MTB Carrier

How about a MTB carrier as a convoy attack vessel. Launch the MTBs at the convoy at turn them loose among the merchants. Probably not practical but still cool to think about.
 
How about a MTB carrier as a convoy attack vessel. Launch the MTBs at the convoy at turn them loose among the merchants. Probably not practical but still cool to think about.
Interesting idea! There are some problems to overcome, but it could be a nasty surprise. Of course, the MTBs can't be released in view of the convoy - that would give the escorts far too long to do something nasty to them. It seems to me that your best is to do this in narrow seaways, maybe with plenty of islands for the 'carrier' to lurk in and wait for a suitable target. There are places in Southeast Asia it might be possible, or large river deltas.
 
I don't think this is practical. Small craft, very small craft, can be run up a stern ramp, and launched the same way. However an MTB/MGB is a vessel weighing some tons, and when you get that much weight moving at speed, ANY mistake means its done. You also have very lightly built vessels going out to attack submarines, all well and good, if you have a good sonar (I may be wrong but don't think they are very good) and as long as they stay submerged. If they don't then you will be facing a deck gun, probably multiple machine guns and auto cannon up to 37mm. Your also going to need to take into account your heading and the sea state in launch or recovery, as it will need to be directly into the seas. Or, you can build 10 or 11 Flower Class corvettes on the tonnage of your vessel, that can operate in any sea state.
 
MTBs cannot operate in the open ocean in any sort of significant sea state. Even if they are not swamped, effective offensive action is not happening at sea states they can survive. Flower class corvettes had a hard enough time in the North Atlantic, MTBs...only single men with a death wish should crew them.
 
the Soviets had plans (and/or prototype?) for a "submersible torpedo boat" during 1930's but can find few details, designed to be launched from their (also vaporware) "Cruiser X."

assuming it was at least partly to deal with issue of small craft in rough seas vs. slow speed of small submarine, to strike a "perfect balance" although it sounds more like going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
 
the Soviets had plans (and/or prototype?) for a "submersible torpedo boat" during 1930's but can find few details, designed to be launched from their (also vaporware) "Cruiser X."

I thought they were actual mini subs, I need to check...
 
the Soviets had plans (and/or prototype?) for a "submersible torpedo boat" during 1930's but can find few details, designed to be launched from their (also vaporware) "Cruiser X."

assuming it was at least partly to deal with issue of small craft in rough seas vs. slow speed of small submarine, to strike a "perfect balance" although it sounds more like going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

I thought they were actual mini subs, I need to check...

you may well be correct, on Navypedia website and Fleets of World War II book they are described as "submersible torpedo boats" though.

Bloha (?) believe is the correct spelling for the project
 
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