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» Forum Name: PT Boats - General
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» Topic: Elco's with foils
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I have recently read in Warship 2011 that the navy, in late 1943 , had built a series of six 80' Elco's with six foils incorporated into the hulls. They were said to reach speeds of 55.95 knots, but were not persued due high fuel and oil consumption.
Does anyone have any info concerning these boats? Numbers, pics, ect?
Jonathan



Posted By: Jonathan Eno | Posted on: Aug 5, 2011 - 6:52pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered



Please ignore my previous post. I did a board search and found my answer. As usual I'm doing things a bit back-assward!




Posted By: Jonathan Eno | Posted on: Aug 6, 2011 - 4:33am
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered



Welcome to the club Jonathan. Everytime I think, I hear a steady beeping sound...

Here's a few more outside references:

The Navy book “An Administrative history of PT’s in World War II” has a good section on the Elcoplane: [url]http://www.gdinc.com/Preliminary_Admin_History_PTBoat.html[/url] Dick Washichek, our illustrious webmaster here, was kind enough to publish this electronically for us.

The book At Close Quarters, which can be read here: [url]http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/CloseQuarters/PT-2.html[/url], has a section on the Elcoplane:

[green]Elco's contribution was the Elcoplane, a series of six steps fastened to the bottom and sides of a standard Elco boat, PT 487. In trials run on December 16, 1943, in Newark Bay for a Board of Inspection and Survey, the 487 made the amazing speeds of 55.95 knots (nearly 65 land-miles per hour) with light loading, and 53.62 knots at full warload. Even more impressive was the maneuverability at high speed. Running at top speed, the Board reported, threw helm hard over and reversed course. Turning both right and left, the boat turned 180 degrees in about 6 seconds, and completed the turn with sternway on. At all times during the turn, the boat banked inboard. The performance in this maneuver was spectacular.[/green]

[green]The Board's report was so enthusiastic that the Bureau of Ships directed the Supervisor of Shipbuilding at Bayonne to expedite procurement of Elcoplane kits to send to squadrons in the operating areas for conversion of their boats. This project died aborning, however, on receipt of a report from the Commander Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 29, four of whose boats. PT's 560 to 563, ran from New York to Miami with Elcoplanes.[/green]

[green]These boats demonstrated that the Elcoplanes, ideal for high-speed operation, caused an increase of 25 percent in fuel consumption and 75 percent in lubricating oil consumption at cruising speeds. Also, at cruising speeds, the boats tended to root into heavy seas, steering was more difficult, and acceleration dropped off. The planes on the boats' sides warped and the supporting brackets cracked and loosened. The boats became sensitive to added weights and correct trim was an absolute necessity.[/green]




Posted By: Jeff D | Posted on: Aug 6, 2011 - 7:20am
Total Posts: 2200 | Joined: Dec 21, 2006 - 1:30am



Jonathon,

The ELCOPlane is a bit of mystery subject, your question was a good one. I did some research on the subject late last year. With any luck some of this work will show in Victor Chun's book due to be published this fall. The book is available for early ordeer at Barnes & Noble and Amazon. The price is right for a prepublication order.



Bill Smallshaw

Posted By: smallwi | Posted on: Aug 6, 2011 - 1:39pm
Total Posts: 130 | Joined: Jun 21, 2007 - 3:02pm



Jeff and Bill,
Thank you for the replies. I've ordered Victor's book and am anxiously awaiting it.
I thought that a foil PT would make an interesting model subject, especially in R/C, which happens to be my bent. I also happen to have a 1/16th Elco hull with fittings waiting to be built. If I can put together enough info I may give it a try.
Thanks again
Jonathan



Posted By: Jonathan Eno | Posted on: Aug 6, 2011 - 5:20pm
Total Posts: | Joined: Unregistered