Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC)

 At least 2 in service

The Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) is a British high-speed interceptor boat in service with the British special forces, including the Special Boat Service (SBS). These vessels are designed for rapid insertion, extraction, interception and raiding missions. They are air-deployable via A400M Atlas, C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster aircraft. The privately operated British vessel SD VICTORIA can also reportedly carry and deploy the FIC boats.

HULL: These boats feature a V-hull shape and are built with low temperature epoxy carbon pre-preg skins and high-elongation foam cores, vacuum bagged and oven-cured in carbon/expoxy molds. A low profile combined with shrouded radomes, antennae, fittings and apertures reduces radar cross section, enhancing stealth capabilities. The FIC 180 variant measures 59 ft 5 in (18.1 m), with a beam of 12 ft 6 in (3.8 m) and a draft of 2 ft 11 in (0.9 m).
The cabin is fitted with berths, a galley and a bathroom. The forward cockpit is enclosed. A stern ramp capable of deploying and recovering inflatable boats is covered by two retractable panels.
Each boat can be fitted with either a two or four point lifting system.

ENGINEERING: The propulsion arrangement for FIC is highly configurable. Per BAE Systems, these boats can be equipped with options including twin or triple outboard motors as well as twin diesel stern drives, twin diesel jet drives or twin Arneson surface drives. Multiple fuel tanks can be fitted. A water separator filter is also installed in the engine compartment.
They are believed to be capable of reaching top speeds of around 55 knots.

ARMAMENT: These craft have no standard armament however, they can be equipped with a stabilized machine gun mount for up to 12.7-mm guns. Additionally, a gyro-stabilized bow-mounted automatic minigun system can be installed. They can also carry an inflatable boat for deploying special forces operators.

SENSORS/ELECTRONICS: An unknown navigation radar is fitted. A variety of potential sensors and internal systems can be installed, including Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) sensors, radars, intercom and several radio options. SATCOM installation is likely.

In service.
At least two in service with the Special Boat Service (SBS). Per BAE Systems the FIC is in service with U.K. Special Forces and overseas agencies.

The Fast Interceptor Craft was first produced by VT Halmatic for the U.K. special forces. In July 2007, it was reported that a new interceptor vessel had been delivered to the U.K. Special Boat Service (SBS), later revealed to be the FIC. Two vessels were spotted moored overnight in Guernsey in 2008, confirming the delivery of at least two units.

VT Halmatic was subsumed into BAE Systems in 2008, which then began producing the system.

Two FIC were docked at St. Peter Port, Guernsey in March 2019.

The boats have been spotted by amateur photographers undergoing trials and practices in bays around Pembroke.

  VT Halmatic, Havant, U.K. (Now BAE Systems Maritime)

 DIMENSIONS
   Length                  59 ft  5 in (18.1 m)
   Beam                    12 ft  6 in ( 3.8 m)
   Draft                    2 ft 11 in ( 0.9 m)

 PROPULSION
   Main                    2 x twin or triple outboards
                           2 x diesel stern drives or twin diesel jet drives or twin Arneson surface drives

 PERFORMANCE
   Speed                   55 knots

 COMBAT SYSTEMS
   Guns                    1 x 12.7-mm stabilized machine gun mount (optional)
                           1 x minigun (optional)
   Radars                  1 x navigation radar

FIC 33

The FIC is the smallest variant of the family. It measures 35 ft 3 in (10.75 m) with a beam of 8 ft 6 in (2.59 m) and a draft of 2 ft 4 in (0.7 m).

FIC 40

The FIC 40 measures 42 ft 11 in (13.07 m) with a beam of 9 ft 3 in (2.83 m) and a draft of 2 ft 8 in (0.82 m).

FIC 180

The FIC 180 is the largest variant of the FIC family. It measures 59 ft 5 in (18.1 m) with a beam of 12 ft 6 in (3.8 m) and a draft of 2 ft 11 in (0.9 m).