of speed and maneuverability.

Armament

A 20mm autocannon is used as the primary weapon of the Arrow boat, mounted on the forward end. In some variants, this is replaced by an automatic grenade launcher. As the secondary armament, several PKM 7.62mm machine guns are used, fixed on each side of the boat.

Operational history

The Arrow boat is in service with the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Boat Squadron since it’s development in 2006. From mid 2008, it is also issued to the newly created Rapid Action Boat Squadron. The Arrow boat has been used widely by the Sri Lanka Navy against the LTTE’s Sea Tigers in Eelam War IV.

References