Norco has been commissioned by
BAE Systems to deliver a series of hard-hulled riverine craft for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). Designed by BAE Systems, these robust, versatile craft are essential for fast raiding and assault missions, particularly in riverine environments and beach-landing operations. Their compact design enables rapid deployment and mobility, making them a key asset for UK defence forces.
The hard-hulled riverine craft supports operations in challenging environments, including river patrols, beach assaults, dive support, demolition, and general service duties. Each vessel has lifting points for helicopter transport or deployment from larger vessels, allowing easy mobilisation to remote and inaccessible locations. Built to meet stringent MoD regulations, these 5.2m craft ensure stability, reserve buoyancy, and resistance to swamping — critical factors for reliable performance in combat and tactical situations.
BAE Systems initially raised concerns regarding the ability to meet new weight targets, as the manufacturing techniques originally used in the 1990s did not align with modern requirements. However, Norco’s skilled engineering team addressed these challenges by leveraging historical production methods in combination with modern quality standards.
The team conducted comprehensive market research on material availability and historic certifications, ultimately presenting an optimised material solution that met certification and customer requirements. Using a specialist epoxy hand lay method, Norco not only met but exceeded the weight restrictions for the project, demonstrating precision in a skill-focused production task.
Norco’s expert approach resulted in a lightweight, low-profile vessel featuring reserve buoyancy from foam filling, enabling high-performance, low-draft operations in shallow waters such as rivers, swamps, and beach landings. This configuration delivers the flexibility, durability, and reliability that BAE Systems required for this legacy craft.
The glass reinforced plastic construction, enhanced with metal backing plates and under-deck hard points, ensures superior durability in even the harshest conditions, guaranteeing that the vessels can withstand rigorous operational demands. By delivering on weight and performance requirements, Norco successfully maintained the integrity of the original design while integrating modern material standards.
This project showcases Norco’s unique capability to revitalise legacy craft through advanced manufacturing techniques and expertise. In addition to strengthening our long-standing relationship with BAE Systems, it exemplifies our commitment to innovation and problem-solving within the defence sector. The successful delivery of this project demonstrates Norco’s capability to apply broad-ranging materials expertise and sophisticated manufacturing techniques, providing a proven solution for future defence and communications sector projects.
Steve Quick, boats programme lead at BAE Systems, said: “Through our collaboration with Norco on the HHRC project, the team has delivered an excellent product that enhances our outsourcing model and meets our high standards and capability. We look forward to potential opportunities to work together in the future.”