Fast attack craft

A fast attack craft of the Chilean Navy

A fast attack craft (FAC), also referred to as a PTG or a PCG,[1] is a small, fast, agile, offensive, often affordable warship armed with anti-ship missiles, gun or torpedoes. FACs are usually operated in close proximity to land as they lack both the seakeeping and all-round defensive capabilities to survive in blue water. The size of the vessel also limits the fuel, stores and water supplies. Their displacements are usually under 700 tons, and they can reach speeds of 25+ knots or 46+ kph.[1]

A fast attack craft's main advantage over other warship types is its affordability. Many FACs can be deployed at a relatively low cost, allowing a navy which is at a disadvantage to effectively defend itself against a larger adversary.[2] A small boat, when equipped with the same weapons as its larger counterpart, can pose a serious threat to even the largest of capital ships. Their major disadvantages are poor seagoing qualities, cramped quarters and poor defence against aerial threats.

  1. ^ a b "AMI International - Definitions of Vessel Types [ ]". Amiinter.com. Archived from the original on 3 May 2018. Retrieved 11 March 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  2. ^ "Taiwan must rethink naval strategy: expert". Taipei Times. 4 March 2015. Archived from the original on 21 September 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2015.