The MAS is an Italian torpedo boat.
Description[]
No other navy in the world had more experience in torpedo boat development and deployment than the Italian Regia Marina when World War II broke out. Their MAS (Motoscafo armato silurante or Motoscafo antisommergibili) boats already became famous during World War I for their brave and ferocious attacks on large enemy warships. They were also used for anti-submarine and patrol duties. Prior and during World War II, several types of MAS boats have been build, with the type Baglietto Velocissimo being the most important. It was 18 metres long and displaced 24.5 tons. Thanks to lightweight construction and the excellent Isotta Fraschini engines, it was fast (up to 43 knots), reliable and had a relatively long range, but in return the low weight limited the type to calmer weather. MAS boats saw service in the Mediterranean Sea with some success, especially during the battles in the course of Operation Pedestal, a British convoy aimed to get supplies to Malta in August 1942. They also performed well in the Black Sea, sinking or damaging a considerable amount of Soviet transports, warships, torpedo boats and even a submarine.
In BattleGroup42, the MAS is equipped with two torpedo tubes and mines. For self defense it is equipped with a Breda SAFAT machine gun on a tripod mount towards the back of the boat. When destroyed, a small two-seater raft spawns in its place for the crew to escape.
It can be found in 4306-Operation Corkscrew.
Gallery[]
