Difference between revisions of "MAS 555"

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{{About
 +
| about = Italian motor torpedo boat '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = MAS 500 (Family)
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=it_mas_classe500_3
 
|code=it_mas_classe500_3
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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 identify the ship in question.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian motor torpedo boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].
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The MAS 555 was a motor torpedo boat ('''M'''otoscafo '''A'''rmato '''S'''ilurante) of the MAS 500 class whose purpose was to attack enemy ships, anti-submarine and escort operations. Built in 1941 with the others of the 3rd Series, it was armed with a single [[20 mm/65 Breda (20 mm)|20 mm/65 Breda cannon]], two 450 mm torpedo launchers for surface targets, and six depth charges for enemy submarines. The MAS 555 was used both by the Regia Marina until 1943, and by the Italian Co-Belligerent Navy after the armistice, eventually to be sunk in the German landing at Rhodes, Greece in the same year.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]], the MAS 555 is an excellent torpedo boat capable of rapid attacks on enemy bluewater ships with torpedoes and depth charges, while the main armament consisting of a 20 mm Breda cannon is capable of causing good damage to enemy coastal boats. However, it can only survive a few hits from enemy ships and is also very vulnerable to attack from the air.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 MAS 555’s hull is protected only by 40 mm of wood with the superstructure featuring 15 mm of wood. It does not have any kind of external or internal armour this means that the ship is more vulnerable to ammunition. The survivability of the MAS 555 in general is poor because the ship only has 13 crew members, which makes it an easy target to destroy in combat.
+
The MAS 555's hull is protected only by 40 mm of wood with the superstructure featuring 15 mm of wood. It does not have any kind of external or internal armour this means that the ship is more vulnerable to ammunition. The survivability of the MAS 555 in general is poor because the ship only has 13 crew members, which makes it an easy target to destroy in combat.
  
Comparable options to the MAS 555 are the [[LS 3]], the [[G-5]], or the [[PT-6]], they however have more survivability and can resist more shots.
+
Comparable options to the MAS 555 are the [[LS 3]], the [[G-5]], or the [[PT-6]], they however have more survivability and can resist more shots.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 MAS 555 is a very fast ship up to 80 km/h in RB, 112 km/h AB. It is very manoeuvrable, this makes it very fast and agile. Providing the ability to reach the enemy quickly to initiate a first strike by launching its torpedoes and allowing sneak attacks with its use of depth charges to destroy enemy boats easily with a few drops. Thanks to its agility, it can dodge shots and make surprise/lateral attacks.
+
The MAS 555 is a very fast ship up to 80 km/h in RB, 112 km/h AB. It is very manoeuvrable, this makes it very fast and agile. Providing the ability to reach the enemy quickly to initiate a first strike by launching its torpedoes and allowing sneak attacks with its use of depth charges to destroy enemy boats easily with a few drops. Thanks to its agility, it can dodge shots and make surprise/lateral attacks.
  
 
{{NavalMobility|SpeedForwardStockAB=82|SpeedBackStockAB=33|TurnTimeStockAB=20|SpeedForwardStockRB=68|SpeedBackStockRB=28|TurnTimeSpadedRB=19|TurnTimeSpadedAB=13|TurnTimeStockRB=22|TurnSpeedStockAB=47|TurnSpeedStockRB=48|TurnSpeedSpadedAB=44|TurnSpeedSpadedRB=47}}
 
{{NavalMobility|SpeedForwardStockAB=82|SpeedBackStockAB=33|TurnTimeStockAB=20|SpeedForwardStockRB=68|SpeedBackStockRB=28|TurnTimeSpadedRB=19|TurnTimeSpadedAB=13|TurnTimeStockRB=22|TurnSpeedStockAB=47|TurnSpeedStockRB=48|TurnSpeedSpadedAB=44|TurnSpeedSpadedRB=47}}
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{{main|20 mm/65 Breda (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|20 mm/65 Breda (20 mm)}}
  
The primary armament, in fact the only armament, is a Breda 20 mm cannon. It has a firerate of 240 shots/min and a 12 shot magazine before reloading for a minimum of 1.8 seconds. The cannon is unable to shot in front of the ship, it is necessary to locate broadside or turn your ship 180 degrees.
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The primary armament, in fact the only armament, is a Breda 20 mm cannon. It has a rate of fire of 240 shots/min and a 12-shot magazine before reloading for a minimum of 1.8 seconds. The cannon is unable to shot in front of the ship, it is necessary to locate broadside or turn your ship 180 degrees.
  
 
Three different belts containing two different shells are available:
 
Three different belts containing two different shells are available:
  
* '''Perforante mod.35''' (unlocked by default): {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
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* Universal: {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''Granata mod.35:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
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* HE belt: {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}} {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''Perforante mod.35:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
+
* AP belt: {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
 +
 
 +
{{:20_mm/65_Breda_(20_mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T*, API-T}}
  
These belts are mostly the same, the '''HEFI-T''' belt is slightly more suitable against wooden boats, like [[Higgins 81 ft PT-6|PT-6]] and the [[MTB-1 1 series|MTB 1]], as well as low flying aircraft, while the '''API-T''' belt is slightly more suitable against component damage and steel boats, like the [[LS 3]] and the [[G-5]].
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These belts are mostly the same, the HEFI-T belt is slightly more suitable against wooden boats, like [[PT-6]] and the [[MTB-1(1)]], as well as low flying aircraft, while the API-T belt is slightly more suitable against component damage and steel boats, like the [[LS 3]] and the [[G-5]].
  
 
=== Additional armament ===
 
=== Additional armament ===
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== 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 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 MAS 555 is a rather strange boat, despite being the reserve boat equipped with the largest calibre, its slow firerate and small magazine, as well as the inability to fire directly forwards drastically limits its potential. However, it can still be a significant threat to other ships.
+
The MAS 555 is a rather strange boat, despite being the reserve boat equipped with the largest calibre, its slow rate of fire and small magazine, as well as the inability to fire directly forwards drastically limits its potential. However, it can still be a significant threat to other ships.
  
 
The best strategy whilst using the cannon is not to drive forward into battle, but to turn your rear to the enemy, and sailing in reverse. This way you can negate the limiting firing arcs at the front and still only reveal a small part of the hull, which extends your life expectancy by a few crucial seconds. The best way is to stay behind cover and move only rearwards when engaging and then back into cover. A one on one fight against almost any other PT boat will not go in your favour, therefore the element of surprise is most important.
 
The best strategy whilst using the cannon is not to drive forward into battle, but to turn your rear to the enemy, and sailing in reverse. This way you can negate the limiting firing arcs at the front and still only reveal a small part of the hull, which extends your life expectancy by a few crucial seconds. The best way is to stay behind cover and move only rearwards when engaging and then back into cover. A one on one fight against almost any other PT boat will not go in your favour, therefore the element of surprise is most important.
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Good Top speed forwards and backwards
+
* Good top speed forwards and backwards
 
* Good turn time
 
* Good turn time
 
* Equipped with 2 torpedoes
 
* Equipped with 2 torpedoes
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* The 20 mm cannon can’t shoot in the front of the ship, angle of fire is only 270°
+
* The 20 mm cannon can't shoot in the front of the ship, angle of fire is only 270°
 
* The cannon has small magazines and a slow rate of fire
 
* The cannon has small magazines and a slow rate of fire
 
* Very unstable gun platform, can be very difficult to make precise shots
 
* Very unstable gun platform, can be very difficult to make precise shots
 
* Although it a good armament for a reserve boat, the 20 mm does not consistently inflict damage
 
* Although it a good armament for a reserve boat, the 20 mm does not consistently inflict damage
* No anti-aircraft protection 
+
* No anti-aircraft protection
 
* Poor survivability: no armour and low crew count
 
* Poor survivability: no armour and low crew count
* Aircraft can strafe the ship and knock it out with a few well placed shots. 
+
* Aircraft can strafe the ship and knock it out with a few well placed shots.
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 project for the MAS type "500" was presented in November 1935, because Italy needed motorboats armed with modern torpedoes (for that time) with a guaranteed speed of 44 knots assured by 2 petrol engines Isotta Fraschini "Asso" of 1000 Horses each.
+
{{main|MAS 500 (Family)#History|l1=History of the Velocissimo Classe 500}}
 
 
This new class of MAS was studied by Cantieri Baglietto of Varazze and was shown to the Minister of the Navy and then accepted by Prime Minister Benito Mussolini.
 
 
 
The MAS type "500" were small fast wooden boats, unlike the MAS of the First World War they were much faster, and they got different armaments with time and also different modifications.
 
 
 
The MAS type "500" were composed of almost 100 units, these wooden boats then obtained several modifications such as the use of metal instead of wood for the hull of the boat, increase in size and increase of the crew.
 
 
 
The MAS type "500" were produced in series:
 
  
1st Series 
+
After the armistice of 8 September 1943, the MAS 555 was used by Co-Belligerent Italy, in particular it was used together with two British motor boats against a German landing convoy on 12 November 1943, after a few hours the MAS 555 was sunk during the German landing at Rhodes in Grecce.
 
 
The first units of the MAS "500" had a wooden hull (the MAS 525 had a metal hull) with a hull with two steps and a range of 400 miles at 42 knots and 1000 at 6 knots with auxiliary engines.
 
 
 
'''The 1st Series MAS are:'''
 
 
 
There were 26 units of 1st Series from MAS 501 to MAS 525 
 
 
 
and in particular the MAS 424 that had 3 Isotta Fraschini engines with 3 propellers instead of 2 but without auxiliary engines.
 
 
 
'''The 2nd Series MAS are:'''
 
 
 
There were 24 units of 2nd Series from MAS 526 to MAS 550.
 
 
 
The MAS of 2nd Series have the greater dimensions, were equipped of a hull in wood with hull to edge to two steps with an autonomy of 360 miles to the maximum speed and of 1100 to 6 knots, the MAS 550 in particular had the hull in metal.
 
 
 
'''The 3rd Series MAS are:'''
 
 
 
There were 13 units of 3°Serie from MAS 551 to MAS 564 divided into 2 groups.
 
 
 
1°Gruppo production from MAS 551 to MAS 554 with metal hull, range of 350 miles at maximum speed and 850 with auxiliary engines.
 
 
 
2nd Production group from MAS 555 to MAS 564 with wooden hull, range of 395 miles and 913 miles respectively.
 
 
 
The MAS of 3rd Series changed the 13.2mm Breda machine gun with the [[20 mm/65 Breda (20 mm)|20/65 Breda machine gun]], this made the gun more effective at medium distances against enemies
 
 
 
'''The 4thSeries MAS are:'''
 
 
 
There were 12 units of the 4th Series from MAS 566 to MAS 576 these units were almost identical to those of the 3rdSeries with some minor changes such as the adoption of the helm of maneuver in the bridge, the replacement of the shaft with a support for the [[Breda Mod.30 (6.5 mm)|Breda 6.5mm machine gun]] and the increase in the supply of shots for the [[20 mm/65 Breda (20 mm)|Breda machine gun 20/65]]
 
 
 
MAS in Play
 
 
 
1st Series: X
 
 
 
2nd Series: X
 
 
 
3rd Series: [[MAS 555]], [[MAS 561|MAS 561 (Mod. RSI)]]
 
 
 
4th Series: [[MAS 569]]
 
 
 
'''History MAS 555:'''
 
 
 
After the armistice of 8 September 1943 the MAS 555 was used by Co-Belligerent Italy, in particular it was used together with two British motor boats against a German landing convoy on 12 November 1943, after a few hours the MAS 555 was sunk during the German landing at Rhodes.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Images
 
;Images
 
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
File:MAS 555 (1) .png|
+
File:MAS 555 (1) .png
File:MAS 555 (2).png|
+
File:MAS 555 (2).png
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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* ''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.'' -->
 +
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
* [[MAS 561]]
+
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
* [[MAS 569]]
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{ShipManufacturer Cantiere navale Picchiotti}}
 
{{Italy boats}}
 
{{Italy boats}}

Latest revision as of 17:29, 24 July 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the Italian motor torpedo boat MAS 555. For other versions, see MAS 500 (Family).
it_mas_classe500_3.png
GarageImage MAS 555.jpg
MAS 555
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The MAS 555 was a motor torpedo boat (Motoscafo Armato Silurante) of the MAS 500 class whose purpose was to attack enemy ships, anti-submarine and escort operations. Built in 1941 with the others of the 3rd Series, it was armed with a single 20 mm/65 Breda cannon, two 450 mm torpedo launchers for surface targets, and six depth charges for enemy submarines. The MAS 555 was used both by the Regia Marina until 1943, and by the Italian Co-Belligerent Navy after the armistice, eventually to be sunk in the German landing at Rhodes, Greece in the same year.

Introduced in Update "Starfighters", the MAS 555 is an excellent torpedo boat capable of rapid attacks on enemy bluewater ships with torpedoes and depth charges, while the main armament consisting of a 20 mm Breda cannon is capable of causing good damage to enemy coastal boats. However, it can only survive a few hits from enemy ships and is also very vulnerable to attack from the air.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 mm (wood)
Superstructure15 mm (wood)
Number of section3
Displacement29 t
Crew13 people

The MAS 555's hull is protected only by 40 mm of wood with the superstructure featuring 15 mm of wood. It does not have any kind of external or internal armour this means that the ship is more vulnerable to ammunition. The survivability of the MAS 555 in general is poor because the ship only has 13 crew members, which makes it an easy target to destroy in combat.

Comparable options to the MAS 555 are the LS 3, the G-5, or the PT-6, they however have more survivability and can resist more shots.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB112 / 45 km/h
RB80 / 32 km/h

The MAS 555 is a very fast ship up to 80 km/h in RB, 112 km/h AB. It is very manoeuvrable, this makes it very fast and agile. Providing the ability to reach the enemy quickly to initiate a first strike by launching its torpedoes and allowing sneak attacks with its use of depth charges to destroy enemy boats easily with a few drops. Thanks to its agility, it can dodge shots and make surprise/lateral attacks.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock 82 33 ~20 ~41.56
Upgraded 112 45 ~13 ~25.29
RB/SB Stock 68 28 ~22 ~46.69
Upgraded 80 32 ~19 ~39.48

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB79 → 97 Sl icon.png
RB119 → 146 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 970 Rp icon.png
905 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 20 / 100 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_it_breda_he_ammo_pack
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_it_breda_ap_ammo_pack
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods depth charge.png
Depth Charges
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods ship art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

Turret20 mm/65 Breda anti-aircraft gun
Ammunition1500 rounds
Belt capacity12 rounds
Fire rate240 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 90°
The firing angles of the autocannon, unable to fire directly in front

The primary armament, in fact the only armament, is a Breda 20 mm cannon. It has a rate of fire of 240 shots/min and a 12-shot magazine before reloading for a minimum of 1.8 seconds. The cannon is unable to shot in front of the ship, it is necessary to locate broadside or turn your ship 180 degrees.

Three different belts containing two different shells are available:

  • Universal: API-T · HEFI-T*
  • HE belt: HEFI-T* · HEFI-T* · HEFI-T* · API-T
  • AP belt: API-T · API-T · API-T · HEFI-T*

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEFI-T* 4 4 4 4 4 4
API-T 38 36 27 19 14 10
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(s)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T* 830 0.14 0 0.1 3 79° 80° 81°
API-T 832 0.14 0.001 1 1.7 47° 60° 65°

These belts are mostly the same, the HEFI-T belt is slightly more suitable against wooden boats, like PT-6 and the MTB-1(1), as well as low flying aircraft, while the API-T belt is slightly more suitable against component damage and steel boats, like the LS 3 and the G-5.

Additional armament

Setup 12 x 450 mm steam turbined W.200/450X5,75 torpedo
Setup 26 x B TG depth charge
Setup 32 x 450 mm steam turbined W.200/450X5,75 torpedo
6 x B TG depth charge

Two 450 mm steam turbined W.200/450X5,75 torpedoes on the left and on the right of the ship are a useful tool against larger sub chasers and gunboats when being able to sneak up. They have a maximum speed 81 km/h, a range of 3 km, and an explosive filler of 200 kg, enough to destroy any ship at the battle rating.

The MAS is one of the reserve boats able to carry six B TG depth charges with an explosive filler of 50 kg. These however are extremely situational and most of the time defensive in nature, as you have to drive in front of the enemy ship, or wait for the enemy to pass you, to utilize these weapons. Furthermore, 50 kg of explosives is very weak for a depth charge, as most others have around 100-140 kg of TNT, limiting effective use even further.

But despite the drawbacks, making a kill with these is one of, if not the most, satisfying ways to destroy an enemy player and equally humiliating for those who are on the receiving end.

Usage in battles

The MAS 555 is a rather strange boat, despite being the reserve boat equipped with the largest calibre, its slow rate of fire and small magazine, as well as the inability to fire directly forwards drastically limits its potential. However, it can still be a significant threat to other ships.

The best strategy whilst using the cannon is not to drive forward into battle, but to turn your rear to the enemy, and sailing in reverse. This way you can negate the limiting firing arcs at the front and still only reveal a small part of the hull, which extends your life expectancy by a few crucial seconds. The best way is to stay behind cover and move only rearwards when engaging and then back into cover. A one on one fight against almost any other PT boat will not go in your favour, therefore the element of surprise is most important.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good top speed forwards and backwards
  • Good turn time
  • Equipped with 2 torpedoes
  • Good acceleration.

Cons:

  • The 20 mm cannon can't shoot in the front of the ship, angle of fire is only 270°
  • The cannon has small magazines and a slow rate of fire
  • Very unstable gun platform, can be very difficult to make precise shots
  • Although it a good armament for a reserve boat, the 20 mm does not consistently inflict damage
  • No anti-aircraft protection
  • Poor survivability: no armour and low crew count
  • Aircraft can strafe the ship and knock it out with a few well placed shots.

History

After the armistice of 8 September 1943, the MAS 555 was used by Co-Belligerent Italy, in particular it was used together with two British motor boats against a German landing convoy on 12 November 1943, after a few hours the MAS 555 was sunk during the German landing at Rhodes in Grecce.

Media

Skins
Images

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

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Cantiere navale Picchiotti
Motor Torpedo Boats 
MAS 500-class  MAS 555

Italy boats
Motor torpedo boats  MC-490 · Freccia P-493 · MAS 555 · MAS 561 · MAS 569
  MS-15 · MS-53 · MS-472 · Stefano Turr · VAS 201 · GIS 811 · MS 444 · MC 485
Motor gun boats  MAS 441 · MS-473 · MV-611 · Alano · Sparviero
Motor torpedo gun boats  Saetta P-494
Gunboats  Albatros · Alcione