What-If Modern PT Gunboats

[Sr. Gopher]

After recent incidents off Somalia, do you think it would be a good idea to have some modern versions of the PT Gunboats?I mean, even with all of these modern radars and missiles, there are HUGE gaps between the available ships in that area. The PTGBs could easily fight off most of the hostile craft on those waters. Just some thoughts.

[carr]

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[Cliffy B]

What kind of mission do you want these boats to perform? Do you want them inshore doing martime security and spec ops support or do want them to have some sort of blue water capapbility with anti-ship weapons? That would define the weapon systems right there.

I personally would like to see a modern version of the PHM brought back but maybe with out the hydrofoils. I know they were one of its greatest features allowing it to 40 some odd knots allowing to scream in on a bad guy, dump 8 Harpoons and scream away before they could get after it. Couldn't we get a boat up to those speeds now without needing the foils? Anyone know?

I'd think if we did build a new one today a good gun for either in shore or blue water ops would be the newer Italian model of the OTO 3"/76; the SR or super rapid model. The thing can pump out 3" shells at 120 RPM and can engage subsonic sea skimmers at 6,000 yards. Giving this little gun boat a very well rounded offensive and defensive capability with the gun alone. Add a 25mm and a few .50 cals and the guns are rounded out. Stingers are nice but if she's big enough (IE blue water) then I think a 21 round RAM launcher would go nicely along with two quad Harpoon launchers.

I think something maybe twice the size of a Cyclone would be rather nice. Might even be able to add a 2nd 3"/76 and/or 25mm. Speed though would be the key and I think that with modern engine technology you could push something like this at least 30 if not 40+ knots easy.

Comments?

[Timmy C]

I personally would like to see a modern version of the PHM brought back but maybe with out the hydrofoils. I know they were one of its greatest features allowing it to 40 some odd knots allowing to scream in on a bad guy, dump 8 Harpoons and scream away before they could get after it. Couldn't we get a boat up to those speeds now without needing the foils? Anyone know?

Catamaran hull like the Chinese did (Type 22 at 36 knots) or trimaran like the LCS-2, or just throw in some huge engines like the LCS-1.

[carr]

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[Sr. Gopher]

I forgot what they are called, but a close-in escort with the range and armament to independently defend other ships in the area. Also, if need be, go on the offensive against the intruders. I'll see if I can get a quick sketch up about what it should look like.

[carr]

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[Sr. Gopher]

I'm really sorry - no wonder I didn't do so well in English - I meant that for use against pirate boats and perhaps, submarines.

[carr]

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[Sr. Gopher]

Ok, Ok, I see that the modern fleet has more than nuke ships!!! (Please don't critisize me , I usually stick to WWII).

[carr]

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