Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) (Swift Boat)

History

The PCF Boat (Patrol Craft, Fast) - colloquially known as "Speedboat" - is a product of Sewart Seacraft, Berwick, Louisiana, USA, who designed and built the vessel to US Navy military specifications. Compared to its more modular PBR (patrol boat, river) brethren, the approved design gained limited offensive capabilities and was armed with machine guns, mortars, and personal weapons for all crew members. The ship proved to be a fast, mobile and reliable platform that could conduct increasingly important river operations during the U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War.

Nearly 200 examples of this type were built, although only about 110 actually served in war under the U.S. Navy flag. Launched in 1965, global operators include Panama, the Philippines and Thailand, as well as ally South Vietnam.

Additionally, some of the ships were being used by warring forces when they were captured.

The Swift Boat has a recognizable silhouette, dominated by a fixed front cab. The stern of the wheelhouse is the main mast assembly. The pilot's cabin is located forward amidships, with three large rectangular windows along three slightly sloping panels. Additional windows dot the sides of the cab. Hinged access doors are mounted on the sides of the superstructure, and the lower superstructure has been fitted to the rear of the cab.

A dual 12.7mm (0.50 caliber) heavy machine gun configuration is mounted in the open-air gun pod and provides the main attack/defense for the ship. A third 12.7mm heavy machine gun was mounted on a trainable mount in the stern, to which an 81mm mortar was added in an "up and down" arrangement.

Additionally, the crew installed a 7.62mm M60 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) for increased firepower. Any personal weapons carried on board by the crew can also be used for firefights.

The Swift Boat ended up in three different production "brands", the Mk I, Mk II and Mk III - each with a slightly different approach to the original. The Mark II moved the deckhouse further amidships and redesigned the portholes for the cabin structure.

The Mark III is based on the Mark II, but is larger (it must be said, Swift Boats is not a particularly large boat).

Overall, Speedboats maintained an admirable combat record throughout the Vietnam War, both independently and as part of larger patrols. Vessels like these are also used for special forces deployment/evacuation missions, and their speed, flow quality and onboard space make them valuable. Despite their success, speedboats are often vulnerable to enemy missiles from shore and sea mines, forcing crews to remain vigilant during missions. A typical operator usually consists of six personnel, including an officer, a bosun, a radar/communication operator, an engineer, and two full-time machine gunners.

Power is provided by 2 Detroit Diesel marine engines, each producing 480 hp, giving the PCF over 20 knots under ideal conditions.

Specifications for Fast Patrol Craft (PCF)

Basic

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Performance

Armor

Wing