The Special Boat Squadron, Britain's marine special forces unit, acquired a new craft. The VSV (Very Slender Vessel) can go faster than any other ocean-going fast pursuit vessel in the world.
It is capable of speeds of more than 60 knots, is 53 feet long and cylindrical, with a 10 foot cross-section so it can punch straight through waves rather than go through the top of them. Fully equipped, the VSV, which uses two 750 hp diesel engines and is near-invisible to radar, costs around 1 million UK pounds. The VSV was built by Halmatic, which is owned by the shipbuilders Vosper Thorneycroft. For very high speed, long range military applications HaImatic offers vessels constructed of carbon fibre and kevlar.
From article by Hugh McManners, Defence Correspondent, Sunday Times (UK).