Motor Torpedo Boat

Motor Torpedo Boat (MTB) was the name given to fast torpedo boats by the US and Royal Navies.

Related Topics:
Torpedo boat - US - Royal - Navies

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During World War II. The US Navy boats were usually called by their hull classification symbol of "PT", hence PT boats though the class type was still 'motor torpedo boat'. The Royal Navy (RN) referred to them as MTBs and the German fast torpedo boats as E-boats.

Related Topics:
World War II - Hull classification symbol - PT boat - E-boat

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MTBs were designed for high speed and manoeuvrability on the water to get close enough to launch their torpedoes at enemy vessels. With next to no armour, the boats relied upon their agility at high speed to avoid being hit by gunfire from bigger ships.

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• HMS Cricket, launched in 1906, was the first RN ship to use oil for her boilers. She was initially designated as an "Insect" class coastal destroyer, but was later reclassified as a torpedo boat. The class were nicknamed "Oily Wads" by RN seamen.
• A similar size boat with a different role was the RAF Rescue Launch.
 
Motor Torpedo Boat: Specification ►