Item:
ONSV24TMB206

Original U.S. Vietnam War Era 3-Person Pneumatic Reconnaissance Boat Set With Oars, Pump and Carry Case

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptional opportunity to acquire a vital piece of equipment for Reconnaissance Teams and Special Forces who were deployed in Vietnam. The three-person pneumatic reconnaissance boat is a specially designed craft that can carry a crew along with their individual equipment, making it an invaluable tool for conducting reconnaissance missions across or along streams or rivers with a current of up to four feet per second.

The boat's inflatable construction makes it lightweight and easy to transport, while its durable design ensures it can withstand the rigors of the toughest terrains. The boat's three-person capacity makes it ideal for small teams, allowing them to move quickly and efficiently across waterways while remaining undetected.

The following is the original description of the pneumatic boat, as found in the Operator’s Manual (not included):

“The types of mission which can be accomplished include measurement of stream width and depth, determining types of stream or river bottom, and inspecting bank conditions for suitability of bridge and ferry sites. The boat may also be used for general utility work in bridge construction and for river crossings for infiltration of ranger or guerrilla type personnel into enemy territory. One-man operation of the boat is made possible by means of two oarlocks attached to the left- hand and right-hand upper portions of the flotation tube.

The boat is approximately 9 feet (2.75 meters) long and 4 feet (1.22 meters) wide when inflated and is fabricated from neoprene coated nylon cloth. The unit consists primarily of a main flotation tube, divided into four separate air compartments, and a floor (with skeg underneath) which forms a separate air chamber.

The boat is equipped with five inflation valves to facilitate inflation, and incorporates a life- line which traverses the periphery of the flotation tube A tow rope is attached to the boat at the bow. The flotation tube is approximately 12 inches (305 mm) in diameter when inflated and includes four semihemispherical bulkheads which form four air- tight compartments.

Each of these compartments and the inflatable floor incorporates an inflation valve. The floor is of two-ply neoprene coated nylon cloth construction in order to provide maximum resistance to wear and abrasion. The integral skeg inflates simultaneously with the floor and aids in control and maneuvering of the boat. A repair kit pocket containing repair kit is attached to the inner portion of the flotation tube ring at the bow. The repair kit contains the repair materials and instructions for their use. The two oarlocks are attached to the left hand and right hand upper portions of the flotation tube.”

Although the exterior of the boat's components appear to be in good condition, we did not attempt to use the pump to inflate the boat. As a result, we cannot guarantee that it would successfully float as it was originally intended. There may be issues with the components that we could not identify without inflating the boat. For this reason, we recommend that this item be used solely as a static display and not as an operable craft, as it may not be safe to use it in the water. It is important to take caution and prioritize safety when using any watercraft.

A wonderful example that comes more than ready for further research and display.

  • This product is available for international shipping.
  • Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle

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