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Streit Group Prioritizes Speed and Protection for Armed Forces with AB-850 Mark II Air Boat at IDEX.
The AB-850 Mark II is designed with a three-hull configuration, featuring a central main hull flanked by two side skegs. These skegs play a crucial role in improving the vessel’s overall stability and functionality. Increasing the boat’s width enhances its initial stability, allowing for better maneuverability in various water conditions. Additionally, they extend the deck area, providing more space for crew operations, equipment storage, and mission-specific modifications.
The propulsion system utilizes an air propeller, a configuration designed to maximize speed and efficiency in shallow or constrained water environments (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The skegs are internally filled with a specialized two-component closed-cell polyurethane foam, a material chosen for its water-resistant properties, ensuring the boat remains buoyant even if the hulls sustain multiple breaches. This feature significantly improves the survivability of the vessel in combat or adverse environments. Furthermore, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) inserts have been incorporated within the skegs to absorb and mitigate the impact of incoming projectiles, adding layer of structural protection to the main body of the vessel.
A key design element of the AB-850 Mark II is its bolted assembly system, which offers logistical advantages in transport and maintenance. This system allows the boat to be disassembled and transported in standard shipping containers, reducing overall shipping costs and simplifying deployment to various locations worldwide. Additionally, the bolted configuration enables rapid on-site assembly and facilitates the replacement of damaged or worn components, minimizing downtime in operational settings.
In terms of dimensions, the AB-850 Mark II has an overall length of 8.43 meters and a width of 3.1 meters, with an empty weight of 3,500 kg. The boat is engineered to accommodate a crew of up to five personnel while supporting a maximum payload of 1,200 kg. Its propulsion system consists of an engine capable of delivering 404.5 kW (550 hp), ensuring powerful performance suited for military and security operations. The vessel maintains a buoyancy of 4.4 cubic meters when fully loaded, further reinforcing its reliability in demanding maritime environments. Constructed from marine-grade aluminum, the boat benefits from a lightweight yet robust hull that enhances its durability while also featuring ballistic protection. The cabin is specifically armored to a B4+ protection level, providing security against small arms fire and potential threats encountered in high-risk operational zones.
The propulsion system utilizes an air propeller, a configuration designed to maximize speed and efficiency in shallow or constrained water environments. The boat is equipped with a 300-liter fuel tank, ensuring extended operational capability, alongside a 150-liter water tank for onboard usage. With a top speed of 35 knots, the AB-850 Mark II is optimized for rapid response missions, whether for reconnaissance, interdiction, or special operations. Its operational range extends to 150 nautical miles, allowing for sustained patrols and extended mission endurance. Engineered for maritime conditions, the vessel is designed to withstand wave heights of up to 0.6 meters without suffering structural damage, making it suitable for coastal operations and inland waterway deployments.
Streit Group, a major defense and security industry player, has positioned the AB-850 Mark II as a solution for the evolving needs of military forces and maritime security agencies. The vessel’s modular construction and advanced protection systems make it adaptable for various operational roles, from border patrol and counter-insurgency to search and rescue missions. As military and security forces continue to seek highly mobile and resilient maritime platforms, the proliferation of such airboats reflects a broader industry shift toward versatile, cost-effective, and rapidly deployable solutions. This trend underscores the growing emphasis on maritime security in both coastal and riverine environments, where adaptable vessels like the AB-850 Mark II play an essential role in modern defense strategies.