Introduced in 1943, the 73-foot Vosper could reach about 40 knots and placed roughly 29 boats in service before the war ended. Its two variants made the small hull's weight budget unmistakable. One fit could carry more torpedo tubes, while the Type II exchanged two 18-inch tubes for a six-pounder gun. A remembered third six-pounder remains doubtful, though local replacement of lighter weapons with a 40 mm gun appears plausible. No small hull could maximise speed, torpedo armament, gun power, and seaworthiness at the same time.
Notable Point · 1:13:11-1:15:29
Vosper's 73-foot torpedo-and-gun tradeoff
The 73-foot Vosper makes the design compromise visible: gaining a six-pounder meant giving up two 18-inch torpedo tubes.