Difference between revisions of "Brave Borderer"

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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.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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'''HMS ''Brave Borderer'' (pennant number P1011)''' was the first of two Brave-class motor torpedo boats built by Vospers between 1958-1960 for the Royal Navy. Succeeding the [[Dark (Family)|Dark-class]] patrol boats, the Brave class were of similar construction with aluminium frames and wood skin, but were larger and powered by three Bristol Proteus gas turbine engines, making them one of the fastest naval vessels of their time. The Brave class were the last vessels to be built for the Royal Navy Coastal Forces before the division was disbanded in 1968. As a private venture, Vospers also built a smaller and cheaper variant of the Brave class, known as the Ferocity class, for export. Brave and Ferocity class boats were sold to customers around the world, including to Germany (as [[Pfeil]] and Strahl), Denmark, and Malaysia.
{{Break}}
 
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a rank {{specs|rank}} British motor torpedo boat {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] as part of the British fleet closed beta test.
 
  
The ''Brave-class'' fast patrol boats were a class of two MTB (Motor Torpedo Boat) built during 1958-1960 for the Royal Navy. They became the last type of MTB to be built for the Royal Navy's coastal forces. But their design cemented the foundation to many more amazing fast crafts used by navies around the world.  
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''Brave Borderer'' was launched on 7 January 1958 and commissioned on 26 January 1960. She operated alongside her sister ''Brave Swordsman'' (P1012) and a Dark-class boat in coastal patrol, fishery protection, Special Service, and training operations. In 1965, during a peace-making visit to Ireland, ''Brave Borderer'' was fired upon by members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) using an anti-tank rifle, blowing two holes in the stern of the boat. She retreated to open sea at full speed, being hit by another shot to one of her engines on the way, but was able to return to port in Torquay with no casualties for 4 months of repairs. Both Brave-class boats were retired in 1970. ''Brave Borderer'' was used as target practice into the 1980s and was finally sold to the Haydon-Baillie Aircraft Museum in 1982 as spare parts to maintain sister ''Brave Swordsman'' and other possessions. However, following the owner's bankruptcy in 1998, the final fate of either vessel is unknown.
  
The ''Brave-class'' takes to British captains the potential to increase the already remarkable firepower of the single-armed [[Dark class (FPB 1102)|''Dark-Class'']]. Not only doubled on this ''Brave-class'' but with an increase in speed, thanks to the quick-sailing gas turbines of the ''Brave Borderer ''which allowed her to break world records at her epoch''.''
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Introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] as part of the British fleet closed beta test, HMS ''Brave Borderer'' not only doubles the already decent firepower of the single-armed Dark-class, but also presents a major increase in speed, thanks to her powerful gas turbines. However, she is a very fragile ship with a design that emphasises agility over durability; minimal armour, small crew complement, and the large size of the vessel all mean that she will attract a lot of fire that will sink her in no time. ''Brave Borderer'' can be very effective in taking out other patrol boats and even some larger targets, but also very frustrating due to her poor combat endurance.
  
Great mobility, great guns and very well rigged with four lethal torpedoes plus depth charges!- The ''Brave-class'' surely ain't short of braveness but only of crew members; therefore low crew size becomes one of the main drawbacks of this class directing the general playstyle of the boat. She can be really fun to play, but also very frustrating due to her poor combat endurance.
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== General info ==
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=== Survivability and armour ===
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
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''Brave Borderer'' has the following armour layout:
  
== General info ==
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* Hull: 40 mm, wood
HMS ''Brave Borderer''  is a very fragile ship. She is really powerful in the offensive department, but her defences and survival are not prominent. Her crew might seem average, but her enormous size attracts a lot of fire that will sink the boat in no-time. 
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* Superstructure: 15 mm, wood
  
=== 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.  If necessary, use a graphic template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour. --> ===
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Brave Borderer's crew is 20 sailors. This is not enough to endure sustained combat actions, as often a single high calibre shell impact (100+ mm) from a destroyer or frigate, will trigger a hullbreak. Against other boats, she might survive longer, but the proper strategy is to fire first to conserve the crew as much as possible. The complement of the ship is actually the average crew size of most fast patrol boats at her rank. But this boat will often face vessels with the double of the crew size.
''Brave Borderer''<nowiki/>'s crew is 20 sailors.
 
  
This is not enough to endure sustained combat actions, as often a single high calibre shell impact (100mm+) from a destroyer or frigate, will trigger a hullbreak. Against other boats, she might survive longer, but the proper strategy is to fire first to conserve the crew as much as possible. The complement of the ship is actually the average crew size of most fast patrol boats at her rank. But this boat will often face vessels with the double of the crew size. Therefore, the ''brave-class'' must usually be on the defensive since it does not carry any crew-size advantages. The guns really help Borderer on this, as they have a high angle of drop and they can be aimed behind barrier islands or solid formations, keeping the Borderer visually covered from direct enemy fire.  
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Therefore, the Brave-class must usually be on the defensive since it does not carry any crew-size advantages. The guns really help ''Borderer'' on this, as they have a high angle of drop and they can be aimed behind barrier islands or solid formations, keeping the ''Borderer'' visually covered from direct enemy fire.
  
 
{{Notice
 
{{Notice
  |Careful, these guns share similar properties and ballistics to the guns present in the powerful Italian fast crafts, the Freccia P-493 and Folgore P-490}}
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  |Careful, these guns share similar properties and ballistics to the guns present in the powerful Italian fast crafts, the ''Freccia'' P-493 and ''Folgore'' P-490|!}}
  
The boat lacks any sort of armour shielding and the gun turrets are also exposed. This means all the guns can be taken out of combat with low-calibre machine guns or even shrapnel. This also applies to the most lethal component aboard the ''Brave Borderer;'' the torpedoes. If these are hit, is likely they will just remain out-of-service until repairs are made. However, there's a possibility of a catastrophic detonation depending on the amount of explosive mass in the shell that hit the torpedo. The same applies to the depth charges ammunition in the stern of the boat, as it is also unprotected. The '''more volatile area''' of the Borderer is located at the bow. This area is replete of ammunition and depth charges. It only requires a direct hit to finish the entire ''Brave Borderer''. 
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The boat lacks any sort of armour shielding and the gun turrets are also exposed. This means all the guns can be taken out of combat with low-calibre machine guns or even shrapnel. This also applies to the most lethal component aboard the ''Brave Borderer''; the torpedoes. If these are hit, it is likely they will just remain out-of-service until repairs are made.
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[[File:Brave class ammo rack.png|thumb|Ammo cache in the forward area of the ship; it only requires a direct-hit and the entire boat is done for.]]
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However, there's a possibility of a catastrophic detonation depending on the amount of explosive mass inside the shell that hit the torpedo. The same applies to the depth charges ammunition in the stern of the boat, as it is also unprotected. The more volatile area of the ''Borderer'' is located at the bow. This area is replete of ammunition and depth charges. It only requires a direct hit to finish the entire ''Brave Borderer''.
  
The bridge where the '''helmsman''' operates the ship is actually decently protected within the boat's superstructure. The deck bridge is somewhat more exposed to machine gun and cannon fire. But often the borderer will conserve its capacity to manoeuvre because of how adequately the control bridge is located.  
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The bridge where the helmsman operates the ship is actually decently protected within the boat's superstructure. The deck bridge is somewhat more exposed to machine gun and cannon fire and can be taken out. But often the ''Borderer'' will conserve its capacity to manoeuvre because of how adequately the control bridge is located.
  
=== Mobility<!-- 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. --> ===
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=== Mobility ===
''Brave-class'' mobility is actually marvellous. They enable the boat to reach speeds up to 130 km/h in arcade mode! 
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{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
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Brave-class mobility is actually marvellous. It enables the boat to reach speeds up to 130 km/h in arcade mode!
  
''Brave-class'' is currently the speediest fast attack craft available for the Royal navy in the game. Also one of the fastest in the game and within her rank. This is all thanks to her remarkable powerplant of three ''Bristol Proteus'' gas turbines engines providing a thurst-power of '''10,500 hp'''. 
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Reverse speed is pretty good as well. It can be used to retreat of a distress situation without turning the whole vessel.
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{{NavalMobility}}
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Brave-class is currently the speediest fast attack craft available for the Royal navy in the game. Also one of the fastest in the game and within her rank. This is all thanks to her remarkable marine powerplant of three ''Bristol Proteus'' gas turbines engines providing a total thrust-power of 10,500 hp.
  
 
{{Notice
 
{{Notice
  |Coincidence, this same turboprop engines can be found in the Italian hydrofoil fast craft, Sparviero.}}
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  |Coincidence, this same turboprop engines can be found in the Italian hydrofoil fast craft, Sparviero.}}
  
The boat is really good at the frontal speed, she can get wheresoever is needed because of that. However, her turning and steering are not as prominent, likely because of her wide hull beam and large hull, '''especially when stock and with low-speed'''. When''' compared''' with the preceding ''Dark-class'', the mobility in the forward aspects received an amazing boost from the diesel engines, but the steering agility is somewhat reduced because the [[Dark class (FPB 1101)|''Dark-class'']] had a more narrow beam and was able to turn tightly because of their small and nimble size.
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The boat is really good at the frontal speed, she can get wheresoever is needed because of that. However, her steering is not as prominent, likely because of her wide hull beam and large hull, especially when stock and with low-speed. When compared with the preceding Dark-class, the mobility in the forward aspects received an amazing boost from the diesel engines, but the turning agility is somewhat reduced because the [[Dark (Family)|Dark-class]] had a more narrow beam and was able to turn tightly because of their small and nimble size.
  
Ironically, the ''Brave Bordere''r perhaps will face some trouble coasting tightly over archipelagos and reduced strait's borders. But the speed does provide great open-sea performance, where it can rule the tides providing fast support with her torpedoes. 
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Ironically, the ''Brave Borderer'' perhaps will face some trouble coasting and manoeuvring tightly over archipelagos or reduced strait's borders since she is quite heavy and stiff for low speed manoeuvres and won't turn much at all. To get out of a danger zone, it is actually better to use the reverse speed than trying to steer the boat around.
  
{{NavalMobility}}
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But the speed does provide great open-sea performance, where it can rule the tides providing fast support with the torpedoes. Since her capacity to fire while cruising at high-speeds or in heavy seas is adequate. This is possible thanks to a stabilization system of electro-hydraulic flaps located at the bottom of the transom that "cushion" the ship's slamming during rough seas.
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=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
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{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
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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. 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|QF Mark VII (40 mm)}}
 
{{main|QF Mark VII (40 mm)}}
''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.''
 
  
''Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''
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The ''Brave Borderer'' is armed with two 40 mm QF (Quick-Firing) Mark VII guns, one located at the bow of the boat, and the other located at the stern.
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The only guns available offer really good rate of fire (0.4 seg), seemingly infinite fire, and with a rare overheating presence. The amount of ammunition is 1,500 rounds per gun. They are highly mobile gun-mountings and can be rotated 360° in a few seconds, thanks to their 34°/s rotation. This is great to not only fight sea-based threats but to fend off enemy aviation with 40°/s in vertical targeting. They have also good elevation angles, 88°. This allows to engage enemy aircraft and continue the fire not only thanks to the rate of fire, but the disponibility of mountings to target the plane above the ''Borderer''.
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[[File:Brave class (P1011) Turret 1 targeting angles .png|thumb|Bow turret's firing angle]]
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The ballistics of the guns are adequate for the calibre. Very precise fire capable to effectively target specific areas in enemy vessels. They have an astounding firing range of approximately 5,000 m. This range value is only at the discretion of the player's ability to land the shots at such distances; with the proper horizontal leading calculations. In regular combat conditions (high speed, waves and constant directional changes), this range can be reduced to some 3,500 m, where the aiming is more effective no matter the motion of the Brave-class and the target.- Since ''Borderer'' can effectively out-range many other patrol boats in gunnery duels thanks to the dual 40 mm guns, is not needed to bring the Brave-class point-blank range with the target.
  
=== Torpedo armament ===
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The 40 mm QF Mark VII cannons can fire for 1 minute 20 seconds until overheating or jamming. Firing with the ''Ranging shot'' key would likely double this time; this is more than enough to destroy any fast craft or correct the fire.
{{main|Mk.VIII (533 mm)}}
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[[File:Brave class (P1011) Turret 2 targeting angles.png|thumb|Stern turret's firing angle]]
''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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A combat flaw important to note is that despite the guns can horizontally rotate 360°, the horizontal firing arc is actually limited. The superstructure of the bridge in the centre of the boat creates a big dead zone on both of the guns. This unable the aft and forward guns to fire frontally and backwardly, respectively. This dead zone will hinder the ''Borderer''<nowiki/>'s ability to defend against enemies in the front of the boat, or behind the boat. Only 1 gun will fire against the enemy, and the damage will be reduced. Hence mobility and smart positioning take an important part in how well the Brave-class can use both of the guns.
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There are three ammunition options available:
  
=== Special armament ===
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* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
{{main|Mk.VII depth charge}}
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* '''40 mm HE clips:''' {{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|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
''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.''
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* '''40 mm AP clips:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
  
== Usage in battles ==
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The recommended belt to equip as the principal belt is the HE belt, as it provides the more effective damage per explosive damage against other small boat's crew, even unarmoured destroyers' crew can easily be decimated by the HE belt, as well as being highly effective against aircraft.
<!-- ''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).''-->
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Using AP belt against small patrol boats won't be as effective due to the overpenetration of the AP shells and the lack of explosive effect. Players shall need to switch to AP belt in case of facing armoured boats or armoured gunboats.
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The universal belt is up to player's choice since the belt will offer 50-50 chances of effective damage to any target, but it might not be as damage-effective promptly when compared with a dedicated belt.
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{{:QF Mark VII (40 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T, AP-T}}
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=== Additional armament ===
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{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
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{{main|Mk.VIII (533 mm)|Mk.VII depth charge}}
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''Brave Borderer'' can be equipped with four 533 mm Mk.VIII torpedoes.
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The torpedoes are localized on the port and starboard of the bridge, two on each side. They are unprotected by any armour nor torpedo tube.
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The absence of any torpedo tubes also alters the type of launching, as the [[Dark (Family)|Dark class]] had outwardly angled torpedo tubes which could be useful in some occasions. In this Brave-class, that is not the case. The four torpedoes are frontally aimed and dropped directly to bow.
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The exposed location and the poor protection of the torpedoes are some things to worry about. If the ''Borderer'' is struck, is likely the torpedoes will receive some damage or become inoperative and in the worst scenario, explode.
  
In rank 2 arcade battles, the basic version of the craft really underwhelms. Essentially appearing to be a more deadly version of the FPB1102 as it possess a second primary armament on the back of the boat, which enhances its ability to deal damage when strafing enemies.  
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The torpedoes should be viewed as the main offensive element in the boat's arsenal. They are meant to multiply the potential of the Brave-class against destroyers or even cruisers. They serve almost exclusively to this purpose, as the 40 mm guns are ineffective against ships of such large sizes. Therefore torpedoes become the most lethal explosive armament of the ''Borderer''.
  
However, even with this addition in armament, it lacks the firepower to engage larger craft at its new higher matchmaking bracket that you are forced to fight against. Coupled with a lack of an AI turret to provide some anti-air coverage and increased module research time, players should weigh the cost and benefit before dedicating their time to grind this vehicle.
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The torpedoes offer really adequate speed, range and damage properties capable of sinking even cruisers when hit on critical areas.
  
=== Modules ===
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{| class="wikitable" width="100%" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable"
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! colspan="9" |'''Torpedo Characteristics'''
!Tier
 
!Seakeeping
 
! colspan="2" |Unsinkability
 
! colspan="3" |Firepower
 
 
|-
 
|-
|I
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!Torpedo Mode!!Mass (kg)!!Maximum speed in water (km/h)!!Travel distance (km)!!Depth stroke (m)!!Arming distance (m)!!Explosive type!!Explosive mass (kg)!!TNT equivalent (kg)
|Dry-Docking
 
|Tool Set
 
|
 
|40 mm HE clips
 
|
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
|II
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|{{Annotation|No|'Torpedo Mode' modification uninstalled}}||1566||84||4.57||1||50||TNT||327||327
|Rudder Replacement
 
|Fire Protection System
 
|Smokescreen
 
|40 mm AP clips
 
|
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
|III
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|{{Annotation|Yes|'Torpedo Mode' modification installed}}||1566||76||6.40||1||50||TNT||327||327
|Propeller Replacement
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|}
|
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|
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The Torpedo mode is recommended in Realistic Battles because the 6.40 km range is more important for safety than the torpedo speed, especially on open sea maps or Encounter mode (to target cargo ships from safe distances, for example).
|Improved Rangefinder
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|Primary Armament Targeting
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In Arcade battles, the Torpedo mode should be uninstalled to increase the speed of the torpedo, making it more hard to avoid in the regular close encounters of Arcade. They also will be reloaded constantly, so the amount of lethality is increased exponentially.
|Depth Charges
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''Brave Borderer'' can also be equipped with two Mk.VII depth charges.
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
|IV
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!Mass (kg)
|Engine Maintenance
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!Explosive Type
|New Pumps
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!Explosive Mass (kg)
|
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!TNT Equivalent (kg)
|Artillery Support
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|-
|Torpedo Mode
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|196||TNT||130||130
|
 
 
|}
 
|}
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The Mk.VII depth charges are carried near the aft 40 mm gun, in racks, one on each side. They are dropped one at a time in the following order:
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# Port
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# Starboard
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Before spawning, the detonation time delay can be set anywhere between 3 seconds and 10 seconds.
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With the absence of the submarines threat, there are not many practical reasons to use depth charges. However, they usually only require a single hit to sink a surface vessel if used properly, even on early destroyers. The depth charges can also become a liability during combat; their onboard detonation will usually be fatal to the ''Borderer'' since they essentially act as exposed ammo racks before they're dropped.
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Some will think best to equip all the lethal and useful armaments to battle, while others will prefer to not carry such delicate cargos at all. It's up to the captains to decide if the risk is worth a potential reward.
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Their use is also extremely situational, this is because they require the carrying ship to get really close to the target, to then release the charges. This means the depth charges won't be the ideal weapon to deal with the usual long-distance engagements much needed on the ''Borderer''. With some luck though, sailing high-speed up right next to a slower target and dropping a depth charge can lead to some success. If attempting this, remember the ''depth charge drop order'' and set the depth charge time delay to a minimum of 3 seconds, since any higher time delay will only mean that the depth charge will sink further, and thus away, from the target.
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== Usage in battles ==
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
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[[File:Brave class .png|thumb|Bow turret manned by a two men crew.]]
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''Borderer'' excels at high-speed cruising, so players should remember to let her operate at high speed. Avoiding low-speed manoeuvres or tight shore passages which only make her vulnerable to enemy fire and incapable of escaping combat with her innate speedy engines.
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The firepower is very adequate versus vessels equally sized or sometimes quite bigger than the Brave-class. With the long-range of the guns and the rate of fire, players can spawn, head back to somewhere behind the small boat's area and proceed to snipe from afar, keeping her low crew numbers safe. This tactic will employ the ''Borderer'' as a stationary artillery emplacement. But it requires above-average gunnery skills to land the shots consecutively until the target is sunk. If needed, practice this tactic with the boat during a test sail or a custom battle.
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Very few ships can similarly perform this tactic at her battle rating. Amongst them, the lethal and infamous [[Freccia P-493]] with her 3 x 40 mm guns, 1 additional 40 mm gun when compared with the two turrets of the Brave-class. So captains should be on the look out for the kind of threats that are capable of similar ranges of fire to the ''Borderer''.
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If none of these threats are present (during low-ranked battles), it is likely the ''Borderer'' will cause a lot of damage to the enemy's patrol boats and frigates within the coastal area of the map. On some maps, even cargo ships can be targeted from really far distances!
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For players looking for detailed roles, some ideas are presented:
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* '''High seas support'''
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Speed greatly benefits boats during open sea battles; speed is what the Brave-class possesses. Thus the Brave-class is currently among the best-fitted British boats to play in higher ranked battles. The speed allows the Brave-class to perform a wide range of supporting duties during open-sea battles, especially when working together with cruisers or destroyers.
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With the torpedoes, the player or a group of torpedo boats can vex enemy cruisers. This torpedoing is not a defining duty, since the goal is to actually dispose of the torpedoes while staying alive.
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The Brave-class can furthermore utilize its great speed to provide close air-protection or interception to enemy planes flying low with the intention to launch torpedoes. The ''Borderer'' can also release smoke screens when an allied ship steers and heads reverse during a retreat. Staying close to squadmates will also grant the chance to help in combat repairs.
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This is a different playstyle outside the reduced spaces of small boats combat zones that delivers a lot of sea to navigate with the ''Borderer''. It is likely she will face other fast craft doing the same tasks during these battles.
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* '''Cargo ship hunter'''
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Especially during Realistic battles, the Encounter mode will often be prolongated by the inability to destroy all the cargo ships. So the player can use the ''Borderer'' to hunt and sink these ships.
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Plan a route that will increase the chances of survival while facing minimal or no opposition (usually the edges of the map). After finding the cargo ships, proceed to launch each of the torpedoes first. Even if the ''Borderer'' is swiftly spotted and destroyed, the 4 torpedoes will be on an impact course. Once the torpedoes are launched, halting to rest then opening fire with the guns is a choice. Otherwise, proceed at full speed near a ship and drop a depth charge. Since the goal is to use the infiltration to cause as much damage to many ships as possible, providing good results for the team.
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* '''Torpedo support'''
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This works better during Arcade battles, as the torpedoes will be infinitely reloaded.
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The ''Borderer'' can head into the open sea with the main combat fleet and release the 4 torpedoes. Proceed to retreat with smoke and repeat; something must eventually find its way to the torpedoes. In a similar approach, she can remain near the coast ambushing the big ships intruding to the coastal areas of the map. If the situation demands it, getting really close to big ships and freeing the depth charges can cause serious damage. But ''Borderer'' could end sunk while attempting this, so it remains a last resort tactic.
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Having the torpedo mode off while hunting with the torpedoes in Arcade is preferably, but optional.
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 +
=== Enemies worth noting ===
 +
German Navy - Kriegsmarine ▀
 +
 +
[[MZ1|Mehrzweckboot MZ1]]: She possesses everything the ''Brave Borderer'' does not. More than the double the crew size, and very punchy and armoured turrets. But she lacks one thing; speed. ''Borderer'' can use her immense size as tug target and decimate her crew from really far away. In close ranges, stay on the move and fire first while procuring not getting hit by her 88 mm cannons. She can't escape the speed of the ''Borderer'' but she will fire back. The MZ1 is among the highest armed motor gunboats of the rank.
 +
 +
[[AF D3]] & [[AF D1]]: Germany possesses several highly armed barges at this rank, watch against those and avoid direct engagements. Their guns won't give second chances, so the best tactic is to fire from behind cover. Their guns ballistics will hinder them on this, while the ''Borderer'' will constantly reduce their crew to 0% with HE clips. There's no need to use AP belts since the barge is barely armoured.
 +
 +
[[Jaguar-Klasse (140)]]: This fast attack craft is the ultimate challenge. They have great speed, they have great guns, which are equal or superior to the ''Borderer''<nowiki/>'s, and they also have a crew size upper hand. The only chance the ''Brave Borderer'' has is to surprise this vessel with non-stop suppressive fire well-sprayed in her entire hull. ''Borderer'' is also way smaller and can use her agility to attack and disengage very quickly. If the attack failed don't fret; use the ''Borderer''<nowiki/>'s advantage in speed to leave the combat zone immediately while popping a smokescreen behind.
 +
 +
Soviet navy - Военно-морской флот СССР (''Military Maritime Fleet of the USSR)'' ▂
 +
 +
[[Pr.183|Project 183]] and [[Pr. 206|Project 206]] : These Soviet fast boats are a notable threat to the ''Borderer'' due to their high rate of fire. If the Captains decide to join the fight on close battles in the boat's area, is likely this menacing boats will be present. The high rate of fire of their guns is not comparable with the ''Borderer''<nowiki/>'s. The only chance to win against these boats is to fire first and remain unseen from afar. Effectively outraging their superior fire rate while decreasing their equally vulnerable crew.
 +
 +
Italian Navy - Regia Marina ▀
 +
 +
[[Freccia P-493]] & [[Saetta P-494]]: These are one of the biggest fast boats threats in naval battles. Their superb HE ammo and better crew size will be a challenge to fight against. Their guns which are very similar to the Brave-class's 40 mm Bofors guns, counter the main gameplay tactic of the ''Borderer'' (long-distance engagements). So it's all up to who fires first and accurately enough. The guns of these Italian boats will sink the ''Borderer'' in seconds, and just like the Brave-class's, the Bofors guns barely stop shooting. Smart British captains must note the presence of one of these boats early on, plan the attack carefully and concisely. Otherwise, they will be fired back in the same way (over cover). And when this happens, there's almost nowhere to hide; only the great top-speed of the Brave-class can keep it alive and running if the surprise advantage is lost.
 +
 +
In the case of the ''Saetta'', she is armed with a very unique armament; a guided anti-ship missile, the [[Nettuno]]. The recommended defence when being targeted with this missile is to quickly steer the ship to the opposite direction while releasing a smokescreen. Do not attempt to fire at the missile. (to success, high speed is needed)
  
 
=== 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".''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
  
* 2x 40 mm cannons offer almost unlimited and devastating rate of fire
+
* 2 x 40 mm cannons offer almost unlimited damage, thanks to the rate of fire
* Good number of torpedoes
+
* Standard number of torpedoes with decent properties
* Depth charges ready as special weaponry
+
* Depth charges are available as special weaponry
 
* Superiorly fast, currently the fastest vessel in the British coastal tree
 
* Superiorly fast, currently the fastest vessel in the British coastal tree
 +
* Extremely adequate range of fire of the 40 mm guns on skilled hands, around 5,000 m
 +
* AP belt easily takes out armoured naval targets such as the Soviets [[MBK-161 early]]
 +
* Hull design possesses high sea-keeping qualities for rough sea; conserved accuracy when firing
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Expensive price once all modifications have been researched
+
* Expensive price once all modifications have been researched; this mimics her real-life expensiveness
 +
* Both 40 mm guns cannot fire directly backwards or frontally
 
* Very low combat endurance against bigger vessels due to minimal crew size
 
* Very low combat endurance against bigger vessels due to minimal crew size
 
* Large for a Motor Torpedo Boat; easily targeted at low speeds and close ranges
 
* Large for a Motor Torpedo Boat; easily targeted at low speeds and close ranges
 +
* Sluggish and difficult to control in low speeds steering
 +
* No auxiliary armament or anti-air, only manually guided guns
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 +
HMS ''Brave Borderer'' is part of the Brave-class, a series of only 2 fast patrol crafts built by Vosper in Portchester for the Royal Navy between 1958-1960 and commissioned into service for ten years (1960-1970).
 +
 
 +
The only two fast gun/torpedo boats built for the Royal Navy were HMS ''Brave Borderer'' (P1011) and HMS ''Brave Swordsman'' (P1012). These were the last Motor Torpedo/Gun boats of the Royal Navy's Coastal forces.
 +
 
 +
The Brave class were a succession in design from the '50s Dark class. It featured many novelties and accommodations, including the Bristol Proteus gas turbine engines. The gas turbines engines were only experimentally tested before but now successfully integrated into the Brave class. They allowed greater top-speed than the diesel engines present on the Dark class. This with the hull made of mahogany wood and a frame of aluminium allowed the vessel to reach speeds of more than 50 knots. Leading to be consider as one of the fastest fighting vessels in the world at the time. They could be fitted with interchangeable armament and even a stabilized 84 mm gun was planned but the idea later abandoned. They was instead fitted with limited armament, machinery and special electric equipment because high-performance was prioritized over combat capacities.
 +
[[File:Brave-class Historical Photo.jpg|thumb|280x280px|Visitors board Brave Borderer during her peaceful visit at Oberwinter, Germany.]]
 +
During 1957, the Royal Navy gave up on the idea of a large coastal fleet so further development of the Brave class was abandoned, leading to only two boats of the Brave class being completed; also considering her expensive production cost.
 +
 
 +
The Brave class served mainly as control ships for coastal operations and special service operations, and training, among other more peaceful duties and security enforcing operations. But notably during 10 September 1965, ''Brave Borderer'' was involved in a live-fire incident during her visit to Irish ports in southern Ireland.
 +
 
 +
As she was leaving the Waterford harbour, ''Borderer'' was fired upon 3 times with a "Boys Anti-tank Rifle". The anti-tank shots easily ruptured her hull and opened large holes. As the second shot was fired, ''Borderer'' hastily reached for her full power to leave the ambush zone. All sirens ringing in emergency, she could be seen smoking and men reaching for their combat positions. Once the third shot hit the ''Borderer'', a loud terrible noise was heard, water spray covered the ''Borderer'' which now vanishing nose-lifted amidst a cloud of smoke retreated into the sea at full speed.
 +
 
 +
She managed to reach open sea and return to port with no casualties, where she was repaired within a few months. The attack was perpetrated by members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the whole incident is based on political reasons.
 +
 
 +
The two Braves were finally retired from service in 1970 but their design set the base for more simple and less expensive design made by Vosper; the Ferocity class. This new more accessible class was similar to the Brave class and was exported to West Germany's navy and the Danish Navy, among others.
 +
 
 +
The German navy operated several Vosper-built Brave/Ferocity classes known as S-Boat Class 153 ("Strahl", Brave class, and "Pfeil", Ferocity class). They were armed with the improved 40 mm/70 Bofors guns.
 +
 
 +
The designs of the Brave class lived up to the '90s in many other navies, with the still existing remnants of inoperative boats surviving up to this date.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_brave_borderer Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" caption="X-rays view of HMS Brave Borderer" heights="200">
 +
File:Brave class (P1011) PARTS 3.png|
 +
File:Brave class (P1011) PARTS 2.png|
 +
File:Brave class (P1011) parts 1.png|
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|sTJNVcKb9AQ|'''Navy boats, 1950's - Film 290''' - ''HuntleyFilmArchives''|Xd2aG8K_W50|'''World's Fastest Warship''' - ''British Movietone''|H_QT9ijh7j0|'''World's Fastest Warship (1959)''' - ''British Pathé''}}
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
+
'''Analogues of other nations'''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
== External links ==<!-- Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
+
* [[Pr.183]] (USSR)
 +
* [[VS-10]] (Germany)
 +
* [[USS Tucumcari]] (United States)
 +
* [[PT-15]] (Japan)
 +
* [[Sparviero]] (Italy)
  
topic on the official game forum;
+
== External links ==
encyclopedia page on ship;
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
other literature. -->
+
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wikipedia:Brave-class_patrol_boat|[Wikipedia] Brave-class patrol boat]]
 
* [[wikipedia:Brave-class_patrol_boat|[Wikipedia] Brave-class patrol boat]]
* ''Jane's Fighting Ships'' 1971-72, Raymond V. B. Blackman, p. 371.
+
* [http://www.seaforces.org/marint/German-Navy/Patrol-Vessel/Type-153-class.htm German variants of the Brave-class]
* ''Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships,'' 1947-1995, Gardiner, Robert, Chumbley, Stephen, Budzbon, Przemysaw, p. 79.
+
* [https://www.britishpathe.com/video/VLVA211J2S2UQSIST8PDK83FT3XSP-UK-HMS-BRAVE-BORDERER-WORLDS-FASTEST-WARSHIP/query/BRAVE ''U.K.'s H.M.S. "Brave Borderer" - World's Fastest Warship'', British Pathe's video about the Brave Borderer]
 +
* [https://tidesandtales.ie/attack-on-hms-brave-borderer/ HMS Brave Borderer's Ireland incident]
 +
* ''Jane's Fighting Ships'' 1971-72, Raymond V. B. Blackman, p. 371.
 +
* ''Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships,'' 1947-1995, Gardiner, Robert, Chumbley, Stephen, Budzbon, Przemysaw, p. 79.
  
 +
{{ShipManufacturer Vospers}}
 
{{Britain boats}}
 
{{Britain boats}}

Latest revision as of 10:23, 9 June 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
uk_brave_borderer.png
GarageImage Brave Borderer.jpg
Brave Borderer
Research:220 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:640 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

HMS Brave Borderer (pennant number P1011) was the first of two Brave-class motor torpedo boats built by Vospers between 1958-1960 for the Royal Navy. Succeeding the Dark-class patrol boats, the Brave class were of similar construction with aluminium frames and wood skin, but were larger and powered by three Bristol Proteus gas turbine engines, making them one of the fastest naval vessels of their time. The Brave class were the last vessels to be built for the Royal Navy Coastal Forces before the division was disbanded in 1968. As a private venture, Vospers also built a smaller and cheaper variant of the Brave class, known as the Ferocity class, for export. Brave and Ferocity class boats were sold to customers around the world, including to Germany (as Pfeil and Strahl), Denmark, and Malaysia.

Brave Borderer was launched on 7 January 1958 and commissioned on 26 January 1960. She operated alongside her sister Brave Swordsman (P1012) and a Dark-class boat in coastal patrol, fishery protection, Special Service, and training operations. In 1965, during a peace-making visit to Ireland, Brave Borderer was fired upon by members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) using an anti-tank rifle, blowing two holes in the stern of the boat. She retreated to open sea at full speed, being hit by another shot to one of her engines on the way, but was able to return to port in Torquay with no casualties for 4 months of repairs. Both Brave-class boats were retired in 1970. Brave Borderer was used as target practice into the 1980s and was finally sold to the Haydon-Baillie Aircraft Museum in 1982 as spare parts to maintain sister Brave Swordsman and other possessions. However, following the owner's bankruptcy in 1998, the final fate of either vessel is unknown.

Introduced in Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea" as part of the British fleet closed beta test, HMS Brave Borderer not only doubles the already decent firepower of the single-armed Dark-class, but also presents a major increase in speed, thanks to her powerful gas turbines. However, she is a very fragile ship with a design that emphasises agility over durability; minimal armour, small crew complement, and the large size of the vessel all mean that she will attract a lot of fire that will sink her in no time. Brave Borderer can be very effective in taking out other patrol boats and even some larger targets, but also very frustrating due to her poor combat endurance.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 mm (wood)
Superstructure15 mm (wood)
Number of section3
Displacement114 t
Crew20 people

Brave Borderer has the following armour layout:

  • Hull: 40 mm, wood
  • Superstructure: 15 mm, wood

Brave Borderer's crew is 20 sailors. This is not enough to endure sustained combat actions, as often a single high calibre shell impact (100+ mm) from a destroyer or frigate, will trigger a hullbreak. Against other boats, she might survive longer, but the proper strategy is to fire first to conserve the crew as much as possible. The complement of the ship is actually the average crew size of most fast patrol boats at her rank. But this boat will often face vessels with the double of the crew size.

Therefore, the Brave-class must usually be on the defensive since it does not carry any crew-size advantages. The guns really help Borderer on this, as they have a high angle of drop and they can be aimed behind barrier islands or solid formations, keeping the Borderer visually covered from direct enemy fire.

Msg-important.png Careful, these guns share similar properties and ballistics to the guns present in the powerful Italian fast crafts, the Freccia P-493 and Folgore P-490

The boat lacks any sort of armour shielding and the gun turrets are also exposed. This means all the guns can be taken out of combat with low-calibre machine guns or even shrapnel. This also applies to the most lethal component aboard the Brave Borderer; the torpedoes. If these are hit, it is likely they will just remain out-of-service until repairs are made.

Ammo cache in the forward area of the ship; it only requires a direct-hit and the entire boat is done for.

However, there's a possibility of a catastrophic detonation depending on the amount of explosive mass inside the shell that hit the torpedo. The same applies to the depth charges ammunition in the stern of the boat, as it is also unprotected. The more volatile area of the Borderer is located at the bow. This area is replete of ammunition and depth charges. It only requires a direct hit to finish the entire Brave Borderer.

The bridge where the helmsman operates the ship is actually decently protected within the boat's superstructure. The deck bridge is somewhat more exposed to machine gun and cannon fire and can be taken out. But often the Borderer will conserve its capacity to manoeuvre because of how adequately the control bridge is located.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB130 / 55 km/h
RB93 / 40 km/h

Brave-class mobility is actually marvellous. It enables the boat to reach speeds up to 130 km/h in arcade mode!

Reverse speed is pretty good as well. It can be used to retreat of a distress situation without turning the whole vessel.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 130 55
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 93 40

Brave-class is currently the speediest fast attack craft available for the Royal navy in the game. Also one of the fastest in the game and within her rank. This is all thanks to her remarkable marine powerplant of three Bristol Proteus gas turbines engines providing a total thrust-power of 10,500 hp.

Msg-info.png Coincidence, this same turboprop engines can be found in the Italian hydrofoil fast craft, Sparviero.

The boat is really good at the frontal speed, she can get wheresoever is needed because of that. However, her steering is not as prominent, likely because of her wide hull beam and large hull, especially when stock and with low-speed. When compared with the preceding Dark-class, the mobility in the forward aspects received an amazing boost from the diesel engines, but the turning agility is somewhat reduced because the Dark-class had a more narrow beam and was able to turn tightly because of their small and nimble size.

Ironically, the Brave Borderer perhaps will face some trouble coasting and manoeuvring tightly over archipelagos or reduced strait's borders since she is quite heavy and stiff for low speed manoeuvres and won't turn much at all. To get out of a danger zone, it is actually better to use the reverse speed than trying to steer the boat around.

But the speed does provide great open-sea performance, where it can rule the tides providing fast support with the torpedoes. Since her capacity to fire while cruising at high-speeds or in heavy seas is adequate. This is possible thanks to a stabilization system of electro-hydraulic flaps located at the bottom of the transom that "cushion" the ship's slamming during rough seas.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 753 → 4 672 Sl icon.png
RB4 829 → 6 012 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications188 000 Rp icon.png
301 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training185 000 Sl icon.png
Experts640 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces620 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 240 / 100 % Sl icon.png
184 / 184 / 184 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
40 mm HE clips
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
40 mm AP clips
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods ship rangefinder.png
Improved Rangefinder
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods depth charge.png
Depth Charges
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods ship art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
24 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

2 х Turret40 mm QF Mark VII gun
Ammunition2000 rounds
Belt capacity4 rounds
Fire rate160 shots/min
Vertical guidance-10° / 88°
Main article: QF Mark VII (40 mm)

The Brave Borderer is armed with two 40 mm QF (Quick-Firing) Mark VII guns, one located at the bow of the boat, and the other located at the stern.

The only guns available offer really good rate of fire (0.4 seg), seemingly infinite fire, and with a rare overheating presence. The amount of ammunition is 1,500 rounds per gun. They are highly mobile gun-mountings and can be rotated 360° in a few seconds, thanks to their 34°/s rotation. This is great to not only fight sea-based threats but to fend off enemy aviation with 40°/s in vertical targeting. They have also good elevation angles, 88°. This allows to engage enemy aircraft and continue the fire not only thanks to the rate of fire, but the disponibility of mountings to target the plane above the Borderer.

Bow turret's firing angle

The ballistics of the guns are adequate for the calibre. Very precise fire capable to effectively target specific areas in enemy vessels. They have an astounding firing range of approximately 5,000 m. This range value is only at the discretion of the player's ability to land the shots at such distances; with the proper horizontal leading calculations. In regular combat conditions (high speed, waves and constant directional changes), this range can be reduced to some 3,500 m, where the aiming is more effective no matter the motion of the Brave-class and the target.- Since Borderer can effectively out-range many other patrol boats in gunnery duels thanks to the dual 40 mm guns, is not needed to bring the Brave-class point-blank range with the target.

The 40 mm QF Mark VII cannons can fire for 1 minute 20 seconds until overheating or jamming. Firing with the Ranging shot key would likely double this time; this is more than enough to destroy any fast craft or correct the fire.

Stern turret's firing angle

A combat flaw important to note is that despite the guns can horizontally rotate 360°, the horizontal firing arc is actually limited. The superstructure of the bridge in the centre of the boat creates a big dead zone on both of the guns. This unable the aft and forward guns to fire frontally and backwardly, respectively. This dead zone will hinder the Borderer's ability to defend against enemies in the front of the boat, or behind the boat. Only 1 gun will fire against the enemy, and the damage will be reduced. Hence mobility and smart positioning take an important part in how well the Brave-class can use both of the guns. There are three ammunition options available:

  • Universal: AP-T · HEFI-T
  • 40 mm HE clips: HEFI-T · HEFI-T · HEFI-T · AP-T
  • 40 mm AP clips: AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · HEFI-T

The recommended belt to equip as the principal belt is the HE belt, as it provides the more effective damage per explosive damage against other small boat's crew, even unarmoured destroyers' crew can easily be decimated by the HE belt, as well as being highly effective against aircraft.

Using AP belt against small patrol boats won't be as effective due to the overpenetration of the AP shells and the lack of explosive effect. Players shall need to switch to AP belt in case of facing armoured boats or armoured gunboats.

The universal belt is up to player's choice since the belt will offer 50-50 chances of effective damage to any target, but it might not be as damage-effective promptly when compared with a dedicated belt.

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 3 3 3 3 3 3
AP-T 81 78 68 58 49 41
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T 874 0.9 0 0.1 67.13 79° 80° 81°
AP-T 874 0.89 - - - 47° 60° 65°

Additional armament

Setup 14 x 533 mm Mk.VIII torpedo
Setup 22 x Mk.VII depth charge
Setup 34 x 533 mm Mk.VIII torpedo
2 x Mk.VII depth charge

Brave Borderer can be equipped with four 533 mm Mk.VIII torpedoes.

The torpedoes are localized on the port and starboard of the bridge, two on each side. They are unprotected by any armour nor torpedo tube.

The absence of any torpedo tubes also alters the type of launching, as the Dark class had outwardly angled torpedo tubes which could be useful in some occasions. In this Brave-class, that is not the case. The four torpedoes are frontally aimed and dropped directly to bow.

The exposed location and the poor protection of the torpedoes are some things to worry about. If the Borderer is struck, is likely the torpedoes will receive some damage or become inoperative and in the worst scenario, explode.

The torpedoes should be viewed as the main offensive element in the boat's arsenal. They are meant to multiply the potential of the Brave-class against destroyers or even cruisers. They serve almost exclusively to this purpose, as the 40 mm guns are ineffective against ships of such large sizes. Therefore torpedoes become the most lethal explosive armament of the Borderer.

The torpedoes offer really adequate speed, range and damage properties capable of sinking even cruisers when hit on critical areas.

Torpedo Characteristics
Torpedo Mode Mass (kg) Maximum speed in water (km/h) Travel distance (km) Depth stroke (m) Arming distance (m) Explosive type Explosive mass (kg) TNT equivalent (kg)
No 1566 84 4.57 1 50 TNT 327 327
Yes 1566 76 6.40 1 50 TNT 327 327

The Torpedo mode is recommended in Realistic Battles because the 6.40 km range is more important for safety than the torpedo speed, especially on open sea maps or Encounter mode (to target cargo ships from safe distances, for example).

In Arcade battles, the Torpedo mode should be uninstalled to increase the speed of the torpedo, making it more hard to avoid in the regular close encounters of Arcade. They also will be reloaded constantly, so the amount of lethality is increased exponentially.

Brave Borderer can also be equipped with two Mk.VII depth charges.

Mass (kg) Explosive Type Explosive Mass (kg) TNT Equivalent (kg)
196 TNT 130 130

The Mk.VII depth charges are carried near the aft 40 mm gun, in racks, one on each side. They are dropped one at a time in the following order:

  1. Port
  2. Starboard

Before spawning, the detonation time delay can be set anywhere between 3 seconds and 10 seconds.

With the absence of the submarines threat, there are not many practical reasons to use depth charges. However, they usually only require a single hit to sink a surface vessel if used properly, even on early destroyers. The depth charges can also become a liability during combat; their onboard detonation will usually be fatal to the Borderer since they essentially act as exposed ammo racks before they're dropped.

Some will think best to equip all the lethal and useful armaments to battle, while others will prefer to not carry such delicate cargos at all. It's up to the captains to decide if the risk is worth a potential reward.

Their use is also extremely situational, this is because they require the carrying ship to get really close to the target, to then release the charges. This means the depth charges won't be the ideal weapon to deal with the usual long-distance engagements much needed on the Borderer. With some luck though, sailing high-speed up right next to a slower target and dropping a depth charge can lead to some success. If attempting this, remember the depth charge drop order and set the depth charge time delay to a minimum of 3 seconds, since any higher time delay will only mean that the depth charge will sink further, and thus away, from the target.

Usage in battles

Bow turret manned by a two men crew.

Borderer excels at high-speed cruising, so players should remember to let her operate at high speed. Avoiding low-speed manoeuvres or tight shore passages which only make her vulnerable to enemy fire and incapable of escaping combat with her innate speedy engines.

The firepower is very adequate versus vessels equally sized or sometimes quite bigger than the Brave-class. With the long-range of the guns and the rate of fire, players can spawn, head back to somewhere behind the small boat's area and proceed to snipe from afar, keeping her low crew numbers safe. This tactic will employ the Borderer as a stationary artillery emplacement. But it requires above-average gunnery skills to land the shots consecutively until the target is sunk. If needed, practice this tactic with the boat during a test sail or a custom battle.

Very few ships can similarly perform this tactic at her battle rating. Amongst them, the lethal and infamous Freccia P-493 with her 3 x 40 mm guns, 1 additional 40 mm gun when compared with the two turrets of the Brave-class. So captains should be on the look out for the kind of threats that are capable of similar ranges of fire to the Borderer.

If none of these threats are present (during low-ranked battles), it is likely the Borderer will cause a lot of damage to the enemy's patrol boats and frigates within the coastal area of the map. On some maps, even cargo ships can be targeted from really far distances!

For players looking for detailed roles, some ideas are presented:

  • High seas support

Speed greatly benefits boats during open sea battles; speed is what the Brave-class possesses. Thus the Brave-class is currently among the best-fitted British boats to play in higher ranked battles. The speed allows the Brave-class to perform a wide range of supporting duties during open-sea battles, especially when working together with cruisers or destroyers.

With the torpedoes, the player or a group of torpedo boats can vex enemy cruisers. This torpedoing is not a defining duty, since the goal is to actually dispose of the torpedoes while staying alive.

The Brave-class can furthermore utilize its great speed to provide close air-protection or interception to enemy planes flying low with the intention to launch torpedoes. The Borderer can also release smoke screens when an allied ship steers and heads reverse during a retreat. Staying close to squadmates will also grant the chance to help in combat repairs.

This is a different playstyle outside the reduced spaces of small boats combat zones that delivers a lot of sea to navigate with the Borderer. It is likely she will face other fast craft doing the same tasks during these battles.

  • Cargo ship hunter

Especially during Realistic battles, the Encounter mode will often be prolongated by the inability to destroy all the cargo ships. So the player can use the Borderer to hunt and sink these ships.

Plan a route that will increase the chances of survival while facing minimal or no opposition (usually the edges of the map). After finding the cargo ships, proceed to launch each of the torpedoes first. Even if the Borderer is swiftly spotted and destroyed, the 4 torpedoes will be on an impact course. Once the torpedoes are launched, halting to rest then opening fire with the guns is a choice. Otherwise, proceed at full speed near a ship and drop a depth charge. Since the goal is to use the infiltration to cause as much damage to many ships as possible, providing good results for the team.

  • Torpedo support

This works better during Arcade battles, as the torpedoes will be infinitely reloaded.

The Borderer can head into the open sea with the main combat fleet and release the 4 torpedoes. Proceed to retreat with smoke and repeat; something must eventually find its way to the torpedoes. In a similar approach, she can remain near the coast ambushing the big ships intruding to the coastal areas of the map. If the situation demands it, getting really close to big ships and freeing the depth charges can cause serious damage. But Borderer could end sunk while attempting this, so it remains a last resort tactic.

Having the torpedo mode off while hunting with the torpedoes in Arcade is preferably, but optional.

Enemies worth noting

German Navy - Kriegsmarine ▀

Mehrzweckboot MZ1: She possesses everything the Brave Borderer does not. More than the double the crew size, and very punchy and armoured turrets. But she lacks one thing; speed. Borderer can use her immense size as tug target and decimate her crew from really far away. In close ranges, stay on the move and fire first while procuring not getting hit by her 88 mm cannons. She can't escape the speed of the Borderer but she will fire back. The MZ1 is among the highest armed motor gunboats of the rank.

AF D3 & AF D1: Germany possesses several highly armed barges at this rank, watch against those and avoid direct engagements. Their guns won't give second chances, so the best tactic is to fire from behind cover. Their guns ballistics will hinder them on this, while the Borderer will constantly reduce their crew to 0% with HE clips. There's no need to use AP belts since the barge is barely armoured.

Jaguar-Klasse (140): This fast attack craft is the ultimate challenge. They have great speed, they have great guns, which are equal or superior to the Borderer's, and they also have a crew size upper hand. The only chance the Brave Borderer has is to surprise this vessel with non-stop suppressive fire well-sprayed in her entire hull. Borderer is also way smaller and can use her agility to attack and disengage very quickly. If the attack failed don't fret; use the Borderer's advantage in speed to leave the combat zone immediately while popping a smokescreen behind.

Soviet navy - Военно-морской флот СССР (Military Maritime Fleet of the USSR)

Project 183 and Project 206 : These Soviet fast boats are a notable threat to the Borderer due to their high rate of fire. If the Captains decide to join the fight on close battles in the boat's area, is likely this menacing boats will be present. The high rate of fire of their guns is not comparable with the Borderer's. The only chance to win against these boats is to fire first and remain unseen from afar. Effectively outraging their superior fire rate while decreasing their equally vulnerable crew.

Italian Navy - Regia Marina ▀

Freccia P-493 & Saetta P-494: These are one of the biggest fast boats threats in naval battles. Their superb HE ammo and better crew size will be a challenge to fight against. Their guns which are very similar to the Brave-class's 40 mm Bofors guns, counter the main gameplay tactic of the Borderer (long-distance engagements). So it's all up to who fires first and accurately enough. The guns of these Italian boats will sink the Borderer in seconds, and just like the Brave-class's, the Bofors guns barely stop shooting. Smart British captains must note the presence of one of these boats early on, plan the attack carefully and concisely. Otherwise, they will be fired back in the same way (over cover). And when this happens, there's almost nowhere to hide; only the great top-speed of the Brave-class can keep it alive and running if the surprise advantage is lost.

In the case of the Saetta, she is armed with a very unique armament; a guided anti-ship missile, the Nettuno. The recommended defence when being targeted with this missile is to quickly steer the ship to the opposite direction while releasing a smokescreen. Do not attempt to fire at the missile. (to success, high speed is needed)

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 2 x 40 mm cannons offer almost unlimited damage, thanks to the rate of fire
  • Standard number of torpedoes with decent properties
  • Depth charges are available as special weaponry
  • Superiorly fast, currently the fastest vessel in the British coastal tree
  • Extremely adequate range of fire of the 40 mm guns on skilled hands, around 5,000 m
  • AP belt easily takes out armoured naval targets such as the Soviets MBK-161 early
  • Hull design possesses high sea-keeping qualities for rough sea; conserved accuracy when firing

Cons:

  • Expensive price once all modifications have been researched; this mimics her real-life expensiveness
  • Both 40 mm guns cannot fire directly backwards or frontally
  • Very low combat endurance against bigger vessels due to minimal crew size
  • Large for a Motor Torpedo Boat; easily targeted at low speeds and close ranges
  • Sluggish and difficult to control in low speeds steering
  • No auxiliary armament or anti-air, only manually guided guns

History

HMS Brave Borderer is part of the Brave-class, a series of only 2 fast patrol crafts built by Vosper in Portchester for the Royal Navy between 1958-1960 and commissioned into service for ten years (1960-1970).

The only two fast gun/torpedo boats built for the Royal Navy were HMS Brave Borderer (P1011) and HMS Brave Swordsman (P1012). These were the last Motor Torpedo/Gun boats of the Royal Navy's Coastal forces.

The Brave class were a succession in design from the '50s Dark class. It featured many novelties and accommodations, including the Bristol Proteus gas turbine engines. The gas turbines engines were only experimentally tested before but now successfully integrated into the Brave class. They allowed greater top-speed than the diesel engines present on the Dark class. This with the hull made of mahogany wood and a frame of aluminium allowed the vessel to reach speeds of more than 50 knots. Leading to be consider as one of the fastest fighting vessels in the world at the time. They could be fitted with interchangeable armament and even a stabilized 84 mm gun was planned but the idea later abandoned. They was instead fitted with limited armament, machinery and special electric equipment because high-performance was prioritized over combat capacities.

Visitors board Brave Borderer during her peaceful visit at Oberwinter, Germany.

During 1957, the Royal Navy gave up on the idea of a large coastal fleet so further development of the Brave class was abandoned, leading to only two boats of the Brave class being completed; also considering her expensive production cost.

The Brave class served mainly as control ships for coastal operations and special service operations, and training, among other more peaceful duties and security enforcing operations. But notably during 10 September 1965, Brave Borderer was involved in a live-fire incident during her visit to Irish ports in southern Ireland.

As she was leaving the Waterford harbour, Borderer was fired upon 3 times with a "Boys Anti-tank Rifle". The anti-tank shots easily ruptured her hull and opened large holes. As the second shot was fired, Borderer hastily reached for her full power to leave the ambush zone. All sirens ringing in emergency, she could be seen smoking and men reaching for their combat positions. Once the third shot hit the Borderer, a loud terrible noise was heard, water spray covered the Borderer which now vanishing nose-lifted amidst a cloud of smoke retreated into the sea at full speed.

She managed to reach open sea and return to port with no casualties, where she was repaired within a few months. The attack was perpetrated by members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the whole incident is based on political reasons.

The two Braves were finally retired from service in 1970 but their design set the base for more simple and less expensive design made by Vosper; the Ferocity class. This new more accessible class was similar to the Brave class and was exported to West Germany's navy and the Danish Navy, among others.

The German navy operated several Vosper-built Brave/Ferocity classes known as S-Boat Class 153 ("Strahl", Brave class, and "Pfeil", Ferocity class). They were armed with the improved 40 mm/70 Bofors guns.

The designs of the Brave class lived up to the '90s in many other navies, with the still existing remnants of inoperative boats surviving up to this date.

Media

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See also

Analogues of other nations

External links


Vosper & Company
Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) 
70 ft Vosper  MTB Vosper · MTB Vosper(2) · GIS 811*
Gay-class  HMS Gay Archer
Brave-class  Brave Borderer
Schnellboot Type 153  Pfeil**
  *70 ft Vosper in post-war Italian Service
  **Built for West Germany

Britain boats
Motor torpedo boats  Brave Borderer · Dark Aggressor · Dark Aggressor TD · Fairmile D (617) · Fairmile D (697) · Fairmile D (5001) · HMS Gay Archer
  MTB-1(1) · MTB-1(2) · MTB Vosper · MTB Vosper(2) · MTB-422
Motor gun boats  Dark Adventurer · Fairmile A (ML100) · Fairmile B (ML345) · Fairmile C (312) · Fairmile C (332) · Fairmile D (601) · Fairmile H LCS(L)(2)
  HMAS Arrow · HMAS Fremantle · MGB-61 · MGB-75 · ML 1383 · SGB Grey Fox · SGB Grey Goose
Gunboats  HMS Spey