Difference between revisions of "MTB Vosper"

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{{Specs-Card|code=uk_mtb_vosper_1series}}
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{{About
 +
| about = British motor torpedo boat '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = MTB Vosper (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=uk_mtb_vosper_1series
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British motor torpedo boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] as part of the British fleet closed beta test.
{{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.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
<!--Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armament separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Tips for preserving survivability should be saved for the "Use in battle" section.
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' -->
  
If necessary, use a graphic template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.-->
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[[File:{{PAGENAME}}_Internals.png|thumb|{{PAGENAME}} internals (starboard). Note the ammunition storage below the bridge.]]
  
Vosper 1 series has the following armour layout:  
+
{{PAGENAME}} has the following armour layout:
  
 
* Hull: 24 mm, wood
 
* Hull: 24 mm, wood
 
* Superstructure: 15 mm, wood
 
* Superstructure: 15 mm, wood
  
[[File:X-RayImage StarboardView Vosper1.png|thumb|Vosper 1 series internals (starboard side). Note the ammo storages below the bridge.]]
+
Any gun in the game will easily be able to penetrate the hull and superstructure at any practical range.
  
Any gun in the game will easily be able to penetrate anywhere on the boat at practically any range.  
+
{{PAGENAME}} can be hull-broken by any round with a large enough diameter and a large enough explosive mass. In general, this is limited to HE rounds fired from guns greater than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter. Hull-break triggers when such a round hits and destroys any hull compartment — or in some cases, the bridge — upon which the rest of the boat is destroyed. At {{PAGENAME}}' battle rating, there is only one gun capable of hull-breaking her:
  
Vosper 1 series can be hull-broken by any gun that is greater than or equal to 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter. Hull-break triggers when a capable gun destroys any hull compartment or the bridge, resulting in instant destruction of the rest of the boat. At Vosper 1 series' battle rating, these include the [[8cwt QF Mk I (114 mm)|8cwt QF Mk I]] (found on {{Specs-Link|uk_dark_class}}), the [[4 in QF Mark V (102 mm)|4 in QF Mark V]] (found on {{Specs-Link|uk_isles_class_trawler}}), and the [[BL Mark IX (102 mm)|BL Mark IX]] (found on {{Specs-Link|uk_flower_class}}). While it isn't uncommon for a boat in tier 1 and 2 to be able to be hull-broken by guns larger than 4 inches, it's relatively rare for it to be able to be hull-broken by actual 4-inch guns. This trait is generally given only to reserve boats or boats very early in the tech tree, including Vosper 1 series.
+
* the [[8cwt QF Mk I (114 mm)|8cwt QF Mk I]], found on {{Specs-Link|uk_dark_class}}.
  
Vosper 1 series' hull is split into three compartments. The first compartment starts at the bow and ends just in front of the forward gun mounts. The second starts at the forward gun mounts and ends in front of the engines. The third starts at the engines and ends at the stern. Overall, with a crew complement of 10, survivability is average.
+
The hull is split into three compartments. The first compartment starts at the bow and ends in front of the bridge; the second ends behind the aft gun mounts, just after the fuel tanks; and the third ends at the stern.
  
Of note are the ammo storages located just underneath the bridge. Destroying these will also destroy the rest of the boat. In practice, though, this almost never happens, since most guns at this battle rating are either machine guns or low-calibre autocannons which require a large number of hits to destroy the ammo storages. It's both faster and easier to just target the hull compartments and knock out the crew.  
+
{{PAGENAME}} has one ammunition storage that holds ammunition for all gun mounts. It is located directly below the bridge, just above the waterline. Destroying it will instantly destroy the boat.
 +
 
 +
With a crew complement of 10, {{PAGENAME}}' overall survivability is below-average.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== 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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{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{NavalMobility
 +
|SpeedForwardStockAB = 76
 +
|SpeedBackStockAB = 27
 +
|TurnTimeStockAB = 19.42
 +
|TurnSpeedStockAB = 44
 +
 
 +
|TurnTimeSpadedAB = 12.61
 +
|TurnSpeedSpadedAB = 43
 +
 
 +
|SpeedForwardStockRB = 64
 +
|SpeedBackStockRB = 22
 +
|TurnTimeStockRB = 21.92
 +
|TurnSpeedStockRB = 45
 +
 
 +
|TurnTimeSpadedRB = 17.83
 +
|TurnSpeedSpadedRB = 44
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{PAGENAME}} has a displacement of 38 tons.
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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When moving at high speeds, either forwards or backwards, {{PAGENAME}} will drift slightly to starboard without any player input.
! colspan="6" | '''Mobility Characteristics'''
 
|-
 
! rowspan="2" | Game Mode
 
! rowspan="2" | Upgrade Status
 
! colspan="2" | Maximum Speed (km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Turn Time (s)|Time needed to complete a 360° turn at maximum speed}}
 
! rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Turn Radius (m)|At maximum speed}}
 
|-
 
! rowspan="1" | Forward
 
! rowspan="1" | Reverse
 
|-
 
| rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|AB|Arcade Battles}}
 
| {{Annotation|Stock|All modifications removed}} || 76 || 27 || ~19.43 || ~37.80
 
|-
 
| {{Annotation|Upgraded|All modifications installed}} || 105 || 37 || ~12.61 || ~22.86
 
|-
 
| rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|RB|Realistic Battles}}/{{Annotation|SB|Simulator Battles}}
 
| {{Annotation|Stock|All modifications removed}} || 64 || 22 || ~21.92 || ~43.61
 
|-
 
| {{Annotation|Upgraded|All modifications installed}} || 74 || 26 || ~17.84 || ~34.70
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
When moving forwards at high speeds, the bow will slightly lift out of the water, and the hull will drift very slightly to starboard without any player input, though both are unnoticeable in gameplay and don't affect the firing of the guns in any real way. Vosper 1 series has a displacement of 38 tons.
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=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
 +
<!-- ''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.'' -->
 
{{main|Lewis 1916 (7.72 mm)}}
 
{{main|Lewis 1916 (7.72 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.-->
 
  
[[File:Vosper1 Centre CloseUpImage.png|thumb|x200px|right|Close-up shot of the Vosper 1 series showing gun mount placements. The two mounts behind the bridge are staggered to not obstruct each other when firing to the side.]]
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[[File:Vosper1 Centre CloseUpImage.png|thumb|{{PAGENAME}} gun turret placements. The two mounts behind the bridge are staggered to not obstruct each other when firing to the sides.]]
  
In her main armament group, Vosper 1 series has four twin 7.72 mm Lewis machinegun 1916 mounts, two on each wing in front of the bridge and two staggered behind the bridge, for a total of 8 guns. For each mount, there are 1,940 rounds of ammunition available, 970 rounds per gun, for a total of 7,760 rounds. All of the mounts traverse horizontally at a rate of 75°/s and vertically at a rate of 75°/s. Each gun has a magazine capacity of 97 rounds and has a rate of fire of 550 rounds/min. With a stock crew, the guns can be reloaded in 10.4 seconds; with an aced crew, they can be reloaded in 8 seconds. Their maximum range against surface targets is roughly 1.6 km.
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The primary armament consists of eight 7.72 mm Lewis 1916 machineguns in four twin mounts, two side-by-side in front of the bridge and two staggered behind the bridge. There are 1,940 rounds of ammunition available for each mount, 970 rounds per gun, for a total of 7,760 rounds. Stock, the mounts can traverse horizontally and vertically at a rate of 64°/s; with the "Primary Armament Targeting" modification installed, this is increased to 75°/s. Each gun has a magazine capacity of 97 rounds and a cyclic rate of fire of 550 rounds/min. With a stock crew, the guns can be reloaded in 10.4 seconds; with an aced crew, they can be reloaded in 8 seconds.
  
 
{{Notice|Turrets are named sequentially, clockwise, starting at the bow}}
 
{{Notice|Turrets are named sequentially, clockwise, starting at the bow}}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="65%"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! colspan="8" | '''Guidance for the Main Gun Turrets'''
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! colspan="8" | '''Primary Armament Guidance'''
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" rowspan="1" | No.1 Turret (front-right)
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! colspan="2" rowspan="1" | No.1 Turret (fore-starboard)
! colspan="2" rowspan="1" | No.2 Turret (back-right)
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! colspan="2" rowspan="1" | No.2 Turret (aft-starboard)
! colspan="2" rowspan="1" | No.3 Turret (back-left)
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! colspan="2" rowspan="1" | No.3 Turret (aft-port)
! colspan="2" rowspan="1" | No.4 Turret (front-left)
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! colspan="2" rowspan="1" | No.4 Turret (fore-port)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Horizontal !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Vertical
 
! Horizontal !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Vertical
Line 84: Line 93:
 
|}
 
|}
  
There are three choices of ammunition available:
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There are three ammunition types available:
  
* Universal: {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}/{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}/{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}/{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}
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* Universal: {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}
  
* 7.7 mm AP belt: {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}/{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}/{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}/{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}
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* 7.7 mm AP belt: {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|T|Tracer}}
  
* 7.7 mm API belt: {{Annotation|IT|Incendiary tracer}}/{{Annotation|IT|Incendiary tracer}}/{{Annotation|IT|Incendiary tracer}}/{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}
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* 7.7 mm API belt: {{Annotation|IT|Incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IT|Incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|IT|Incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}
  
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
Line 100: Line 109:
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
|-
 
|-
| Universal || 20 || 19 || 16 || 13 || 11 || 10
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| Universal || 10 || 9 || 8 || 7 || 6 || 5
 
|-
 
|-
| 7.7 mm AP belt || 20 || 19 || 16 || 13 || 11 || 10
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| 7.7 mm AP belt || 10 || 9 || 8 || 7 || 6 || 5
 
|-
 
|-
| 7.7 mm API belt || 20 || 19 || 16 || 13 || 11 || 10
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| 7.7 mm API belt || 10 || 9 || 8 || 7 || 6 || 5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Torpedo armament ===
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=== Additional armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.'' -->
 
{{main|Mk.VIII (533 mm)}}
 
{{main|Mk.VIII (533 mm)}}
<!--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.
 
 
If there is no torpedo armament, remove this section.-->
 
  
Vosper 1 series has two torpedo tubes, one on each side, and can carry two 533 mm Mk.VIII torpedoes. The torpedo tubes are pointed forwards, but they are angled outwards on each side and are fixed, requiring the boat to be turned in order to aim them.  
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{{PAGENAME}} can carry two 533 mm Mk.VIII torpedoes. The torpedo tubes are located on either side of the bridge, pointing forwards with the nose angled outwards.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
Line 121: Line 129:
 
! 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)
 
! 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)
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Annotation|No|'Torpedo Mode' modification uninstalled}} || 1566 || 84 || 4.57 || 1 || 50 || TNT || 327 || 327
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| {{Annotation|No|'Torpedo Mode' modification uninstalled}} || rowspan="2" | 1,566 || 50 || 4.57 || rowspan="2" | 1 || rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | TNT || rowspan="2" | 327 || rowspan="2" | 327
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Annotation|Yes|'Torpedo Mode' modification installed}} || 1566 || 76 || 6.40 || 1 || 50 || TNT || 327 || 327
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| {{Annotation|Yes|'Torpedo Mode' modification installed}} || 76 || 6.40
 
|}
 
|}
  
The Torpedo Mode modification is available as a tier IV modification. Installing it has the following changes:  
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The Torpedo Mode modification is available as a rank IV modification. Installing it will give the following changes:
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
Line 137: Line 145:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{PAGENAME}} has two possible loadouts:
 +
 +
# 2x Mk.VIII torpedo
 +
# Without load
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!--Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don’t get try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).-->
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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).'' -->
  
Like {{Specs-Link|uk_mtb_1series}} that comes directly before it on the tech tree, Vosper 1 series' main armament consists only of low-calibre machine guns, although this is somewhat alleviated by the fact that she has eight such guns. Still, the guns are limited by their low maximum range of 1.6 km. Unlike MTB-1 1 series though, Vosper 1 series can only bring all eight guns to target in very small ~7.5° arc about 60° to port (i.e. roughly the 10 o'clock position). In general, though, only four or six of the eight guns will ever be on target at the same time. Even so, six guns are enough to destroy most targets at this tier without needing to reload. With only four of eight guns though, the guns will have to be reloaded at least once in order to destroy most targets, so engagements either directly in front of or directly behind the boat, where only two of the gun mounts can be brought to bear, are undesirable.
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In terms of armament, Vosper 1 series is very similar to the vehicle that comes directly before it in the tech tree, {{Specs-Link|uk_mtb_1series}}, the difference being in the placement of the guns. While MTB-1 1 series has the eight guns split into two quadruple mounts, Vosper 1 series has them in four twin mounts. With this arrangement, Vosper 1 series can only bring six of her eight guns on target at once, since the mounts block each other at most angles. Although there is a small ~7.5° arc about 60° to port (between the 9 and 10 o'clock positions) where all eight guns can be used at once, it's difficult to keep targets in such a small range, so this shouldn't be relied on. Still, with only six guns, you should still be able to destroy most targets without needing to reload. On the other hand, having the guns arranged like this does have its own benefits, the most obvious being the much quicker reload times, nearly half of that on MTB-1 1 series, depending on the crew skills. Having twin mounts instead of quad mounts also makes each individual mount smaller, which makes losing a turret to random fire is less likely and is less detrimental should it happen.
  
With a magazine size of 97 rounds per gun and a rate of fire of 550 rpm, the guns can fire for 10.58 seconds, very good compared to most other machine guns at this tier, though not the best. Compared to the quadruple mounts on MTB-1 1 series, the twin mounts on Vosper 1 series can be reloaded much quicker, between 8 and 10.4 seconds depending on the crew, which also puts it above the reload of the twin [[AN-M2 (12.7 mm)]] mounts that many tier 1 US boats have. Nevertheless, this reload is still quite long. Because of this, it's always better to empty the magazines after each engagement so that the maximum amount of ammunition is available for the next engagement.  
+
Differences aside, Vosper 1 series has virtually the same playstyle as MTB-1 1 series. The guns have a low per-hit damage output and a low maximum range, so stick to close-range engagements to nullify those disadvantages. Vosper 1 series is actually quite a bit faster than MTB-1 1 series; use it to your advantage to get to ambush positions on the map that MTB-1 1 series wouldn't be able to get to in time. Lastly, like MTB-1 1 series, it's still a good idea to fire off any remaining ammunition after engagements, even with the quicker reload.
  
;Ammunition Choices
+
;Ammunition
  
The best ammunition choice is the 7.7 mm AP belt since it has the highest ratio of AP to T rounds. While the 7.7 mm API belt may look tempting because of the incendiary tracer rounds, the IT rounds are actually stopped by most wooden hulls and rarely start fires, if ever. This belt is the best to use against aircraft, though with such a long reload to switch to it and such a minuscule difference in damage, there isn't much of a point in using it for that role either.
+
The best ammunition type is the 7.7 mm AP belt since it has the highest ratio of AP to T rounds. While the 7.7 mm API belt may look tempting because of the incendiary tracer rounds and lack of tracer rounds, the IT rounds can actually be stopped by some wooden hulls and almost all metal hulls. Additionally, their damage output is closer to that of the standard tracer round than the AP round, and they rarely start fires, if ever. While the IT rounds are technically the best against aircraft, with such a long reload time to switch to the API belt and with barely any noticeable difference, there's really no point in using the API belt for that either. Take only the AP belt.
  
 
;Torpedoes
 
;Torpedoes
  
The Mk.VIII torpedoes are a decent torpedo with above-average top speeds and warhead size. Its maximum range is more of less average compared to other torpedoes at this tier.
+
The Mk.VIII torpedoes are a decent torpedo with above-average above-average explosive mass and top speed. Its maximum range is more of less average compared to other similar torpedoes
  
The Torpedo Mode modification should never be installed. The higher maximum speed is much more valuable against the fast-moving boats of tier I and II, and the 4.57 km maximum range with the Torpedo Mode modification installed is more than enough for the small maps.
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The Torpedo Mode modification should never be installed. The higher maximum speed is much more valuable against the small and fast boats of tier I and II, and the 4.57 km maximum range with the Torpedo Mode modification uninstalled is more than enough for the small maps.
  
Be aware though that, if the torpedo is unused, it can be shot at, and, if it's destroyed, there is a chance the entire boat can be destroyed along with it. For this reason, it's best to either use them early on or to not take them into battle at all.
+
If using torpedoes, be aware that, unless already launched, the torpedoes can be shot at, and, if destroyed, there is a chance for them detonate. To avoid this, fire the torpedoes early on or simply don't take them at all. Torpedoes are a situational weapon, so it's largely down to personal preference whether you want to take them or not.
 
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Seakeeping
 
! colspan="2" | Unsinkability
 
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Dry-Docking
 
|
 
| Tool Set
 
|
 
| 7.7 mm AP belt
 
|
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
| Rudder Replacement
 
| Fire Protection System
 
| Smokescreen
 
| 7.7 mm API belt
 
|
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Propeller Replacement
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
| Primary Armament Targeting
 
|
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
| Engine Maintenance
 
| New Pumps
 
|
 
| Artillery Support
 
| Torpedo Mode
 
|-
 
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".-->
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Good manoeuvrability
 
* Good manoeuvrability
* Large number of guns
+
* Good torpedoes: above-average maximum speed and explosive mass
* Decent reload
 
* Good torpedoes, above-average maximum speed and TNT equivalence
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Main armament consists of low-calibre machine guns, low damage output per gun
+
* Primary armament consists only of low-calibre machineguns: low damage output per gun
* Main armament has a small maximum range, ~1.6 km
+
* Not all gun mounts can be brought on target at once, one or more of the turrets will be blocked at most angles
* Not all gun mounts can be on target at once, one or more of the mounts will be blocked at most angles
+
* Below-average survivability
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
During the 1930s, the Admiralty tried to reestablish the coastal boat flotillas it once possessed during the first World War. British boatbuilding company Vosper & Company vied for the contract but lost both times in 1935 and 1936, the contract to build the first coastal boats since WWI going instead to the British Power Boat Company. Vospers continued in their effort to receive a contract from the Admiralty for their boats but to no avail. At the time, though, the Admiralty had unofficially suggested that future contracts would only be awarded for boats that were able to reach 40 knots and that were armed with two 21-inch torpedoes as well as light anti-aircraft guns. With these specifications, Vospers took the risk and preemptively began development on a new motor torpedo boat.
+
During the 1930s, the Admiralty tried to reestablish the coastal boat flotillas it once commanded during the First World War. British boatbuilding company Vosper & Company competed for the contract but lost both times in 1935 and 1936, the lucrative contract to build the first coastal boats since WWI going instead to their rival, British Power Boat Company. In response to this, Vosper developed a faster and more seaworthy design than that of their rivals'. In the following months, Vospers proposed their design to the Admiralty multiple times, but ultimately, they could not secure a contract to build a prototype. Around this time, though, the Admiralty officials had unofficially suggested that future contracts would only be awarded for vessels that could surpass 40 knots in speed and that were armed with two 21-inch torpedoes as well as an assortment of light anti-aircraft guns. Additionally, it was known from previous specifications that the Admiralty wanted a vessel capable of operating in open waters in at least Force 5 winds and that was fast enough to cross the English Channel during the night. With these unofficial specifications, Vospers preemptively began development on a new vessel as a private venture of the company's own expense.
  
In 1937, Vospers completed their prototype. It was 69.5 feet long and had a hard chine hull design, like many boats at the time, which produced hydrodynamic lift at high speeds, lifting the hull out of the water to reduce drag. It was powered by three petrol engines from Italian manufacturer Isotta Fraschini, each driving a single shaft, together producing 3,600 bhp. The prototype displaced 33 tons, and, in internal trials, it reached 43.7 knots loaded and 47.8 knots unloaded. For its torpedo armament, many different arrangements were tried, but it was eventually decided that they should be mounted on either side of the bridge, pointed forwards and angled outwards. This torpedo placement was uncommon at the time but would become the standard placement on Allied motor torpedo boats during WWII. For its gun armament, Vospers experimented with various combinations of 0.303 calibre machine guns, 0.50 calibre machine guns, and a 20 mm autocannon. The prototype went on trials for the Admiralty in 1938, after which it was purchased and designated MTB 102. In 1939, MTB 102 went on trials against a competing design by British Power Boat Co. Vospers won, and, subsequently, its design was selected to be the newest line of Coastal Forces motor torpedo boats.  
+
Immediately, it was decided that the private venture vessel had to be larger than the existing 60 ft British Power Boat MTB in order to meet the specifications. Additionally, engines more powerful than the Napier Sea Lion engines used in the BPB design were required. With none available domestically, Vospers looked to the Asso 1000 engine by Italian manufacturer Isotta-Fraschini. Though in limited supply, the Asso 1000 was specifically designed for marine craft and provided the necessary power: 1150 bhp at 1500 rpm maximum and 950 bhp at 1660 rpm continuous. In late 1936, Vospers completed their design. It called for three Asso 1000 engines and two in-house 75 bhp auxiliary engines, the latter of which could be coupled to the outer shafts to give a total maximum power of 3600 bhp. The hull-form was a hard chine planing design and was 69½ ft in length with a displacement of about 33 tons. The prototype was laid down before the end of the year and completed in May 1937.
  
The boats built following MTB 102 all shared its design, although the hull was lengthened to 70 feet. In 1940, with the entrance of Italy into WWII, engines from Isotta Fraschini could no longer be obtained and subsequent boats had to be fitted with much weaker petrol engines (1,800 bhp total) from American manufacturer Hall Scott as a stopgap measure until they could be upgraded with more powerful petrol engines from Packard, though this wasn't until 1941. In total, 28 of the 32 planned 70 ft Vosper MTBs were completed:
+
Upon completion, the prototype underwent internal trials where she achieved a top speed of 47.8 knots unloaded and 43.7 knots loaded. Satisfied with these results, Vospers presented the prototype to the Admiralty for official trials against the 60 ft British Power Boat MTB. The prototype fared favorably, and after much deliberation, the Admiralty decided to purchase the vessel from Vospers. She was commissioned in May 1938 as MTB 102 and sent to HMS Vernon for further evaluation. Up to this point, MTB 102 had not actually been fitted with torpedoes, so during her time at HMS Vernon, many torpedo configurations were tested. These included tried-and-true yet outdated stern projection systems as seen on the 60 ft British Power Boat MTB and earlier WWI designs as well as a unique arrangement of a single launcher in the stem of the hull with a reload carried internally. These all had their own issues, and none were found to be satisfactory. Ultimately, it was decided that MTB 102 should have two torpedo tubes mounted on either side of the bridge, pointed forwards with the nose angled outwards, an uncommon configuration for the time. Around this time, the gun armament had also not yet been decided, so various configurations were also experimented with, including combinations of 0.303 in and 0.50 in machineguns and a 20 mm autocannon.
  
* MTBs 20-23: Ordered 15th August 1938, all completed by December 1939. MTBs 20, 21, and 23 were sent to the Romanian Navy. MTB 22 served with the 4th MTB Flotilla and survived to the end of the war.
+
Impressed with MTB 102, the Admiralty placed an order for four more vessels on 15th August 1938, Vospers' first-ever Admiralty contract. These vessels, and any ordered after, all shared the same overall design as MTB 102, although with several minor changes such as the hull being lengthened to 70 ft 3¼ in. After 1940, with the entrance of Italy into the war, Isotta-Fraschini engines could no longer be obtained, and subsequent boats had to be fitted with much weaker American Hall Scott engines — only 1800 bhp total — as a stopgap measure until they could be upgraded with more powerful Packard engines, though this wasn't until 1941 as supply was limited. Of the 32 planned 70 ft Vosper MTBs, 28 were completed and are as follows:
  
* MTBs 29-30: Ordered on 8th September 1938, all completed by July 1940. Both served with the 4th MTB Flotilla. MTB 29 was lost in a collision with a German E-boat on 6th October 1942, and MTB 30 struck a mine and was lost on 18th December 1942.
+
* MTBs 20-23: Ordered 15th August 1938, all were completed by December 1939. MTBs 20, 21, and 23 were sold to the Romanian Navy. MTB 22 served with the 4th MTB Flotilla and survived to the end of the war and was sold in 1945.
  
* MTBs 31-40: Ordered on 27th September 1939, 6 completed by May 1941. MTBs 33, 37, 39, and 40 were bombed by German aircraft before completion between 1940 and 1941. The completed boats survived to the end of the war.
+
* MTBs 29-30: Ordered on 8th September 1938 (including a Thornycroft design, MTB 28) as replacements for the three boats sold to Romania, all were completed by July 1940. Both MTB 29 and 30 served with the 4th MTB Flotilla. MTB 29 was lost in a collision with a German E-boat on 6th October 1942, and MTB 30 struck a mine and was lost on 18th December 1942.
  
* MTBs 57-66: Ordered on 26th February 1940, all completed by April 1942. MTB 61 was stranded during an attack on 9th May 1943, and MTBs 63 and 64 were lost after collisions with friendly MTBs on 2nd April 1943. The remaining boats were sold in 1944.
+
* MTBs 31-40: Ordered on 27th September 1939, six were completed by May 1941. MTBs 33, 37, 39, and 40 were bombed by German aircraft while under construction in 1940-41. The completed boats survived to the end of the war and were sold in 1945-46.
  
* MTBs 69-70: Ordered in April 1940, both completed by June 1940. Both only received two engines. Both served with HMS Beehive at Felixstowe and survived to the end of the war.
+
* MTBs 57-66: Ordered on 26th February 1940, all were completed by April 1942. MTB 61 was stranded during an attack on 9th May 1943, and MTBs 63 and 64 were lost after collisions with friendly MTBs on 2nd April 1943. The remaining boats were sold in 1944.
  
* MTBs 218-221: Ordered on 7th December 1940, all completed by September 1941. MTBs 218 struck a mine and was lost on 18th August 1942, and MTB 220 was sunk by German E-boats on 13th May 1942. MTBs 219 and 221 survived to the end of the war. MTB 221 was sold in 1945. MTB 219 was transferred to the Sea Cadet Corps at Staines in 1945 and was converted to a houseboat in 1948.
+
* MTBs 69-70: Ordered in April 1940, both were completed by June 1940 and received only two engines. Both were stationed at HMS Beehive, Felixstowe and survived to the end of the war and were sold in 1945-46.
  
Modifications to the original 70 ft Vosper MTB design would lead to the development of the 72 ft Vosper MTB and 73 ft Vosper MTB.
+
* MTBs 218-221: Ordered on 7th December 1940, all were completed by September 1941. MTB 218 struck a mine and was lost on 18th August 1942, and MTB 220 was sunk by German E-boats on 13th May 1942. MTBs 219 and 221 survived to the end of the war. MTB 221 was sold in 1945, and MTB 219 was transferred to the Sea Cadet Corps at Staines in 1945 and was converted to a houseboat in 1948.
 +
 
 +
The 70 ft Vosper MTB design continued to receive many improvements and modifications order-to-order and would lead to the development of the 72 ft Vosper MTB and 73 ft Vosper MTB.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
 
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== See also ==
 
== See also ==
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
 +
* [[MTB Vosper (Family)]]
 
* {{Specs-Link|uk_mtb_vosper_2series}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|uk_mtb_vosper_2series}}
 +
* {{Specs-Link|it_a1_vosper}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|uk_mtb_1series}}
 
* {{Specs-Link|uk_mtb_1series}}
* {{Specs-Link|uk_mtb_2series}}
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
<!--''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 ship;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;''
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 +
* [http://cfv.org.uk/research/boat/database Coastal Forces Veterans - Boat Database]
 
* [http://www.ww2ships.com/britain/gb-sc-002-b.shtml ww2ships.com - 70' Vosper Motor Torpedo Boat]
 
* [http://www.ww2ships.com/britain/gb-sc-002-b.shtml ww2ships.com - 70' Vosper Motor Torpedo Boat]
 
* [https://www.unithistories.com/units_british/RN_MTBs.html#MTB_Boats unithistories.com - Royal Navy Coastal Forces 1940-1945]
 
* [https://www.unithistories.com/units_british/RN_MTBs.html#MTB_Boats unithistories.com - Royal Navy Coastal Forces 1940-1945]
 
* [http://www.naval-history.net/WW2BritishLosses3Coastal.htm naval-history.net - British vessels lost at sea in World War 2 - MGB, MTB, SGB, ML, etc] - originally published in British Vessels Lost at Sea, 1935-45, His Majesty's Stationary Office, 1947
 
* [http://www.naval-history.net/WW2BritishLosses3Coastal.htm naval-history.net - British vessels lost at sea in World War 2 - MGB, MTB, SGB, ML, etc] - originally published in British Vessels Lost at Sea, 1935-45, His Majesty's Stationary Office, 1947
* [http://www.harwichanddovercourt.co.uk/warships/torpedo-boats/ harwichanddovercourt.co.uk - Torpedo Boats - World War 2]
+
 
* [https://uboat.net/allies/warships/class.html?ID=640 uboat.net - Vosper 70 feet-type class]
+
===Bibliography===
 +
 
 +
* Lambert, J., & Ross, A. (1993). ''Allied Coastal Forces of World War II Volume II: Vosper MTBs & U.S. Elcos'' (pp. 21-32). London, England: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-602-7.
  
 
{{Britain boats}}
 
{{Britain boats}}

Revision as of 20:58, 12 January 2021

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the British motor torpedo boat MTB Vosper. For other versions, see MTB Vosper (Family).
uk_mtb_vosper_1series.png
GarageImage MTB Vosper.jpg
MTB Vosper
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The MTB Vosper 1 series is a rank I British motor torpedo boat with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea" as part of the British fleet closed beta test.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull24 mm (wood)
Superstructure15 mm (wood)
Number of section3
Displacement38 t
Crew10 people
MTB Vosper internals (starboard). Note the ammunition storage below the bridge.

MTB Vosper has the following armour layout:

  • Hull: 24 mm, wood
  • Superstructure: 15 mm, wood

Any gun in the game will easily be able to penetrate the hull and superstructure at any practical range.

MTB Vosper can be hull-broken by any round with a large enough diameter and a large enough explosive mass. In general, this is limited to HE rounds fired from guns greater than 4 inches (102 mm) in diameter. Hull-break triggers when such a round hits and destroys any hull compartment — or in some cases, the bridge — upon which the rest of the boat is destroyed. At MTB Vosper' battle rating, there is only one gun capable of hull-breaking her:

The hull is split into three compartments. The first compartment starts at the bow and ends in front of the bridge; the second ends behind the aft gun mounts, just after the fuel tanks; and the third ends at the stern.

MTB Vosper has one ammunition storage that holds ammunition for all gun mounts. It is located directly below the bridge, just above the waterline. Destroying it will instantly destroy the boat.

With a crew complement of 10, MTB Vosper' overall survivability is below-average.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB104 / 36 km/h
RB74 / 26 km/h
Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock 76 27 ~19.42 ~37.78
Upgraded 104 36 ~12.61 ~23.97
RB/SB Stock 64 22 ~21.92 ~43.61
Upgraded 74 26 ~17.83 ~34.68

MTB Vosper has a displacement of 38 tons.

When moving at high speeds, either forwards or backwards, MTB Vosper will drift slightly to starboard without any player input.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB79 → 97 Sl icon.png
RB119 → 146 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 960 Rp icon.png
900 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
50 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
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 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:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
7.7 mm AP belt
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
7_7mm_lewis_navy_incendiary_ammo_pack
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
95 Ge icon.png
Mods ship art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Research:
240 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

4 х Turret2 x 7.72 mm Lewis machinegun 1916
Ammunition1940 rounds
Belt capacity97 rounds
Fire rate551 shots/min
Main article: Lewis 1916 (7.72 mm)
MTB Vosper gun turret placements. The two mounts behind the bridge are staggered to not obstruct each other when firing to the sides.

The primary armament consists of eight 7.72 mm Lewis 1916 machineguns in four twin mounts, two side-by-side in front of the bridge and two staggered behind the bridge. There are 1,940 rounds of ammunition available for each mount, 970 rounds per gun, for a total of 7,760 rounds. Stock, the mounts can traverse horizontally and vertically at a rate of 64°/s; with the "Primary Armament Targeting" modification installed, this is increased to 75°/s. Each gun has a magazine capacity of 97 rounds and a cyclic rate of fire of 550 rounds/min. With a stock crew, the guns can be reloaded in 10.4 seconds; with an aced crew, they can be reloaded in 8 seconds.

Msg-info.png Turrets are named sequentially, clockwise, starting at the bow
Primary Armament Guidance
No.1 Turret (fore-starboard) No.2 Turret (aft-starboard) No.3 Turret (aft-port) No.4 Turret (fore-port)
Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical Horizontal Vertical
±180° -7°/+70° ±180° -10°/+70° ±180° -10°/+70° ±180° -7°/+70°

There are three ammunition types available:

  • Universal: AP · T · AP · T
  • 7.7 mm AP belt: AP · AP · AP · T
  • 7.7 mm API belt: IT · IT · IT · AP
Penetration Statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Universal 10 9 8 7 6 5
7.7 mm AP belt 10 9 8 7 6 5
7.7 mm API belt 10 9 8 7 6 5

Additional armament

Setup 12 x 533 mm Mk.VIII torpedo
Main article: Mk.VIII (533 mm)

MTB Vosper can carry two 533 mm Mk.VIII torpedoes. The torpedo tubes are located on either side of the bridge, pointing forwards with the nose angled outwards.

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 1,566 50 4.57 1 50 TNT 327 327
Yes 76 6.40

The Torpedo Mode modification is available as a rank IV modification. Installing it will give the following changes:

Torpedo Mode Specification Changes
Max Distance (m) Max Speed (m/s)
+1830 -1

MTB Vosper has two possible loadouts:

  1. 2x Mk.VIII torpedo
  2. Without load

Usage in battles

In terms of armament, Vosper 1 series is very similar to the vehicle that comes directly before it in the tech tree, MTB-1(1), the difference being in the placement of the guns. While MTB-1 1 series has the eight guns split into two quadruple mounts, Vosper 1 series has them in four twin mounts. With this arrangement, Vosper 1 series can only bring six of her eight guns on target at once, since the mounts block each other at most angles. Although there is a small ~7.5° arc about 60° to port (between the 9 and 10 o'clock positions) where all eight guns can be used at once, it's difficult to keep targets in such a small range, so this shouldn't be relied on. Still, with only six guns, you should still be able to destroy most targets without needing to reload. On the other hand, having the guns arranged like this does have its own benefits, the most obvious being the much quicker reload times, nearly half of that on MTB-1 1 series, depending on the crew skills. Having twin mounts instead of quad mounts also makes each individual mount smaller, which makes losing a turret to random fire is less likely and is less detrimental should it happen.

Differences aside, Vosper 1 series has virtually the same playstyle as MTB-1 1 series. The guns have a low per-hit damage output and a low maximum range, so stick to close-range engagements to nullify those disadvantages. Vosper 1 series is actually quite a bit faster than MTB-1 1 series; use it to your advantage to get to ambush positions on the map that MTB-1 1 series wouldn't be able to get to in time. Lastly, like MTB-1 1 series, it's still a good idea to fire off any remaining ammunition after engagements, even with the quicker reload.

Ammunition

The best ammunition type is the 7.7 mm AP belt since it has the highest ratio of AP to T rounds. While the 7.7 mm API belt may look tempting because of the incendiary tracer rounds and lack of tracer rounds, the IT rounds can actually be stopped by some wooden hulls and almost all metal hulls. Additionally, their damage output is closer to that of the standard tracer round than the AP round, and they rarely start fires, if ever. While the IT rounds are technically the best against aircraft, with such a long reload time to switch to the API belt and with barely any noticeable difference, there's really no point in using the API belt for that either. Take only the AP belt.

Torpedoes

The Mk.VIII torpedoes are a decent torpedo with above-average above-average explosive mass and top speed. Its maximum range is more of less average compared to other similar torpedoes

The Torpedo Mode modification should never be installed. The higher maximum speed is much more valuable against the small and fast boats of tier I and II, and the 4.57 km maximum range with the Torpedo Mode modification uninstalled is more than enough for the small maps.

If using torpedoes, be aware that, unless already launched, the torpedoes can be shot at, and, if destroyed, there is a chance for them detonate. To avoid this, fire the torpedoes early on or simply don't take them at all. Torpedoes are a situational weapon, so it's largely down to personal preference whether you want to take them or not.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good manoeuvrability
  • Good torpedoes: above-average maximum speed and explosive mass

Cons:

  • Primary armament consists only of low-calibre machineguns: low damage output per gun
  • Not all gun mounts can be brought on target at once, one or more of the turrets will be blocked at most angles
  • Below-average survivability

History

During the 1930s, the Admiralty tried to reestablish the coastal boat flotillas it once commanded during the First World War. British boatbuilding company Vosper & Company competed for the contract but lost both times in 1935 and 1936, the lucrative contract to build the first coastal boats since WWI going instead to their rival, British Power Boat Company. In response to this, Vosper developed a faster and more seaworthy design than that of their rivals'. In the following months, Vospers proposed their design to the Admiralty multiple times, but ultimately, they could not secure a contract to build a prototype. Around this time, though, the Admiralty officials had unofficially suggested that future contracts would only be awarded for vessels that could surpass 40 knots in speed and that were armed with two 21-inch torpedoes as well as an assortment of light anti-aircraft guns. Additionally, it was known from previous specifications that the Admiralty wanted a vessel capable of operating in open waters in at least Force 5 winds and that was fast enough to cross the English Channel during the night. With these unofficial specifications, Vospers preemptively began development on a new vessel as a private venture of the company's own expense.

Immediately, it was decided that the private venture vessel had to be larger than the existing 60 ft British Power Boat MTB in order to meet the specifications. Additionally, engines more powerful than the Napier Sea Lion engines used in the BPB design were required. With none available domestically, Vospers looked to the Asso 1000 engine by Italian manufacturer Isotta-Fraschini. Though in limited supply, the Asso 1000 was specifically designed for marine craft and provided the necessary power: 1150 bhp at 1500 rpm maximum and 950 bhp at 1660 rpm continuous. In late 1936, Vospers completed their design. It called for three Asso 1000 engines and two in-house 75 bhp auxiliary engines, the latter of which could be coupled to the outer shafts to give a total maximum power of 3600 bhp. The hull-form was a hard chine planing design and was 69½ ft in length with a displacement of about 33 tons. The prototype was laid down before the end of the year and completed in May 1937.

Upon completion, the prototype underwent internal trials where she achieved a top speed of 47.8 knots unloaded and 43.7 knots loaded. Satisfied with these results, Vospers presented the prototype to the Admiralty for official trials against the 60 ft British Power Boat MTB. The prototype fared favorably, and after much deliberation, the Admiralty decided to purchase the vessel from Vospers. She was commissioned in May 1938 as MTB 102 and sent to HMS Vernon for further evaluation. Up to this point, MTB 102 had not actually been fitted with torpedoes, so during her time at HMS Vernon, many torpedo configurations were tested. These included tried-and-true yet outdated stern projection systems as seen on the 60 ft British Power Boat MTB and earlier WWI designs as well as a unique arrangement of a single launcher in the stem of the hull with a reload carried internally. These all had their own issues, and none were found to be satisfactory. Ultimately, it was decided that MTB 102 should have two torpedo tubes mounted on either side of the bridge, pointed forwards with the nose angled outwards, an uncommon configuration for the time. Around this time, the gun armament had also not yet been decided, so various configurations were also experimented with, including combinations of 0.303 in and 0.50 in machineguns and a 20 mm autocannon.

Impressed with MTB 102, the Admiralty placed an order for four more vessels on 15th August 1938, Vospers' first-ever Admiralty contract. These vessels, and any ordered after, all shared the same overall design as MTB 102, although with several minor changes such as the hull being lengthened to 70 ft 3¼ in. After 1940, with the entrance of Italy into the war, Isotta-Fraschini engines could no longer be obtained, and subsequent boats had to be fitted with much weaker American Hall Scott engines — only 1800 bhp total — as a stopgap measure until they could be upgraded with more powerful Packard engines, though this wasn't until 1941 as supply was limited. Of the 32 planned 70 ft Vosper MTBs, 28 were completed and are as follows:

  • MTBs 20-23: Ordered 15th August 1938, all were completed by December 1939. MTBs 20, 21, and 23 were sold to the Romanian Navy. MTB 22 served with the 4th MTB Flotilla and survived to the end of the war and was sold in 1945.
  • MTBs 29-30: Ordered on 8th September 1938 (including a Thornycroft design, MTB 28) as replacements for the three boats sold to Romania, all were completed by July 1940. Both MTB 29 and 30 served with the 4th MTB Flotilla. MTB 29 was lost in a collision with a German E-boat on 6th October 1942, and MTB 30 struck a mine and was lost on 18th December 1942.
  • MTBs 31-40: Ordered on 27th September 1939, six were completed by May 1941. MTBs 33, 37, 39, and 40 were bombed by German aircraft while under construction in 1940-41. The completed boats survived to the end of the war and were sold in 1945-46.
  • MTBs 57-66: Ordered on 26th February 1940, all were completed by April 1942. MTB 61 was stranded during an attack on 9th May 1943, and MTBs 63 and 64 were lost after collisions with friendly MTBs on 2nd April 1943. The remaining boats were sold in 1944.
  • MTBs 69-70: Ordered in April 1940, both were completed by June 1940 and received only two engines. Both were stationed at HMS Beehive, Felixstowe and survived to the end of the war and were sold in 1945-46.
  • MTBs 218-221: Ordered on 7th December 1940, all were completed by September 1941. MTB 218 struck a mine and was lost on 18th August 1942, and MTB 220 was sunk by German E-boats on 13th May 1942. MTBs 219 and 221 survived to the end of the war. MTB 221 was sold in 1945, and MTB 219 was transferred to the Sea Cadet Corps at Staines in 1945 and was converted to a houseboat in 1948.

The 70 ft Vosper MTB design continued to receive many improvements and modifications order-to-order and would lead to the development of the 72 ft Vosper MTB and 73 ft Vosper MTB.

Media

GEN LIVE WT 1 HPL.jpg

See also

External links

Bibliography

  • Lambert, J., & Ross, A. (1993). Allied Coastal Forces of World War II Volume II: Vosper MTBs & U.S. Elcos (pp. 21-32). London, England: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-602-7.


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 · MGB-61 · MGB-75 · ML 1383 · SGB Grey Fox · SGB Grey Goose
Gunboats  HMS Spey