The Riverine Assault Craft (RAC) has been fielded in the Small Craft Company of Headquarters Battalion, Second Marine Division to meet the requirement for Marines to perform high speed riverine operations in support of CINC South. The RAC has a crew of four Marines and can transport 10–15 combat-loaded Marines up to Sea State Condition 2. It has a shallow draft and can operate in eight inches of water while on plane and thirty inches of water while moving slowly or stopped. The RAC’s trailer may be towed by a five-ton cargo truck.
The RAC is a riverine platform that provides speed, maneuverability, and survivability to conduct command/control, armed escort, direct fire support, electronic warfare, pursuit/intercept, and scout/patrol missions during riverine operations. It is capable of employing a variety of military and commercial communications/electronic and crew-served weapons systems. The RAC is a high-speed, aluminum-hulled craft powered by twin inboard 300 horsepower Cummins turbo diesels connected to Hamilton water jets. Fore and aft gun tubs may mount either the M2 .50 caliber Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) or the MK19 40mm Grenade Machine Gun. Medium machine guns may be mounted on pintles fixed to the port and starboard gunwales.
