New AB-850 Mark II Air Boat designed by UAE firm Streit Group.

At the Milipol 2023 event in Paris, Streit Group, a United Arab Emirates based player in the defense and security industry, revealed its latest innovation - the AB-850 Mark II Air Boat.
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Model of AB-850 Mark II Air Boat on Streit Group's booth at Milipol. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The AB-850 Mark II, crafted by the UAE-based Streit Group, introduces a new approach to military air boat design. This vessel is characterized by a hull completely made of high-quality marine aluminum, chosen for its low maintenance requirements. This material choice has led to the development of an improved hydrodynamic surface for the boat's bottom.

The design of the AB-850 Mark II includes three hulls: a central main hull and two side skegs. These skegs have multifunctional roles. They not only increase the vessel's width, enhancing its initial stability, but also expand the deck area.

The inside of these side cases is filled with a special two-component closed-cell polyurethane foam, which is water-resistant, contributing to the boat's unsinkability even if the hulls are damaged multiple times.

Special HDPE inserts within the cases are designed to mitigate the penetrating impact of bullets, safeguarding the main body. The hulls' bolting feature allows for container transport, significantly reducing shipping costs and facilitating easy installation or replacement at the duty station.

The AB-850 Mark II's specifications include an overall length of 8.43 meters, a width of 3.1 meters, and an empty hull weight of 3500 kg. It has a maximum payload capacity of 1200 kg and can accommodate a crew of up to 5. The boat is powered by engines capable of 404.5 kW (550 hp), ensuring robust performance. It has a buoyancy at full displacement of 4.4 cubic meters and features marine-grade aluminum construction with armor protection, including an armored cabin rated B4+.

The boat's propulsion is provided by an air propeller, supported by a 300-liter fuel tank and a 150-liter water tank. Its top speed reaches up to 35 knots, with a range of 150 nautical miles and the capability to handle a maximum sea state of 0.6 meters wave height without damage.