WASHINGTON, Aug. 23 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of State approved the proposed $124 million sale of Mark V fast patrol boats, weapons, ammunition and training to Qatar.
Qatar's government requested Mark V fast patrol boats, eight .50-caliber machine guns, MLG 27mm naval gun systems, as well as ammunition. Forward-looking infrared systems, support equipment, personnel training and other services were also requested.
The Defense Cooperation Security Agency, which oversees the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, sent required notification to Congress on Friday, according to a statement.
The principal contractor for the sale will be United States Marine Incorporated in Mississippi.
"Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips by U.S. government and contractor representatives to participate in program and technical reviews, system integration, as well as training and maintenance support in country for a period of five years," the agency said.
The Mark V is a medium-range transport and patrol boat used by U.S. Special Operations Forces for insertion and extraction of SEAL combat swimmers as well as coastal patrol.
Mark V Special Operations Craft (MK V SOC)
The MK V Special Operations Craft's primary role is the insertion and extraction of Navy SEALs or other U.S. Special Operations Forces. MK Vs are are operated by SWCC Special Boat Teams. The MK V can also be used a coastal patrol and reconnaissance platform.
note: the MK V SOC has now been retired from U.S. Navy service.
Mark V Special Operations Craft Features:
The MK V SOC features an angled design which results in a low radar signature. The craft can carry up to 4 Combat Rubber Raiding Craft (CRRC) + their outboard engines, enabling the Mark V to act as a mothership, parking off-coast and delivering and collecting teams of SEALs to and from the shore. The vessel features a ramp at the stern which facilitates the rapid launch/recovery of CRRCs. The MK V SOC can also act as a launch/recovery platform for SEAL swimmer delivery vehicles. UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) can also be launched, operated and recovered from the MK V.
MK V SOV Equipment
- Radar
- GPS navigation
- IFF (identification Friend or Foe) gear
- VHF/HF/UHF/FM Net & SATCOMM
MK V SOC Weapons
The craft has provisions for the mounting of the following weapons systems: (5 mounts)
- M2 .50 machine guns (single or twin mounts)
- M240 7.62mm belt-fed machine guns
- MK19/MK47 40mm grenade launchers
- M134 7.62mm Miniguns
- MK88 chain gun
- MK48 25mm guns
For added defence against airborne threats, FIM-92 Stinger missiles may also be carried on the MK V.
MK V SOC - Specifications
Crew
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5 Crew
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Capacity
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Crew + 16 SEALs + mission equipment
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Engines
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2 x 2285 HP MTU 12V396 TE94 engines
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Waterjets
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2 x KaMeWa K50S Waterjets
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Dimensions
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Length - 82 ft
Height - 17.5 ft
Draft - 5ft
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Weights
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57+ tons displacement
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Max Speed
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47-50 knots
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Range
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550+ nautical miles
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Armament
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m2 .50 machine guns
m240 machine guns
m134 miniguns
Mk19 40 40mm grenade launchers
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Avionics
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GPS navigation
Radar
LORAN
Secure radio communications (UHF/VHF/HF/SATCOMMs)
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