| Article number: | 10.11.009 |
Type: Patrol Torpedo boat (PT boat)
Length: Approximately 70 feet (approx. 21 metres)
Service: United States Navy
Year: Early 1940s, especially 1941
Role: Fast attack craft for torpedo attacks, patrols, reconnaissance
PT boats were small, fast motorboats used by the US Navy during World War II.
The 70-foot versions were an early generation of PT boats, primarily built by companies such as Elco and Higgins.
They were designed for fast attacks on larger enemy ships with torpedoes, but also for patrols and special operations.
Their small size made them agile, but they were vulnerable in engagements with larger ships or aircraft.
Length: 70 feet (approx. 21 metres)
Speed: Up to approximately 40-45 knots (74-83 km/h)
Armament:
Usually 4 torpedo tubes (21-inch torpedoes)
Various machine guns (such as .50 calibre Browning MGs)
20 mm and sometimes 37 mm cannons
Crew: Approximately 12-17 men
Engines: Powerful petrol engines, usually three powerful Packard V12s
PT boats were deployed for surprise attacks on enemy ships, especially in the Pacific Ocean against Japanese naval vessels.
They were also used for dropping off and picking up special commandos, rescue operations, and coastal patrols.
The most famous PT boat was PT-109, commanded by John F. Kennedy, who later became President of the USA.
Despite their vulnerability, PT boats were highly effective due to their speed and agility.
PT boats were often equipped with smoke generators to camouflage themselves during attacks.
They could only cover short distances and had limited armament compared to larger ships, but their surprise attacks made them notorious.
Many PT boats were built in a relatively short time and were vital to the US Navy in the early stages of WWII.
Specifications :
|
Drawing number |
10.11.009 |
|
Author |
L.C. Verhey |
|
Description |
70 ft PT boat (1941) - (US Navy) |
|
Quality |
sp/lines; side view; deck plan; construction instructions |
|
Scale |
1 : 75 |
|
Number of sheets A00 |
0 |
|
Number of sheets A0 |
0 |
|
Number of sheets A1 |
0 |
|
Number of sheets A2 |
1 |
|
Number of sheets A3 |
0 |
|
Number of sheets A4 |
0 |
|
Total number of drawing sheets |
1 |
|
Number of A4 text sheets |
0 |
|
Weight in grams |
65 |
|
Particulars |
l.o.a. 32 cm |
|
Remarks |