Speedboat MTSM
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The MTSM (MTSM = Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato) speedboat was a series-produced miniature speedboat of the Italian Navy that was better seaworthy than its predecessor, the MTS speedboat . This was achieved by using a larger hull with reinforced foredeck frames and a sharper V-shape. The MTSM was designed in such a way that it could be brought by tugs or speedboats to the target area, which was beyond its range of around 200 nm . Once there, it was supposed to attack and sink enemy ships by means of a torpedo with rapid operational advances .
Development history
In June / July 1941, the Italian naval command asked Baglietto in Varazze (hull) and CABI in Milan (engines) to develop a new miniature speedboat on the basis of the MTS that could carry a weapon load of 550 kg at maximum speed high and stable seaworthiness. In autumn 1941 the prototype was delivered and immediately subjected to extensive sea trials. The naval management then determined that the MTSM exceeded the expected operational value in terms of sea behavior, maneuverability, course stability and speed.
Subsequently, further boats were immediately ordered and from the end of 1941 to the beginning of 1943 the Baglietto company was able to deliver around 100 boats. The MTSM thus represented the most frequently built type of miniature speedboat. Its primary armament consisted of a 400 kg torpedo with a 150 kg explosive charge, which was installed between the two stern motors inside the hull in a stern torpedo tube and was also fired from the stern. Instead of the usual second torpedo, the MTSM had two 50 kg depth charges (called anti-pursuit depth charges - WABOS), which were rolled into the wake of the speedboat to a distance of approx. 5 to 8 meters in order to escape possible pursuer Depth detonated. A Beretto rifle and 12 hand grenades were available as close combat weapons to prevent boarding the speedboat or to fight back to one's own lines if the ship was lost on land. The speedboat had a radio communication device and a rod antenna as special equipment.
Intended use
Calls
The MTSM was present in all important theaters of war in the Mediterranean until the Armistice of Cassibile and even after the partition of Italy, units on the side of the Allies (10 boats) and on the side of the fascist Italian Social Republic (RSI) continued to fight the integrated most of the boats stationed in the north into their navy. The speedboats of the RSI came under German control there and were used by the small combat units of the Kriegsmarine for various operations until spring 1945, mainly in the Adriatic Sea. Both German and Italian or mixed crews were used. Little information is available about extraordinary successes or combat missions of the boats.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Harald Fock: Naval small weapons. Manned torpedoes, small submarines, small speedboats, explosives yesterday - today - tomorrow. Nikol, Hamburg 1996, ISBN 3-930656-34-5 , p. 115.