The Zodiac FC 470 is known throughout the world as an excellent Special Forces inflatable boat. The FC range is used by more elite soldiers and sailors than any other craft worldwide. This is a result of its unique patented hull shape and various floor systems that allows it to carry combatants in a variety of missions.
The hull shape is especially important as it can get a large load on the plane plus give the driver excellent manoeuvrability in dangerous conditions. The Zodiac FC 470 is continually being updated for its ever-changing roles. It can carry a maximum of 10 persons according to ISO6185 and the maximum payload including engine and fuels is 1250 kg (2755 lbs).
The FC 470 has a roll up floor made of aluminium slats that gives a usable floorboard area of 2.95 m². The inflatable tubes are constructed of Hypalon neoprene with 5 airtight compartments on the main buoyancy tube plus an inflatable keel and 2 large flow self bailers. The FC 470 has 2 C02 inflation points, 4 buoyancy tube intercommunication / inflation valves and 2 overpressure valves.
Reinforcements include all round rubbing strake, rubbing strakes under the keel and tubes plus a stainless steel bottom shoe on the transom. The engine transom pad is constructed of marine plywood with an aluminium engine mounting plate. For handling there are 10 lateral handles, 1 bow carrying handle, exterior and interior lifelines plus large tie-down D-rings plus bow and stern D-rings.