Bold Class Fast Attack Craft

Bold Pathfinder and Bold Pioneer were prototype Motor Torpedo Boats (MTBs) / Motor Gun Boats (MGBs) built at Portsmouth by Vospers and launched in 1951. They were both to have been completed with two new Metrovick G2 Gas Turbines, but were launched with two Metrovick diesels instead. When the G2 Gas Turbines were eventually fitted they could achieve speeds of 42 knots. However the engines proved to be problematic and unsuccessful and both vessels were retired by 1962.

The Bold Class had a standard displacement of 130 tons and a full displacement of 150 tons. Bold Pathfinder measured 122ft 8-inches in length, 20ft 5-inches in breadth and 6ft 7-inches in draught. Sistership Bold Pioneer measured 121ft in length, 25ft 6-inches in breadth and 6ft 10-inches in draught. They had a complement of twenty.

Bold Pioneer and Bold Pathfinder could be configured as torpedo boats or gun boats. As MTBs they were armed with a single 40mm Bofor gun and four 21-inch torpedoes, while as MGBs they were fitted with a single 40mm Bofor gun and two 4.5-inch guns.

Originally both vessels were based at HMS Hornet, Gosport. However in 1956 Coastal Forces was disbanded and Hornet decommissioned. The remaining Fast Patrol Boats (FPBs) and Fast Attack Craft transferred to HMS Dolphin.

Experience gained from operating Bold Pathfinder and Bold Pioneer played an instrumental part in the development of the Brave Class Fast Attack Craft.

Class Details

Craft Histories

[Return to Patrol Vessels & Fast Attack Craft]

______________________________________________________________________________________________

© Written and researched by Jeremy Olver. First uploaded February 16th 2001. Updated February 25th 2001. Disclaimer.