Should the 40’ UTB MK1 Be in the game?’- Yes
- No
Should the 40’ UTB MK1 Be a reserve vehicle?’- Yes
- No
- I answered no in the first poll
Spoiler
Origins:
The 40’ UTB MK1 was developed by the United States Coast Guard in 1949 in order to replace the 38’ Cabin Picket boats and 30’ rescue boats which had become outdated, worn, and obsolete for their needs. The design was first tested by extreme modification of the outdated 38’ Cabin picket boats, through in which the design was reconstructed to resemble the layout of the proposed 40’ UTB design. From this, testing and research had continued as the proposed design seemed promising and favorable.
Multiple prototypes were completed and material testing had commenced in which a variety of different hull materials were considered, Including wood, steel, and even plastic. Eventually Production had commenced to build multiple different variations from the original design with different materials and the majority of the variations having twin propellers per unit with the minority having a single propeller per unit. eventually, The Coast Guard yard had completed a satisfactory number of these boats and were used by them, succeeding in replacing the ageing 38’ cabin picket boats.
From America to France:
In 1946, the first Indochina war had started with the main participants being the North Vietnamese and France, with each side respectively being backed by their communist and capitalist counter parts. Tensions had been rising between Russia and America since the end of World War Two, this would only continue throughout history. These tensions led to the signing of Mutual Defense Assistance Act by president Truman in 1949.
This act enacted the Mutual Defense Assistance Program in which The United States would supply France with resources to fight the Viet Minh. Twentyseven 40’ UTB MK1 were recorded to have been sent to be used by the French navy in Vietnam where they were fitted with a 50 Cal. Machine gun on the bow (Presumably A browning) and a 20 mm Orleikon Cannon to the stern. In 1955 these last of these boats retired from service in the French navy and entered into service with the Vietnamese navy as France lost control of the North Vietnamese which was one event of many that caused the catalyst of the United States Joining the Second Indochina war (Vietnam war)
Specifications:
Spoiler
Specifications according the Official United States Coast Guard
(Keep in mind these specs are for the unmodified version of the 40’ UTB MK1 and do not and or did not account for the possible variation in performance due to the addition of the 50 Cal Machine gun and 20 MM Orleikon Cannon.)
Hull:
Displacement (lbs): 21,500(1951); 23,765 (1953)
Length: 40’ overall
Beam 11’ 2"
Draft: 3’ 2" max (1951)
Machinery:
Main Engines: 2 GMC 6-71 diesels (190 HP)
BHP: 380
Propellers: 2 20"D x18"P x 1-3/4" bore LH & RH
Performance:
Max Speed: 22 knots (Mark I Steel) (1951)
Cruising Speed 15 knots, 190-mile radius (1951)
18 knots, 450-mile radius (1953)
Logistics:
Fuel Oil (95%): 228 gallons (1951); 370 gallons (1953)
Complement: 3
Electronics:
Radar: Some boats equipped with Radar and Radio
Radio Direction Finders Direction Finders
Images:
Sources:
(Unfortunately the site below does not seem to be working correctly at the moment.)
http://indochine54.free.fr/cefeo/boats.html