The 326 Elco 80-foot boats collectively represented a large torpedo inventory, though a massed charge against a prepared fleet was unrealistic. Radar, gunfire, coordination, and logistics would have made such an attack impractical. Their real strength was as small, fast ambush craft, exemplified by PT-109's four 21-inch torpedoes and a gun battery that crews often augmented in service. Official speed figures for such light craft may also understate what skilled engine crews achieved through wartime tuning and modification.
Notable Point · 23:14-26:16
Elco 80-foot PT boats worked best as ambush predators
PT-109 illustrates how speed, torpedoes, and crew-added weapons made Elco boats dangerous in ambush but vulnerable in a fleet action.