The D-class (RFD 320) lifeboat is a class of inflatable boat operated between 1967 and 1983 by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution of the United Kingdom and Ireland.
They were manufactured by R.F.D. Co.Ltd of Gadalming, Surrey, a company founded by engineer Reginald Foster Dagnall. Over time, RFD became a synonym for "Rapid Flotation Devices".
Utilization For more than 60 years the D-class has served as the workhorse of the RNLI Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) fleet. The D-class is one of the few RNLI types not to feature a rigid hull. The D-class was specifically designed as a light and highly manoeuvrable rapid response craft, especially suited to close shore work.
There were only six D-class (RFD 320) boats in the RNLI Fleet, and all were utilised as Boarding Boats.
RNLI Fleet Op. No. Name In service Station Comments D-77 1967–1980 Boarding Boat (Y1) D-78 1967–1976 Boarding Boat (Y2) D-79 1967–1981 Boarding Boat (Y3) D-80 1967–1983 Boarding Boat (Y4) D-118 1966–1980 Boarding Boat (Y6) D-119 1966–1976 Boarding Boat (Y7)
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