Arms & Armour, 1992, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs; Diagrams; Tables;
From the cover: "In 1876 the 32-ton steam torpedo launch Lightning entered service with the Royal Navy, and the fast attack craft was born. Although the basic principle has remained the same — that of a vessel displacing no more than 600 tons with a top speed of 25 knots or more and heavily armed for its size — today's small warships have taken the concept and refined it enormously. Many navies now operate fleets of these small, fast, powerful combat craft. For coastal defence, and with the naval needs of developing nations often limited by tonnage and budget, the business of small warship design and manufacture is highly competitive.
Craft fall into two basic categories: the Fast Patrol Boat is very much the lesser of the two, being fitted with machine-guns and cannon only, while the Fast Attack Craft is faster, larger and more heavily armed with gun, missile and torpedo. Both types have a role to play in current naval strategy, the FPB being more suited to coastal patrol or civilian needs.
This invaluable reference book consists of two sections. The first examines the origins of the type from Lightning on, highlighting the important catalytic effects of the world wars on design and in developing the concepts and tactics of their deployment. After 1945 their future looked especially bright, for fledgling missile technology, it was quickly realized, could give the smallest warship the offensive capacity of a much larger vessel. A fleet of such small craft seemed to be the navy for a future war. These fast, long-ranged and missile-armed combat vessels could roam at will to attack larger ships, ports and installations while relying on their small size and high speed for escape. This remains a viable strategy -hence their popularity and the variety of designs available — but the missile can be used against them with equal effect, and combat experience from the Middle East demonstrates a particular vulnerability to the air-launched sea-skimming missile.
The second half of the book provides a technical directory to more than 100 designs — every type currently serving world-wide. Vessels are listed alphabetically and under standard headings of type, dimensions, armament, electronics and performance, affording ease of access to data and comparison between types. The detail is then extended further as the directory provides the name, pennant number and builder of all units in each class, sub-sections covering derivative classes built under licence or for export; and there is also assessment of the craft's potential and how each fits into the navy of the operating nation. Most types have an accompanying illustration showing the craft in its working environment to good effect, as well as deck plans. Rare photographs of Soviet classified designs enhance this well balanced, comprehensive study."
Very Good — in Very Good Dust Wrapper.
Blue boards with Gilt titling to the Spine. 160 pages. 10" x 7¾".
This book will be eventually reach my delightful website...(added to my Military — Navy category.) but get 60% off buying from this very blog blog... Buy it now for just £2.60 + P&P! Of course, if you don't like this one there are plenty more available here!
