Difference between revisions of "PT-103"

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{{Specs-Card|code=us_elco_80ft_pt_boat}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=us_elco_80ft_pt_boat
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship’s creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot. If a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them understand which ship is being discussed.''-->
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<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American motor torpedo boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] as part of the fleet closed beta test.
−
{{Break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American motor torpedo boat {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] as part of the fleet closed beta test.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armament separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Tips for preserving survivability should be saved for the "Use in battle" section.''
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' -->
 +
The Elco 80 ft PT-103 has relatively average survivability for a boat of its size. The boat lacks armour (apart from some hardened armour on the bridge and on the Oerlikon cannon) and is constructed entirely out of wood, resulting in poor survivability. The ship boat a crew count of 12 crew members, which is pretty average for the most part. The vital components are clustered towards the centre of the vessel, which is pretty normal for most boats of its size.
  
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''If necessary, use a graphic template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''
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=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
 +
<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' -->
 +
The PT-103 has decent mobility for a small MTB. The boat can make a top speed of 106 km/h in AB spaded, or 76 km/h in RB spaded; this makes it a very fast vessel, slower than some Soviet boats like the [[G-5 (Family)|G-5]] or [[Pr. 123K "Komsomolets"|Pr. 123]], but faster than most boats at its BR. The rudder shift and turning agility aren't the best, given that the PT-103 is a relatively large PT boat. As a result, it is always safer to plan your manoeuvres well before you execute them with this ship, since the vessel's turning circle and agility are subpar even with the rudder replacement upgrade.
  
−
=== Mobility ===
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{{NavalMobility}}
−
''Write about the ship’s mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward speed and reverse speed.''
+
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
 +
<!-- ''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.'' -->
 
{{main|AN-M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|AN-M2 (12.7 mm)}}
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''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells.''
+
 
 +
The primary armament consists of two twin .50 cal M2 Browning machine gun turrets, for a total of 4 .50 cal machine guns. The turrets are set towards the centre of the hull, one to the right of the bridge and one to the left, rear, of the pilot house. One drawback of the turret placement is that only one turret (2 machine guns) can be pointed in most directions. Only one turret can fire forwards, only one turret can fire to the left, both turrets can fire to the right, and neither turret can fire towards the rear. On the other hand, the turrets have excellent elevation angles (up to +60 degrees), allowing these turrets to effectively engage aerial targets. The .50 cals can shred torpedo boats in seconds, especially when broadside, but against more heavily armoured targets they may struggle. Against aerial targets, multiple hits will normally be required to down one, but with the good fire rate of 576 rpm multiple hits can be regularly attained.
 +
 
 +
Three ammo belts are available:
 +
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}
 +
* '''.50 AP belt:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}
 +
* '''.50 APIT belt:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}
 +
 
 +
{{:AN-M2 (12.7 mm)/Ammunition|AP, I, API-T}}
  
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
−
{{main|Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}
−
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armament and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section.''
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<!-- ''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.'' -->
 +
{{main|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
PT-103's secondary armament consists of one 20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II autocannon. The Oerlikon cannon is mounted on the rear deck of the ship, and it has very good traverse (±180 degrees) and elevation angles (-5 to +60 degrees). The fire rate of 450 rpm is decent, and the reloading rate is very quick at only 4 seconds. The 20 mm can be used against air and sea targets, and deals heavy damage; it can cripple an enemy aircraft with as few as only one hit, and can also disable an enemy torpedo boat in seconds. The only downside to the Oerlikon is its placement: it can not fire to the front of the ship. This means that you will not be able to get the Oerlikon on target when facing towards the enemy. It is not recommended to face the rear of the ship towards the enemy, but in the case that an enemy gets behind you, the 20 mm can deal heavy damage very quickly. It can also fire to the sides.
 +
 
 +
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
 +
* '''20 mm HE:''' {{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
 +
* '''20 mm AP:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
 +
 
 +
{{:20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-T, AP-T, HEF-I}}
 +
 
 +
=== Additional armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.'' -->
 +
{{main|21 in Mk.8 (533 mm)|Mk.6 depth charge}}
  
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=== Torpedo armament ===
+
Two Mk.8 torpedoes can be equipped, even when stock; they are located one on each side of the bridge. They are not independently aimed, and as such to aim them you will have to turn the entire hull of the ship. They can be fired at any speed, with any direction of travel. These torpedoes can be incredibly useful, as they can usually destroy smaller boats outright, and will severely damage even most of the largest ships you will face. The torpedoes have an arming distance of 50 m and a travel distance of up to 9.14 km.
−
{{main|21 in Mk.8 (533 mm)}}
 
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''Many ships are armed with torpedo launchers, and for some vessels such as boats, torpedoes are an extremely important means of defeating an opponent. Evaluate the position of the torpedo launchers, discuss the ammunition available, firing specifics such as dead zones, features of the torpedoes themselves, etc.''
 
  
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=== Special armament ===
+
After research, 8 x Mk.6 depth charges can be equipped. They are located on either side of the hull rear, with four on each side. These will generally not be effective in combat, although in certain rare situations they can be. As such, you may consider not bringing depth charges, as most of the time they will not be useful, and they also function as additional ammo racks, increasing the likelihood of your untimely demise.
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{{main|Mk.6 depth charge}}
 
−
''Depth charges, mines, rocket launchers and missiles are also effective in skilled hands and can be an unexpected surprise for an opponent. Evaluate the ammunition of this type of armament and rate its performance in combat.''
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don’t get try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The PT-103 is a versatile light motor torpedo boat well-suited to flanking and ambushing, with a good combination of gun and torpedo armament.
 +
 
 +
The PT-103's gun armament consists of a 20 mm Oerlikon autocannon plus two dual AN-M2 12.7 mm machine guns, which is quite adequate at its BR. However, the weapons are split into two weapons groups, with the Oerlikon set as a secondary weapon. Additionally, the PT-103 suffers from poor firing arcs: the 12.7 mm machine guns cannot fire towards the rear, while the Oerlikon cannot fire forwards. The best way to make use of this vehicle's armament is to flank right of the target, as you can fire all three turrets in this direction. Additionally, the PT-103 has two torpedoes which can be used to destroy any larger vessels, such as sub-chasers and barges.
 +
 
 +
In terms of survivability, the PT-103 has a mediocre crew count of 12 crew members, meaning that the vehicle should be played with caution. Thus, you should try to employ ambush tactics in order to preserve the PT-103's survivability. Hide behind smaller islands and destroy any coastal ships, large or small, as they pass into your line of fire. While the PT-103 is a fast boat, it isn't too agile, and also has a large profile, so you'd want to avoid rushing forward and/or capturing bases. Instead, flank and utilize your powerful armament to decimate any enemy torpedo boats.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Very strong armament at its BR: four 12.7 mm and one 20 mm cannon provide substantial anti-ship firepower
 +
** Ship can outgun virtually any other motor torpedo boat at its BR, though motor gun boats may have more armament
 +
* Gets access to 533 mm torpedoes which can destroy any targets that the guns cannot
 +
* High top speed of 106 km/h in AB or 76 km/h in RB
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Poor survivability, as the entire hull is unprotected and made from wood
 +
** Mediocre crew count of twelve crew members
 +
* While top speed is great, turning mobility is quite subpar compared to other small MTBs
 +
* Guns have suboptimal firing arcs, as the 20 mm Oerlikon cannot fire forwards
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
The ship had a displacement of 56 t, a length of 80 ft, a beam of 20 ft 8 in, and a draft of 5 ft. It was powered by three 3,600 shp Packard W-14 M2500 gasoline engines, and had three shafts. The armament consisted of one single 40 mm mount, four 21" torpedoes, one 37 mm mount (added by the crew on August 1, 1943), one 20mm mount, and two twin .50 cal. machine guns. The crew complement was 17 sailors and officers, and the maximum speed of 41 knots.
+
PT-103 was laid down on January 24, 1942 by the Electric Boat Co., Elco Works, in Bayonne, New Jersey. It was launched on May 16, 1942, and was completed on June 12, 1942. It entered service as the USS '''PT-103'''.
 +
 
 +
It was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 5 (MTBRon 5), commanded by CDR Henry Farrow, USN. MTBRon 5 was assigned to the Panama Sea Frontier from 1942 to 1943. Afterwards, it was sent to the Solomon Islands where it saw action at a number of locations, including Rendova, Vella Lavella, Treasury, Bougainville, Green, and Emirau. At the end of 1944 the squadron was disbanded, and the ships were distributed between other squadrons to replace lost ships.
 +
 
 +
The USS PT-103 was transferred to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 18 (MTBRon 18) under the command of LT Edward MacCauley, III, USNR, on February 15, 1945. MTBRon 18 was assigned to the Southwest Pacific. It saw action at Dreger Harbor, Aitape, Hollandia, Wakde, and Mios Woendi, in New Guinea; at Manus in the Admiralties; and at Morotai in the Halmaheras. The squadron was also temporarily based at Kana Kopa, New Guinea, and later at San Pedro Bay, Philippines. PT-103 was scuttled by American forces on November 4, 1945, at Samar, Philippines.
 +
 
 +
The ship had a displacement of 56 t, a length of 80 ft, a beam of 20 ft 8 in, and a draft of 5 ft. It was powered by three 3,600 shp Packard W-14 M2500 gasoline engines, and had three shafts. The armament consisted of one single 40 mm mount, four 21" torpedoes, one 37 mm mount (added by the crew on August 1, 1943), one 20 mm mount, and two twin .50 cal. machine guns. The crew complement was 17 sailors and officers, and the maximum speed of 41 knots.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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 +
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_elco_80ft_pt_boat Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
−
 
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
=== References ===
−
* ''encyclopedia page on ship;''
+
;Bibliography
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* Radigan, Joseph M. PT-103. NavSource Naval History. http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/05103.htm
  
 +
{{ShipManufacturer Elco}}
 
{{USA boats}}
 
{{USA boats}}
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−
== Bibliography ==
 
−
 
−
* Radigan, Joseph M. PT-103. NavSource Naval History. http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/05103.htm
 

Latest revision as of 21:56, 5 March 2023

PT-103
us_elco_80ft_pt_boat.png
GarageImage PT-103.jpg
PT-103
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 1.7 1.7
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Elco 80 ft PT-103 is a rank II American motor torpedo boat with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X" as part of the fleet closed beta test.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 mm (wood)
Superstructure15 mm (wood)
Number of section3
Displacement38 t
Crew12 people

The Elco 80 ft PT-103 has relatively average survivability for a boat of its size. The boat lacks armour (apart from some hardened armour on the bridge and on the Oerlikon cannon) and is constructed entirely out of wood, resulting in poor survivability. The ship boat a crew count of 12 crew members, which is pretty average for the most part. The vital components are clustered towards the centre of the vessel, which is pretty normal for most boats of its size.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB106 / 30 km/h
RB76 / 22 km/h

The PT-103 has decent mobility for a small MTB. The boat can make a top speed of 106 km/h in AB spaded, or 76 km/h in RB spaded; this makes it a very fast vessel, slower than some Soviet boats like the G-5 or Pr. 123, but faster than most boats at its BR. The rudder shift and turning agility aren't the best, given that the PT-103 is a relatively large PT boat. As a result, it is always safer to plan your manoeuvres well before you execute them with this ship, since the vessel's turning circle and agility are subpar even with the rudder replacement upgrade.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 106 30
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 76 22

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB469 → 584 Sl icon.png
RB691 → 860 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 430 Rp icon.png
9 410 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces180 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
50 / 70 / 100 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
.50 AP belt
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
20 mm HE magazines
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
.50 APIT belt
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
20 mm AP magazines
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods depth charge.png
Depth Charges
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods ship art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
185 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

2 х Turret2 x 12.7 mm Browning AN-M2 machine gun
Ammunition4000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Fire rate577 shots/min
Vertical guidance-7° / 60°
Main article: AN-M2 (12.7 mm)

The primary armament consists of two twin .50 cal M2 Browning machine gun turrets, for a total of 4 .50 cal machine guns. The turrets are set towards the centre of the hull, one to the right of the bridge and one to the left, rear, of the pilot house. One drawback of the turret placement is that only one turret (2 machine guns) can be pointed in most directions. Only one turret can fire forwards, only one turret can fire to the left, both turrets can fire to the right, and neither turret can fire towards the rear. On the other hand, the turrets have excellent elevation angles (up to +60 degrees), allowing these turrets to effectively engage aerial targets. The .50 cals can shred torpedo boats in seconds, especially when broadside, but against more heavily armoured targets they may struggle. Against aerial targets, multiple hits will normally be required to down one, but with the good fire rate of 576 rpm multiple hits can be regularly attained.

Three ammo belts are available:

  • Universal: API-T · AP · I · AP
  • .50 AP belt: API-T · AP · AP · AP
  • .50 APIT belt: API-T · API-T · API-T · I

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
AP 29 28 25 20 17 14
I 2 2 2 2 2 2
API-T 28 27 23 19 15 11
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AP 856 0.05 - - - 47° 56° 65°
I 944 0.04 0.02 0.3 1.2 47° 56° 65°
API-T 887 0.04 - - - 47° 56° 65°

Secondary armament

Turret20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II autocannon
Ammunition1800 rounds
Belt capacity60 rounds
Fire rate450 shots/min
Main article: 20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)

PT-103's secondary armament consists of one 20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II autocannon. The Oerlikon cannon is mounted on the rear deck of the ship, and it has very good traverse (±180 degrees) and elevation angles (-5 to +60 degrees). The fire rate of 450 rpm is decent, and the reloading rate is very quick at only 4 seconds. The 20 mm can be used against air and sea targets, and deals heavy damage; it can cripple an enemy aircraft with as few as only one hit, and can also disable an enemy torpedo boat in seconds. The only downside to the Oerlikon is its placement: it can not fire to the front of the ship. This means that you will not be able to get the Oerlikon on target when facing towards the enemy. It is not recommended to face the rear of the ship towards the enemy, but in the case that an enemy gets behind you, the 20 mm can deal heavy damage very quickly. It can also fire to the sides.

  • Universal: HEF-T · HEF-I · AP-T
  • 20 mm HE: HEF-T · HEF-I · AP-T · HEF-I
  • 20 mm AP: AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · HEF-I

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEF-T 2 2 2 2 2 2
AP-T 34 32 24 17 12 8
HEF-I 2 2 2 2 2 2
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEF-T 830 0.12 0 0.1 6.57 79° 80° 81°
AP-T 830 0.12 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEF-I 830 0.12 0 0.1 11.17 79° 80° 81°

Additional armament

Setup 12 x 21 in wet-heating Mk.8 torpedo
Setup 28 x Mk.6 depth charge
Setup 32 x 21 in wet-heating Mk.8 torpedo
8 x Mk.6 depth charge
Main articles: 21 in Mk.8 (533 mm), Mk.6 depth charge

Two Mk.8 torpedoes can be equipped, even when stock; they are located one on each side of the bridge. They are not independently aimed, and as such to aim them you will have to turn the entire hull of the ship. They can be fired at any speed, with any direction of travel. These torpedoes can be incredibly useful, as they can usually destroy smaller boats outright, and will severely damage even most of the largest ships you will face. The torpedoes have an arming distance of 50 m and a travel distance of up to 9.14 km.

After research, 8 x Mk.6 depth charges can be equipped. They are located on either side of the hull rear, with four on each side. These will generally not be effective in combat, although in certain rare situations they can be. As such, you may consider not bringing depth charges, as most of the time they will not be useful, and they also function as additional ammo racks, increasing the likelihood of your untimely demise.

Usage in battles

The PT-103 is a versatile light motor torpedo boat well-suited to flanking and ambushing, with a good combination of gun and torpedo armament.

The PT-103's gun armament consists of a 20 mm Oerlikon autocannon plus two dual AN-M2 12.7 mm machine guns, which is quite adequate at its BR. However, the weapons are split into two weapons groups, with the Oerlikon set as a secondary weapon. Additionally, the PT-103 suffers from poor firing arcs: the 12.7 mm machine guns cannot fire towards the rear, while the Oerlikon cannot fire forwards. The best way to make use of this vehicle's armament is to flank right of the target, as you can fire all three turrets in this direction. Additionally, the PT-103 has two torpedoes which can be used to destroy any larger vessels, such as sub-chasers and barges.

In terms of survivability, the PT-103 has a mediocre crew count of 12 crew members, meaning that the vehicle should be played with caution. Thus, you should try to employ ambush tactics in order to preserve the PT-103's survivability. Hide behind smaller islands and destroy any coastal ships, large or small, as they pass into your line of fire. While the PT-103 is a fast boat, it isn't too agile, and also has a large profile, so you'd want to avoid rushing forward and/or capturing bases. Instead, flank and utilize your powerful armament to decimate any enemy torpedo boats.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very strong armament at its BR: four 12.7 mm and one 20 mm cannon provide substantial anti-ship firepower
    • Ship can outgun virtually any other motor torpedo boat at its BR, though motor gun boats may have more armament
  • Gets access to 533 mm torpedoes which can destroy any targets that the guns cannot
  • High top speed of 106 km/h in AB or 76 km/h in RB

Cons:

  • Poor survivability, as the entire hull is unprotected and made from wood
    • Mediocre crew count of twelve crew members
  • While top speed is great, turning mobility is quite subpar compared to other small MTBs
  • Guns have suboptimal firing arcs, as the 20 mm Oerlikon cannot fire forwards

History

PT-103 was laid down on January 24, 1942 by the Electric Boat Co., Elco Works, in Bayonne, New Jersey. It was launched on May 16, 1942, and was completed on June 12, 1942. It entered service as the USS PT-103.

It was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 5 (MTBRon 5), commanded by CDR Henry Farrow, USN. MTBRon 5 was assigned to the Panama Sea Frontier from 1942 to 1943. Afterwards, it was sent to the Solomon Islands where it saw action at a number of locations, including Rendova, Vella Lavella, Treasury, Bougainville, Green, and Emirau. At the end of 1944 the squadron was disbanded, and the ships were distributed between other squadrons to replace lost ships.

The USS PT-103 was transferred to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 18 (MTBRon 18) under the command of LT Edward MacCauley, III, USNR, on February 15, 1945. MTBRon 18 was assigned to the Southwest Pacific. It saw action at Dreger Harbor, Aitape, Hollandia, Wakde, and Mios Woendi, in New Guinea; at Manus in the Admiralties; and at Morotai in the Halmaheras. The squadron was also temporarily based at Kana Kopa, New Guinea, and later at San Pedro Bay, Philippines. PT-103 was scuttled by American forces on November 4, 1945, at Samar, Philippines.

The ship had a displacement of 56 t, a length of 80 ft, a beam of 20 ft 8 in, and a draft of 5 ft. It was powered by three 3,600 shp Packard W-14 M2500 gasoline engines, and had three shafts. The armament consisted of one single 40 mm mount, four 21" torpedoes, one 37 mm mount (added by the crew on August 1, 1943), one 20 mm mount, and two twin .50 cal. machine guns. The crew complement was 17 sailors and officers, and the maximum speed of 41 knots.

Media

Skins

See also

Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the ship;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

References

Bibliography


Electric Launch Company (Elco) Ships
Patrol Torpedo Boats (PT) 
77' PT  PT-20 · PT-59
80' PT  PT-103 · PT-109 · PT-174 · PT-314 · Thunderbolt (PT-556) · PT-565

USA boats
Motor torpedo boats  PT-3 · PT-6 · PT-20 · PT-71 · PT-103 · PT-109 · PT-174
  PT-200 · PT-314 · Thunderbolt (PT-556) · PT-565 · PT-658 · PT-810 · PT-811 · PT-812
Motor gun boats  Kim Qui · LCS(L)(3) · PT-59 · PTF-7 · USS Candid · USS Asheville · USS Douglas · USS Flagstaff · USS Tucumcari · USS Cyclone
Armoured gun boats  LCM(6) Zippo

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