RCS Vanguard
RCS Forefront
RCS Spearhead
RCS Protector
The Vanguard-class is a class of minehunter built for the Republic of Cabinda Navy. These small fibreglass vessels are built almost entirely of non-magnetic materials and are designed to resist high shock levels. The Vanguard-class vessels are be equipped with an extensive array of equipment to search for, locate and destroy naval mines, ranging from two autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and two remotely operated vehicles (ROV) to hull-mounted sensors.
Mainly intended for domestic use, the vessels can also participate in international missions as they are internationally interoperable. The vessels can also be used for seabed surveying, underwater exploration, and identifying and defusing underwater explosives. The vessel features a monohull design, built from composite materials. Fibreglass is used for the hull, decks and bulkheads. The decks are further strengthened with balsa and carbon fibre materials for shock resistance against underwater explosions. The advanced materials used in the construction will reduce the magnetic and acoustic signatures that could set off the mines. Total of 4 ships were built locally by Cabinda Shipyards, commissioned from 1998-2002.