Pacific torpedo boats belonged to a wider Anglo-American small-craft industry. British and American builders shared ideas through the civilian yachting world, even when their wartime boats operated in different theatres. Albert Hickman's sea sled used air trapped beneath a tunnel hull to reduce friction and support high speed. Its performance offered an early alternative to the hull forms that later dominated US PT-boat procurement.
Chapter · 6:05-13:05
Why Pacific torpedo boats have transatlantic design roots
British and American torpedo-boat builders shared ideas through the civilian yachting market, while Hickman's sea sled offered a fast tunnel-hull approach.