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Elco 80ft PT boat (pennant number 565)

Elco 80ft PT boat (pennant number 565) kit (x1). 3D printed hull and detail parts included.

€21.95

Tax included

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Description

Elco 80ft PT boat (pennant number 565) kit (x1). 3D printed hull and detail parts included.

With the launching of PT-1 03 on 16 May 1942, Elco unveiled its new class of 80-foot boats, which would become the premier patrol-torpedo boar of the Pacific Theater.
With its nearly flat foredeck, staggered turrets, and angular chart house, it bore little resemblance to its Elco 70-foot and 77-foot predecessors. However, it retained the same
types of main engines and torpedo tubes as the Elco PT-20-68 class. Weighing five tons more than the 77 -foot Elcos, the 80-footers were slightly slower and less maneuverable
but exhibited better sea-keeping characteristics. Initial armament consisted of four torpedo tubes, depth charges, .50-caliber machine guns, and a single, aft-mounted 20mm
Oerlikon cannon.

The design was not fixed, however. Smoke generators were added on the after deck by PT-115. In 1943 the spray shields around the engine room hatch were
deleted, and the hatch redesigned to double as an air intake. Beginning with PT-325 the seven-inch topside of the aft cabin, as well as two of the engine room cowl ventilators
were eliminated. Radar equipment began to be installed in 1943, along with more and larger weapons, making the boats more effective as nighttime barge busters.

Also in 1943, the power of the Packard engines was raised from 1,200 to 1,350 horsepower, increasing the top speed of the boats to 43 knots. In 1944 the torpedo rubes were replaced with roll-off racks, and a 40mm cannon added at the stern. Engine horsepower further increased to 1,500 to cope with the added weight. Rocket launchers were added, and in 1945 a 37mm automatic gun began to be fitted as well.