Difference between revisions of "PT-20"

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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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 77 ft PT-20 has no areas with serious amounts of armour protection. The hull of the vessel consists of 40 mm thick ship wood and the bridge on top is made of 15 mm ship wood. Any projectile that hits ''will'' penetrate and deal damage including fragmentation and splash damage from nearby shells. The crew is 15 people which is about average for the PT-20's BR, although any prolonged engagement will likely end in destruction through the loss of the crew. The PT-20 has a total of 4 compartments, 3 for the hull and one for the bridge. The second section of the hull houses the fuel tanks and the third contains the three engines. Damage to the middle of the ship will often set fires or disable the mobility of the PT-20.
+
The PT-20 has no areas with serious amounts of armour protection. The hull of the vessel consists of 40 mm thick ship wood and the bridge on top is made of 15 mm ship wood. Any projectile that hits will penetrate and deal damage, including fragmentation and splash damage from nearby shells. The crew is 15 people, which is about average for the PT-20's BR, although any prolonged engagement will likely end in destruction through the loss of the crew. The PT-20 has a total of 4 compartments, 3 for the hull and one for the bridge. The second section of the hull houses the fuel tanks, and the third contains the three engines. Damage to the middle of the ship will often set fires or disable the mobility of the PT-20.
  
 
=== 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 77 ft PT-20 is a very quick and agile vessel and is able to reach its top speed in under 15 seconds from a stopped position. A 180° turn can be performed in about 10 seconds when started at full speed, and a complete loop can be made in under 20 seconds. Half rudder deflection is achieved in 2 seconds and maximum deflection in around 10 seconds.
+
The PT-20 is a very quick and agile vessel and is able to reach its top speed in under 15 seconds from a stopped position. A 180° turn can be performed in about 10 seconds when started at full speed, and a complete loop can be made in under 20 seconds. Half rudder deflection is achieved in 2 seconds and maximum deflection in around 10 seconds.
  
 
{{NavalMobility}}
 
{{NavalMobility}}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | [[AN-M2 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm AN-M2]] (x4)
+
! colspan="3" | [[AN-M2 (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm AN-M2]] (x4)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="6" | 2 turrets
+
! colspan="3" | x2 turrets
 
|-
 
|-
−
!  || Port Turret || Starboard Turret
+
!  || Port turret || Starboard turret
 +
|-
 +
! scope="row" | Horizontal guidance
 +
| colspan="2" | ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Vertical guidance
 
! scope="row" | Vertical guidance
−
| -5°/+65° || -5°/+65°
+
| colspan="2" | -5°/+65°  
 +
|-
 +
!Horizontal Train
 +
| colspan="2" |60°/s
 
|-
 
|-
−
! scope="row" | Horizontal guidance
+
!Vertical Train
−
| ±180° || ±180°
+
| colspan="2" |55°/s
 
|-
 
|-
 
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
 
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
−
| colspan="6" | 9,600
+
| colspan="2" |8,000
 
|-
 
|-
−
! scope="row" | Rounds per turret
+
! scope="row" | Rounds per gun
−
| colspan="6" | 4,800
+
| colspan="2" | 2,000
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 57: Line 63:
  
 
===== Ammunition =====
 
===== Ammunition =====
−
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}} - This omnipurpose belt works well until the others are researched.
 
−
* '''.50 AP:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}
 
−
* '''.50 APIT:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}} - This belt suffers from a slight penetration penalty compared to .50 AP but gains the ability to set fires.
 
  
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}
−
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
+
* '''.50 AP belt:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}
−
|-
+
* '''.50 APIT belt:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
+
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
+
{{:AN-M2 (12.7 mm)/Ammunition|AP, I, API-T}}
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Universal || 29 || 28 || 25 || 20 || 18 || 16
 
−
|-
 
−
| .50 AP || 29 || 28 || 25 || 20 || 18 || 16
 
−
|-
 
−
| .50 APIT || 28 || 27 || 23 || 20 || 18 || 16
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== 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).'' -->
−
This boat is difficult to play. The optimal position to maximize your survivability is to have your bow pointing directly at your enemy however that also means you have no guns to fire at them. The optimal position for your guns is to have your rear point at the enemy but it exposes 3 of the 4 sections of the boat(particularly when driving forward at a high speed).
+
This boat is difficult to play. The optimal position to maximize your survivability is to have your bow pointing directly at your enemy, however that also means you have no guns to fire at them. The optimal position for your guns is to have your rear point at the enemy, but it exposes 3 of the 4 sections of the boat(particularly when driving forward at a high speed).
  
−
It is recommend you engage enemies by driving directly at them, releasing your torpedoes, then do a 180 and either use your machine guns to fight or smokes to run away.
+
It is recommended you engage enemies by driving directly at them, releasing your torpedoes, then do a 180 and either use your machine guns to fight or smokes to run away.
  
−
Other players that prefer to play less aggressively just play the boat constantly in reverse so they can always have guns to fire 'forwards'. Another variant of this playstyle is camping behind an island with all four guns pointed at a high traffic area.
+
Other players that prefer to play less aggressively just play the boat constantly in reverse, so they can always have guns to fire 'forwards'. Another variant of this playstyle is camping behind an island with all four guns pointed at a high traffic area.
  
−
Some players attempt to play the boat as an AA gun but it lacks the vertical elevation to engage planes directly above it and the survivability to take on strafing fighters.
+
Some players attempt to play the boat as an AA gun, but it lacks the vertical elevation to engage planes directly above it and the survivability to take on strafing fighters.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 106: Line 99:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* .50 calibre machine guns can effectively deal with just about any opponent it faces.
+
* .50 calibre machine guns can effectively deal with just about any opponent it faces
−
* The 21-inch torpedoes can instantly obliterate an enemy ship, given they hit their mark.
+
* The 21-inch torpedoes can instantly obliterate an enemy ship, given they hit their mark
 
* Decent top speed and acceleration
 
* Decent top speed and acceleration
  
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* .50 cal turrets cannot face forward
 
* .50 cal turrets cannot face forward
−
* The arrangement of the torpedoes requires firing from an angle against an enemy.
+
* The arrangement of the torpedoes requires firing from an angle against an enemy
 
* Wooden ship with no armour
 
* Wooden ship with no armour
  
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<!-- ''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 '''''77 ft PT-20''''' was a follow-on to the first serial production PT boats in the United States, the Elco ''70 ft PT-10'' series. The '''''PT-20''''' series was longer and heavier than their predecessors which caused a reduction in speed, although they were given additional torpedo tubes in an effort to increase the firepower. The change to 21 inch (53.3 cm) torpedo tubes up from 18 inch (45.7 cm) was a large addition to weight, and the earlier 70 ft PT boats could not carry the desired amount of torpedo tubes. In late 1941 and early 1942 a total of around 50 of these 77 ft Elco PT boats were produced and these would form the basis for the other widely produced versions such as the Elco ''80 ft PT-103''.
+
The 77 ft '''PT-20''' was a follow-on to the first serial production PT boats in the United States, the Elco 70 ft PT-10 series. The PT-20 series were longer and heavier than their predecessors, which caused a reduction in speed, although they were given additional torpedo tubes in an effort to increase the firepower. The change to 21 inch (53.3 cm) torpedo tubes up from 18 inch (45.7 cm) was a large addition to weight, and the earlier 70 ft PT boats could not carry the desired amount of torpedo tubes. In late 1941 and early 1942 a total of around 50 of these 77 ft Elco PT boats were produced and these would form the basis for the other widely produced versions such as the Elco 80 ft [[PT-103]].
  
−
The ship was layed down on October 14, 1940 by the Electric Boat Co., Elco Works, in Bayonne, New Jersey. It was launched in March 14, 1940, and was completed on June 9, 1941.
+
The ship was laid down on October 14, 1940 by the Electric Boat Co., Elco Works, in Bayonne, New Jersey. It was launched on March 14, 1940, and was completed on June 9, 1941.
  
−
It was commissioned on June 20, 1941, and was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron TWO (MTBRon 2), as the '''''USS''''' '''''PT-20'''''. MTBRon 2, under the command of Lt. Comdr. Earl S. Caldwell, USN, tested the first 70 ft Elco boats between 1940 and 1941, in the Caribbean. In December of 1941 the squadron received eleven new 77 ft Elco boats, and was moved to the Panama Sea Frontier. On August 13, 1941 the '''''PT-20''''' was transferred to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron ONE (MTBRon 1). MTBRon 1, under the command of Lt. William C. Specht, USN, was the first squadron of its kind commissioned, and was originally used for the testing of experimental boats. It was later moved to Hawaii, and it was composed of 77 ft Elco boats. It participated in the Battle of Midway and the Aleutian Campaign.
+
It was commissioned on June 20, 1941, and was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron TWO (MTBRon 2), as the USS PT-20. MTBRon 2, under the command of Lt. Comdr. Earl S. Caldwell, USN, tested the first 70 ft Elco boats between 1940 and 1941, in the Caribbean. In December 1941 the squadron received eleven new 77 ft Elco boats, and was moved to the Panama Sea Frontier. On August 13, 1941 the PT-20 was transferred to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron ONE (MTBRon 1). MTBRon 1, under the command of Lt. William C. Specht, USN, was the first squadron of its kind commissioned, and was originally used for the testing of experimental boats. It was later moved to Hawaii, and it was composed of 77 ft Elco boats. It participated in the Battle of Midway and the Aleutian Campaign.
  
−
The '''''USS PT-20''''' was struck from the Naval Register on December 22, 1944. It is unknown what happened to the ship afterwards.
+
The USS PT-20 was struck from the Naval Register on December 22, 1944. It is unknown what happened to the ship afterwards.
  
−
It had a displacement of 40 t, a length of 77 ft, a beam of 19 ft 11 in, and a draft of 4 ft 6 in. It was powered by three 1,500 shp Packard V12 M2500 gasoline engines, and it had three shafts.The armament consisted of two twin .50 cal. Browning M2 machine guns in Dewandre turrets, two .303 cal. Lewis machine guns and four 21" torpedoes. The crew complement was 15 sailors and officers, and the ship had a maximum speed of 41 knots.
+
It had a displacement of 40 t, a length of 77 ft, a beam of 19 ft 11 in, and a draft of 4 ft 6 in. It was powered by three 1,500 shp Packard V12 M2500 gasoline engines, and it had three shafts.The armament consisted of two twin .50 cal. Browning M2 machine guns in Dewandre turrets, two .303 cal Lewis machine guns and four 21" torpedoes. The crew complement was 15 sailors and officers, and the ship had a maximum speed of 41 knots.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, 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=us_elco_77ft_pt20 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 +
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|LPFzWLprS_A|'''The Shooting Range #8''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:12 discusses Bulkeley's Devil Boats.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|LPFzWLprS_A|'''The Shooting Range #8''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:12 discusses Bulkeley's Devil Boats.}}
  
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
=== Bibliography ===
+
=== References ===
 +
 
 +
;Bibliography
  
 
* Radigan, Joseph M. PT-20. NavSource Naval History. http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/05020.htm
 
* Radigan, Joseph M. PT-20. NavSource Naval History. http://www.navsource.org/archives/12/05020.htm

Latest revision as of 04:35, 15 May 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
PT-20
us_elco_77ft_pt20.png
GarageImage PT-20.jpg
PT-20
USA flag.png USA
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 1.7 1.7
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Elco 77 ft PT-20 is a rank I American motor torpedo boat with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X" as part of the fleet closed beta test.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull40 mm (wood)
Superstructure15 mm (wood)
Number of section4
Displacement33 t
Crew15 people

The PT-20 has no areas with serious amounts of armour protection. The hull of the vessel consists of 40 mm thick ship wood and the bridge on top is made of 15 mm ship wood. Any projectile that hits will penetrate and deal damage, including fragmentation and splash damage from nearby shells. The crew is 15 people, which is about average for the PT-20's BR, although any prolonged engagement will likely end in destruction through the loss of the crew. The PT-20 has a total of 4 compartments, 3 for the hull and one for the bridge. The second section of the hull houses the fuel tanks, and the third contains the three engines. Damage to the middle of the ship will often set fires or disable the mobility of the PT-20.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB106 / 35 km/h
RB76 / 25 km/h

The PT-20 is a very quick and agile vessel and is able to reach its top speed in under 15 seconds from a stopped position. A 180° turn can be performed in about 10 seconds when started at full speed, and a complete loop can be made in under 20 seconds. Half rudder deflection is achieved in 2 seconds and maximum deflection in around 10 seconds.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 106 35
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 76 25

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB91 → 111 Sl icon.png
RB132 → 162 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 960 Rp icon.png
885 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
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
110 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
.50 AP belt
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
.50 APIT belt
Research:
165 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
110 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods ship art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
320 Rp icon.png
Cost:
95 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

2 х Turret2 x 12.7 mm Browning AN-M2 machine gun
Ammunition4000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Fire rate577 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 65°
Main article: AN-M2 (12.7 mm)
12.7 mm AN-M2 (x4)
x2 turrets
Port turret Starboard turret
Horizontal guidance ±180°
Vertical guidance -5°/+65°
Horizontal Train 60°/s
Vertical Train 55°/s
Ammo capacity 8,000
Rounds per gun 2,000

Important to note is the fact that the main armament is unable to aim at targets on the water directly ahead due to the turrets being located just behind the bridge. Off to the side of the vessel, it is possible to aim one or both of the turrets and directly astern it is possible to use both.

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

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

Additional armament

Setup 14 x 533 mm Mk.8-3 C/D torpedo
Main article: Mk.8-3 C/D (533 mm)
533 mm Mk.8-3 C/D torpedo
# on ship Mass (kg) Maximum speed
in water (km/h) 		Travel distance (km) Depth stroke (m) Arming
distance (m) 		Explosive type Explosive mass (kg of TNT equivalent)
4 1379 54 3.65 1.0 50 Torpex 435

Usage in battles

This boat is difficult to play. The optimal position to maximize your survivability is to have your bow pointing directly at your enemy, however that also means you have no guns to fire at them. The optimal position for your guns is to have your rear point at the enemy, but it exposes 3 of the 4 sections of the boat(particularly when driving forward at a high speed).

It is recommended you engage enemies by driving directly at them, releasing your torpedoes, then do a 180 and either use your machine guns to fight or smokes to run away.

Other players that prefer to play less aggressively just play the boat constantly in reverse, so they can always have guns to fire 'forwards'. Another variant of this playstyle is camping behind an island with all four guns pointed at a high traffic area.

Some players attempt to play the boat as an AA gun, but it lacks the vertical elevation to engage planes directly above it and the survivability to take on strafing fighters.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • .50 calibre machine guns can effectively deal with just about any opponent it faces
  • The 21-inch torpedoes can instantly obliterate an enemy ship, given they hit their mark
  • Decent top speed and acceleration

Cons:

  • .50 cal turrets cannot face forward
  • The arrangement of the torpedoes requires firing from an angle against an enemy
  • Wooden ship with no armour

History

The 77 ft PT-20 was a follow-on to the first serial production PT boats in the United States, the Elco 70 ft PT-10 series. The PT-20 series were longer and heavier than their predecessors, which caused a reduction in speed, although they were given additional torpedo tubes in an effort to increase the firepower. The change to 21 inch (53.3 cm) torpedo tubes up from 18 inch (45.7 cm) was a large addition to weight, and the earlier 70 ft PT boats could not carry the desired amount of torpedo tubes. In late 1941 and early 1942 a total of around 50 of these 77 ft Elco PT boats were produced and these would form the basis for the other widely produced versions such as the Elco 80 ft PT-103.

The ship was laid down on October 14, 1940 by the Electric Boat Co., Elco Works, in Bayonne, New Jersey. It was launched on March 14, 1940, and was completed on June 9, 1941.

It was commissioned on June 20, 1941, and was assigned to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron TWO (MTBRon 2), as the USS PT-20. MTBRon 2, under the command of Lt. Comdr. Earl S. Caldwell, USN, tested the first 70 ft Elco boats between 1940 and 1941, in the Caribbean. In December 1941 the squadron received eleven new 77 ft Elco boats, and was moved to the Panama Sea Frontier. On August 13, 1941 the PT-20 was transferred to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron ONE (MTBRon 1). MTBRon 1, under the command of Lt. William C. Specht, USN, was the first squadron of its kind commissioned, and was originally used for the testing of experimental boats. It was later moved to Hawaii, and it was composed of 77 ft Elco boats. It participated in the Battle of Midway and the Aleutian Campaign.

The USS PT-20 was struck from the Naval Register on December 22, 1944. It is unknown what happened to the ship afterwards.

It had a displacement of 40 t, a length of 77 ft, a beam of 19 ft 11 in, and a draft of 4 ft 6 in. It was powered by three 1,500 shp Packard V12 M2500 gasoline engines, and it had three shafts.The armament consisted of two twin .50 cal. Browning M2 machine guns in Dewandre turrets, two .303 cal Lewis machine guns and four 21" torpedoes. The crew complement was 15 sailors and officers, and the ship had a maximum speed of 41 knots.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #8 - Pages of History section at 03:12 discusses Bulkeley's Devil Boats.

See also

  • PT-103: Elco's successor to the 77 ft PT-20 series, and one of the most widely produced versions of the PT boats in World War II

External links

References

Bibliography


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

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

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