Q&A · 5:39:04-5:40:42

Designing a modern uncrewed PT boat

A small fibreglass craft carrying torpedoes and sensors is proposed for operations 1,000 to 2,000 nautical miles from base, beyond the range envisioned for an explosive jet ski.

Question

How would you build and power a modern PT boat?

Short answer

Use a small fiberglass fast-boat hull as a long-range uncrewed sensor and torpedo platform.

Notes

The preferred design starts with the smallest remotely controlled hull able to carry torpedoes and the required sensors. Commercial builders of fast fibreglass motorboats are suggested as a starting point. A contrasting proposal uses an explosive jet ski, but that is rejected as too short-ranged for the intended PT-boat role. The larger craft should threaten ships about 1,000 to 2,000 nautical miles from its base. Torpedoes would be its main proposed weapons, with explosive ramming also allowed as an option.