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PBL (Patrol Boat, Light)
The PBL is a multi-purpose, high-speed Boston Whaler-type vessel suitable for interdiction duties.
By Staff Writer
The PBL (or "Patrol Boat, Light") is another in the United States Navy's long line of surface vessels built on speed and quick strike / interdiction. Such qualities are often prized by special forces units and the capabilities inherent in a system such as the PBL are a mjor reason why. The vessel has seen constant use since its inception and remains in service, being used as recently as Operation Enduring Freedom with United States Navy Special Boat Units (SBU).
The design of the PBL is of particular note, considering the fiberglass hull provides a shallow draught. This effectively means that the PBL can operate in just about any water depth apart from choppy open seas. The shallow draft also plays on the vessels ability to hit a top sea-going speed of up to 40 knots, making the quick strike capability of this craft a strongpoint. The PBL design is centered around a Boston Whaler-type boat and remains unarmored which contributes to the types impressive speeds. The craft has three weapon stations for a variety of weapon mountings though these are traditionally filled with 12.7mm (.50 caliber) and 7.62mm anti-armor and anti-infantry heavy and light machine guns respectively with mountings providing 180-degree arcs of fire forward, amidships and aft. Power for the PBL is derived from twin outboard motors generating 155 horsepower each. These systems sit low to the water line and can hold 25 knot speeds for a sustained amount of time.
The core mission assignment of a class of vessel such as this is strictly in the interception of like-size water-going vessels. Mission types run the gamut of various security operations in established traffic zones and can also revolve around riverine operations if need be. The PBL can also be used to implant special forces units or serve as a reconnaissance gathering platform in a similar special operations role. The overall negligible size of the craft makes transportation ideal through either cargo aircraft, floating headquarters on sea or towed trailer systems via land.
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Last Updated: 8/3/2008
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| Specifications for the PBL (Patrol Boat, Light) |
 Dimensions: |
Length: 25ft (7.62m)
Beam: 8.6ft (2.62m)
Draught: 12.6ft (3.84m)
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| Performance: |
Surface Speed: 40kts (46mph)
Range: 0miles (0km)
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| Structure: |
Complement: 11
Suface Displacement: 6tons
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| Power: |
| Engine(s): 2 x outboard motors developing 155hp each. |
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| Armament Suite: |
| 3 x weapon stations for .50 caliber machine guns or 7.62mm machine guns.
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