How fast pt boat

Later boats mounted one 40mm gun and four torpedo launching racks. Many boats received ad-hoc refits at advanced bases, mounting such light guns as Army Air Forces 37mm aircraft guns and even Japanese 23mm guns.

Some PTs later received rocket launchers. Originally conceived as antiship weapons, PTs were publicly, but erroneously, credited with sinking Japanese warships during the early months after Pearl Harbor.

During the long Solomons campaign, they operated usefully at night and times of low visibility against Japanese barge traffic in the "Slot. Some served off Normandy during that invasion. Though their primary mission continued to be seen as attack of surface ships and craft, PTs were also used effectively to lay mines and smoke screens, to rescue downed aviators, and to carry out intelligence or raider operations. Although more foot Elco boats were built than any other type of motor torpedo boat, other types were built by the U.

The British-designed foot Vosper boats which were built for Lend Lease fired inch torpedoes. Since the U. Navy wanted a larger PT boat. After experimentation, the first PT boat built in any quantity was the foot type built by Elco. These boats were used early in World War II. In in the Solomons, three of these foot PT boats, PT 59 , PT 60 and PT 61, were even converted into gunboats by stripping the boat of all original armament except for the two twin.

Kennedy was the first commanding officer of PT 59 after the conversion. Just observe all the rules and all will be safe. Every rule and precaution set up by the Navy usually has been originated because of some tragedy in the past. If an engineer does not want to be a flaming torch of fire, he had better sniff the engine room for gas fumes before he starts the engines or any electrical apparatus in the engine room.

Failure to do this has sent more than one PT man to his death. Countless engineers have saved themselves and their shipmates and their boats just by observing this one rule: Sniff before you turn on any switch! Gasoline fumes may be anywhere in the boat. Gasoline and gasoline vapors can flow to any part of the boat through the bilges.

A PT looks very peculiar without a charthouse. It happened in Tulagi and two men blew up with it. Don't be careless. Think of yourself and your shipmates. Observe the no smoking rules. Refueling is perhaps the most dangerous operation and consequently has the most rules: 1. Know where your CO2 release valves are. Have your CO2 bottles topside. Regular Skinner filter funnels are now in use having a ready set-up ground. If, in emergency, you must use the old-type funnel, be sure that you make a good ground for your hose, funnel, and chamois.

Have the first-aid kit topside or on the dock where you can get to it. No one can go after the kit if it is in the middle of a burning boat. Have as few men on board as possible.

Secure all switches. Be sure all breakages in your bonding system are repaired. Flow of gas must cease before you disconnect grounding wires.

Of course, the smoking lamp is out. Any added precautions that you learn from your own experience should also be observed and passed along. Be sure that all fire extinguishers, especially the hand ones, are full to capacity.

Once used they should be refilled as soon as possible even though only one tenth of the bottle was used. Once an extinguisher's seal is broken it should not be trusted for future use. Fire-fighting equipment on the boat itself should always be supplemented by an I. Four such pumps are issued to each squadron. They must be kept in a ready-to-go condition and placed on the fuel dock completely set up. This fire-fighting apparatus combines foam with water, thus making it an ideal smotherer of any type fire.

The Lux Hand trigger-release extinguisher can be used several times without loss from leakage. However, the release valve on your large portable extinguishers is not so reliable. Once the sealing cap is ruptured, the valve cannot be closed tightly enough to hold unexpended gas. The unexpended CO2 will leak away. Gas Mask. III or IV is as fine a mask as there is. As long as you take care of it-it will take care of you. You may never need it, but when you do-brother, you need it badly.

When your mask is issued to you, don't lay it aside and forget about it. Try it on-make the proper adjustments for a good fit. Stow your mask in a dry place away from excessive heat. Keep only gas protective equipment in your carrier. Don't sit or sleep on your mask. Inspect your mask regularly for defects. Remember your mask is issued only for protection against war gases.

Don't use it when spraying paint. It will not protect you from smoke or carbon monoxide, or any oxygen-deficient area. Gas can come at any time-any place-from any direction--listen and be warned -Be Ready. Every man is assigned a station and given responsibility for certain gear. This will differ with every boat.

The following is set down in order to emphasize several essential points and matters in the procedure known as "Abandoning Ship". The prime rule is: "Don't give up the ship. Leave nothing for the enemy. Demolition outfits should be on each boat. Learn how to use it. Above all, understand the difference between the "time fuse" and "instantaneous fuse". The latter called "Prima Cord" white or light core burns at the rate of 20, feet per second.

They are distinguished by the color of their cores. The importance of knowing the difference is too obvious to explain here. The "time fuse" black or dark core burns at the rate of sec. Another distinction is that the time fuse is ignited more easily with a match than the Prima Cord.

Prima Cord usually requires a cap to ignite it. Wearing of life jacket is a natural precaution. Everyone wears a jacket on patrol. Slipping on deck, stepping on loose expended shell casings, and sudden jolts have flung many PT men into the sea. Such an accident is well to discuss here for it is in fact "abandoning ship", though involuntarily.

Each man should prepare himself for this possibility. Be prepared. Have your life jacket on, have attached in some manner, a small flashlight waterproofed with rubber sheaths, whistle, a mirror, and your caliber pistol strapped on loaded with a clip of caliber tracer. A knife should always be carried on your person. If so equipped and you fall off over the side you have a variety of signalling gear with which to attract attention to your plight and your position.

Stay in the boat's wake and in the same spot, if possible, and start whistling and firing your tracer. The boat on hearing or seeing the noise or flashes will immediately reverse course and pick you up. It will be unusual for you to go out on patrol alone. There is generally another boat in your vicinity to give assistance. It is possible, though, for both to be disabled at the same time and both must evacuate. As a rule your boat will be fairly close to land if you meet disaster on a reef, from shore guns, plane bombing, or naval gunnery.

To reach land all you need is a fairly accurate knowledge of your position, a compass and a chart or map. The officer in charge should give the general course South or NE, or W, etc.

Then if separated each can strike in the proper direction. It is best to stick together, however, for in numbers there is greater safety. Each man on board will be responsible for certain kinds of gear to haul along. A list can be made out from the following, but first let us go through the whole procedure. That is, destroy all confidential gear beyond recognition and other gear beyond repair. It is wise to always have your publications in a weighted canvas bag or sack and throw them off only in deep water.

This drill is fully as important as the Abandon Ship Drill. Run them in conjunction for practice to insure complete familiarity with the duty assigned. For complete details on Destruction Bill see pp. The value of this publication cannot be overestimated. Before going over the side be sure you have all necessary gear lashed inside the life-rafts.

Most important, have a painter small line secured from the bow of the raft to the PT. This will prevent the raft from drifting away.

Don't forget your clips of 45 cal. A gun without ammunition is merely a club and you can pick a club up anywhere in the jungle. More pointers: Keep your clothes on and especially your shoes. Keep your hair dry, that is, don't jump into the water, just slide in.

Don't get into the raft. It is primarily a support and not a sail boat. In addition to the balsa raft, each boat is equipped with two 7-man 'lubber rafts which are ideal for abandoning ship. They are lightweight equipment and not designed to be used as dinghies. Maintain them for the one important purpose for which they are issued- Life Saving. The ability of your boat is amazing. This versatility has gained for it an important part in the fleet. To know what is expected of PTs and what you will be doing with them, do not fail to gain all the dope that's necessary to the operation of your boat.

Get it from your O. Remember it's the simple, common-sense things that are important. Plenty will depend on your spunk and nerve. It always helps to note that your boat is far superior to anything near its size. You have the best equipment available. With this knowledge should come the confidence that you with your boat can outgun, outmaneuver, outrun, outfight, any comparable enemy and often a much larger enemy. PT men need not be urged to fight-it's their routine.

That's why they are in PTs because they can fight and want to. One last word about combat. Know your recognition procedure. This is important knowledge for everyone on the boat. Study our planes and ships and those of the enemy.

Check all intelligence dope before you go out on patrol. You may be able to sneak up on a Jap barge but don't try it with one of Uncle Sammie's Dreadnaughts. Know your enemy and your friends. Here it is. Make the most of it. The listing that follows is not complete but it does give a good basis for packing your sea bag, though not all the gear listed is essential. Emphasis is placed on items which will add to your safety, cleanliness, comfort, and well-being. The list follows, in the raw:.

Sewing kit. Swimming trunks. Shaving gear and toilet articles. Scrub brush. Good to have : Soap box for soap good to keep cigarettes dry. Hand mirror that will not rust.

Educational correspondence courses. Sun glasses. Small pocket compass with magnifying glass if possible. Waterproof watch. Don't ruin your good watch. Extra watch straps. Sneakers and moccasins. Lighter with flints and wicks. Band aids. Fountain pen. Fishing tackle. Some outfits take some for the whole squadron. Ear plugs engine room noise and swimming. Padlock combination if possible. World Almanac. One on every boat will settle many arguments. Address book. Settle these before leaving : Have insurance and will squared away.

Check your allotments. Give power-of-attorney to trustworthy person. You will do most of your own laundry, so get a Kiyi brush. Soap, shaving gear except razors are usually available. The best watch straps are canvas no metal parts. Carry a couple.

An extra seabag may be used to send home excess gear or souvenirs. A knife is carried by every good sailor. The whistle and reflector are useful in signaling. Have a compass to find your way if you are in the jungle or adrift in a raft. The magnifying glass can be used to start a fire. Put your name on the canteen issued to you.

Keep it on your web belt for going over the side and have it full of water. Flashlights are always useful. Put one in your life jacket. Do not waste this time. Learn something. Knowledge is valuable, and acquiring it will make time go faster.

Correspondence courses are open to you in almost any subject that interests you. You may earn high-school and college credits through this medium. Armed Forces Institute , Madison, Wisconsin. Diving masks can give great pleasure. There is a whole new world of fantastic beauty open to you a few feet below the water's surface.

A mask will increase your swimming pleasure percent. After it is issued to you, keep your own life jacket. Stow in it the suggested signaling gear. Keep it clean; and dry it out every day. A wet, soggy jacket will bring you to the bottom instead of to the top. Hang it in an up-side down position. Fountain pens are difficult to get these days. Take care of the one you have. A song session is always welcome under a South Sea moon. Take a musical instrument if it can stand the gaff.

Ear plugs are helpful in preventing fungus infection. Moccasins are easy to get on if you're in a sack when an air raid sounds. Sneakers are good for coral fishing. Band aids are always helpful. Maps of the world to keep you up with the war and for general interest. Maybe you can prove to the boys that Sheboygan is on the map.

Books on geography are surprisingly interesting. Games will help to pass the hours. Always try to set up a tournament or competition. It is much more fun this way and the pleasure is lasting. Allot most of your money so you will not get caught or tempted by the card sharks and dice shooters. Swiss files and chisels or any similar small tools are a great help in smoothing out souvenirs. Song books are good. Square away your finances before you go away.

It will save you a lot of headaches and worry. Rather than depending on money orders, which are often hard to get, set up a checking account so you can send presents home and pay small bills. Likewise, observe all the health requirements put out by your squadron doctor. If you want to die or want to get that I-want-to-die feeling, just fail to take your anti-malaria doses.

Malaria is the chief threat to your health not only in the area but in later life. You may not seem to have malaria while in the combat zone, but when you come home, it is liable to come out openly. Ask a few vets. They know. Take your medicine and be glad that it is available. Fungus infections are very prevalent in the Area. They are most uncomfortable and can lead to serious impairment of hearing, breathing, sight, and manual dexterity.

Athlete's foot is the usual ailment. This disease appears generally on the feet between the toes at first. Then it travels up the legs to the crotch, armpits, hands, and eyes. The scratching irritation is terrific and the raw sores created by scratching are excellent entry spots for other foreign bacteria causing serious complications. Prevention is the best advice. Wear white socks and air your feet often. Men on patrol sometimes go 2 or 3 days without taking off their shoes.

The dampness, sweating, and spray keep their feet continuously wet and without air. Your feet must breathe. Take your shoes and socks off at least every 24 hours. Dry them out and put on dry footwear.

Also at D-Day, similar landing craft made by Higgins were modified to fire rockets at the shore to suppress shore positions. But it was during island hopping across the Pacific where the torpedo boats really earned their fame. John F. Kennedy would learn when PT was rammed by a Japanese destroyer, forcing Kennedy and 11 survivors to swim through shark-infested water for hours.

The patrol boats served across the world, from the Pacific to the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, and thousands of sailors from the Coast Guard and Navy served on these small vessels, downing tens of thousands of tons of enemy shipping.

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It is built using state-of-the-art, high quality components with a year life cycle. The 45 Meter FPB is a highly survivable and lethal surface vessel. The weapon station is equipped with an electro-optic sensor system for automatic target tracking and engagement capability. Its dual-feed automatic cannon has a rate of fire of rounds a minute. The vessel is also fitted with an engine and gearbox control and monitoring system ADEC. We design, build, integrate, and maintain naval vessels for multiple uses: from border protection to lower-intensity threat missions and high-demand or high-threat law enforcement scenarios.