The explosive vessel MA (MA = Motoscafo da I tomelante) was the first of two prototypes of a light explosive vessel of the Italian Navy , which was commissioned by the Italian Naval Office in 1935 to test the effectiveness of small and fast small combat units against larger naval units. After the end of the Abyssinian War , however, the project was pursued only half-heartedly. After an extensive series of tests, there was no military service, and the prototype never went into series production.
Specifications
The wooden hull was made by the Baglietto shipyard in Varazze . The engines were supplied by the company CABI from Milan . Both companies had only been instructed by the Italian Navy with the technical specifications. With regard to the intended use, the boat was subject to military secrecy. After delivery of the hull and the technical units, the boat was assembled by members of the Navy. The bow of the ship was filled with 330 kg of Trilolital explosives . It was launched in November 1936. The steering position of the explosive device was in the stern area. All operating and control instruments were also housed there. In addition, the pilot had a magnetic compass and paddles, which should allow a noiseless stalking of the enemy.
↑ Harald Fock: Naval small weapons. Manned torpedoes, small submarines, small speedboats, explosives yesterday - today - tomorrow. Nikol, Hamburg 1996, ISBN 3-930656-34-5 , pp. 109-110.
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