Semi-submersible naval vessel

The Monitor is noted for its role in the Battle of Hampton Roads in 1862, when it fought indecisively against the casemate ironclad, CSS Virginia.

The novel design of the ship, distinguished by its revolving turret and low profile, was quickly duplicated and established the monitor type of warship for use in shallow coastal waters.

[1] Its low-freeboard deck—only 18 inches (46 cm) above the water—with a single gun turret gave it the appearance of a "cheesebox on a raft", according to observers of the time.

The Imperial Russian Navy developed semi-submersible vessels—starting with the Keta [ru]—which were designed to be torpedo boats with low visibility for coastal protection against enemy warships.

[3] According to the Covert Shores Naval Warfare Blog, North Korea's Korean People's Navy developed semi-submersible for infiltration of agents and use by special forces.

[5] In 2002, North Korea delivered five Taedong semi-submersible vessels to the Iranian Navy as part of an arms shipment that included other types of gunboats and patrol boats.

Its aft payload bay is configured to accommodate either two inflatable boats, one special forces modified jet ski, or eight seats.