The upper part looks like it could go underwater/inverted like a US Coast Guard self righting rescue boat.
Many small fast targets in bad weather, with a lot of other stuff going on, in a narrow strait.......................not a good combination.
I fully accept that these craft and crew would have to be considered sacrificial if going up against a US Carrier task force (in any conditions).
Pesky and dangerous, one mistake, one error or pause in making a hard decision and the scale could tip. This we have seen many times over over the last 30 years.
Many complex US weapon systems last time I read, were on stand-by and took 20 minutes or more to become weapon ready.
http://www.mlb44.com/id1.html
http://www.mlb44.com/id7.html
http://www.mlb44.com/id3.html
Quote:
û Purpose: Search & Rescue Work Under Heavy Sea and Surf Conditions
û Capacity: 25 Men (including crew)
û Crew: 4 Men/Women
û Length (overall): 44’– 1 ½”
û Beam (over fenders): 12’– 8”
û Draft (normal): 3’– 2”
û Full Load Displacement including: 39,500 lbs.
Outfit: 1,500 lbs.
Fuel: 2,400 lbs.
and 25 Men
û Normal Operating Displacement: 35,360 lbs.
û Hoisting Weight: 34,865 lbs.
û Shipping Weight: 32,465 lbs.
û Hoisted by: Sling
û Construction: Round Bottom – Steel
û Speed (maximum): 14 knots (G.M.)
û Fuel Capacity: 330 Gallons
û Range (At full capacity): 150 Nautical Miles
û Power Plant: Two (2) GM 6V53 diesel engines (@ 185hp @2800 rpm)
û Electrical System: 24-Volt DC
û Propellers: Two (2) 30"d x 25"p x 2" bore
û Fire pump
Original cost in 1965..........$125,000
So much for inflation! Today it would cost over $500,000 to reproduce.
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