Almost the first exhibits that you see when you enter museum are examples of small and underwater assault craft.
A glass cabinet contains an SLC (Siluri a Lenta Corsa) or crewed, self-propelled torpedo, a concept that was originally developed by the Italian Navy during the First World War.
The early versions were called Mignatta (Leech), but the ones used during the Second World War were known as Miaile (Pig). They were operated by the elite Decima MAS unit of the Italian Navy and were so successful that the design was copied by the Royal Navy, who called them Chariots.
The Miaile were usually 'delivered' to their targets inside watertight tubes fixed to the deck of larger submarines ...
... but several were based in an Italian tanker that was anchored in Spanish waters just across the bay from Gibraltar.
Also on show are is example of an MTM (Motoscafo da Tourism Modificato or modified tourist motorboat) which was a manned motorboat that was packed with explosives.
These MTMs were aimed at their target, and just before they hit, the driver would bail out of the motorboat ... and hopefully survive!
A small MAS (Motoscafo Anti Sommergibili or anti-submarine motorboat) is also on display.
Although originally designed to be used as an anti-submarine vessel, most MAS boats evolved into motor torpedo boats, and this example is armed with a single torpedo.
As was the case with the early British Coastal Motor Boats, this model of MAS was aimed at the target, the torpedo was released from a trough in the stern of the boat, and the MAS turned away so that the torpedo could continue to move along the MAS's original course.
A glass cabinet contains an SLC (Siluri a Lenta Corsa) or crewed, self-propelled torpedo, a concept that was originally developed by the Italian Navy during the First World War.
The early versions were called Mignatta (Leech), but the ones used during the Second World War were known as Miaile (Pig). They were operated by the elite Decima MAS unit of the Italian Navy and were so successful that the design was copied by the Royal Navy, who called them Chariots.
The Miaile were usually 'delivered' to their targets inside watertight tubes fixed to the deck of larger submarines ...
... but several were based in an Italian tanker that was anchored in Spanish waters just across the bay from Gibraltar.
Also on show are is example of an MTM (Motoscafo da Tourism Modificato or modified tourist motorboat) which was a manned motorboat that was packed with explosives.
These MTMs were aimed at their target, and just before they hit, the driver would bail out of the motorboat ... and hopefully survive!
A small MAS (Motoscafo Anti Sommergibili or anti-submarine motorboat) is also on display.
Although originally designed to be used as an anti-submarine vessel, most MAS boats evolved into motor torpedo boats, and this example is armed with a single torpedo.
As was the case with the early British Coastal Motor Boats, this model of MAS was aimed at the target, the torpedo was released from a trough in the stern of the boat, and the MAS turned away so that the torpedo could continue to move along the MAS's original course.
The Decimas MAS is a big interest of mine- many thanks for posting those wonderful pictures Bob.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Pete.
Pete.,
DeleteWhen people make disparaging comments about the Italian Armed Forces, I always mention the Decima MAS as an example of just how effective the Italians can be.
All the best,
Bob
That MAS torpedo launch (and RN version) just seem crazy!
ReplyDeleteGeordies an Exile FoG,
DeleteThis method worked ... but it wasn't easy to use.
All the best,
Bob