Atlantic 85-class lifeboat

The Atlantic 85 is part of the B-class of lifeboats that serve the shores of the United Kingdom and Ireland as a part of the RNLI inshore fleet.

The Atlantic 85 is the third generation B-class Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) developed from the Atlantic 21 and the later Atlantic 75. The Atlantic design of the B-class of lifeboats is named after Atlantic College, where the design was originally developed.

Design
The hull is constructed in a fibre reinforced composite, consisting of a carbon fibre and foam core laminate with an epoxy glass and foam sandwich layup. The tubes are Hypalon.

The boat is powered by twin 115 hp Yamaha 4-stroke outboard engines that have been inversion-proofed to ensure the engines are still operational after a capsize.

Like previous RIBs, it has a manually operated self-righting mechanism that deploys an airbag mounted atop the A-frame. It is capable of being beached in an emergency without sustaining damage to engines or steering gear. The Atlantic 85 is fitted with radar and VHF direction finding equipment and can be operated safely in daylight in a force 6/7 and at night in a force 5/6.

The Atlantic 85 also has intercom communications between the crew and VHF radio via their helmets. The lifeboat is also equipped with the RNLI's SIMS (ship information & management system) which provides the crew with combined chartplotter and AIS, radar and VHF directional finding capability. It also carries searchlights, handheld night-vision equipment and illuminating paraflares for night-time operations, as well as casualty care equipment.

To ensure equipment is kept to a high standard of repair, boats go through annual or bi-annual overhauls, and 4-year refits.

Gallery
 File:Atlantic 85 controls (B805).jpg|A close up of the console & controls of Atlantic 85 B-805 File:Jesse Hilliard - B805.jpg|Atlantic 85 B-805 launching in Bangor in 2008 File:ILBs off Blue Anchor.jpg|Atlantic 85 B-824 with an Atlantic 75 & a D class in 2010 File:Porthcawl Atlantic 85 hard left - B832.jpg|Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011 File:Porthcawl Atlantic 85 - B832.jpg|Atlantic 85 B-832 in Porthcawl in 2011 File:RNLI B class Atlantic 85 lifeboat, Poole, England arp.jpg|Atlantic 85 (B-826) at Poole in 2017 