The PBL (or "Patrol Boat, Light") is another of the United States Navy's type of small-class surface vessels built on speed and quick-strike/interdiction capabilities. Such qualities are often prized in particular by special forces groups and the capabilities inherent in a system like the PBL are a major reason why. The vessel has seen constant operation since its inception and remains in service as of this writing, being used as recently as during 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 making the PBL ideal for activities on rivers and coastal locales alike. This effectively means that the PBL can operate in just about any water depth apart from choppy open rough seas. The shallow draft also plays on the vessels ability to hit a top sea-going speed of up to 40 knots, making the aforementioned quick-strike capability of this craft an obvious strongpoint. The PBL design is centered around a Boston Whaler-type boat and, despite its use in a military theater, remains largely unarmored which, while doing little to preserve its crew, contributes largely to the type's impressive speeds on water. The craft has three weapon stations for a variety of weapon mountings though these are traditionally fitted with a 12.7mm (.50 caliber) Browning heavy caliber machine gun and a 7.62mm general purpose machine gun to counter both light-armored and unarmored targets with each mounting providing for unfettered 180-degree arcs of fire, these covering forward, amidships and aft quadrants. 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.
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
✓Offshore Operation
Activities conducted near shorelines in support of allied activities.
Length
25.0 ft 7.62 m
Beam
8.6 ft 2.62 m
Draught
12.6 ft 3.84 m
Displacement
6 tons
Installed Power:
2 x outboard motors developing 155 horsepower each.
Surface Speed
40.0 kts (46.0 mph)
kts = knots | mph = miles-per-hour | nm = nautical miles | mi = miles | km = kilometers
1 kts = 1.15 mph | 1 nm = 1.15 mi | 1 nm = 1.85 km
3 x weapon stations, typically fitted with:
1 x 12.7mm M2HB Browning heavy machine gun
2 x 7.62mm M240 general purpose machine guns
Also any personal weapons carried by the crew.
Supported Types
(Not all weapon types may be represented in the showcase above)
None.
Ribbon graphics not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective naval campaigns / operations / periods.
Images Gallery
1 / 9
A fully loaded PBL in showcases the availability of portable firepower for the US special forces
2 / 9
A PBL at high speed; not forend above water
3 / 9
Close-up detail view of the forward gun mount and its general purpose machine gun
4 / 9
A PBL takes a slight turn at high speeds
5 / 9
A pair of PBLs at speed in calm river waters
6 / 9
A pair of PBLs at speed in open water
7 / 9
A Boston Whaler patrol vessel in open seas
8 / 9
High-angled view of a PBL system in calm waters; note hevay and light caliber armaments
The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com.
Part of a network of sites that includes GlobalFirepower, a data-driven property used in ranking the top military powers of the world, WDMMA.org (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft), WDMMW.org (World Directory of Modern Military Warships), SR71blackbird.org, detailing the history of the world's most iconic spyplane, and MilitaryRibbons.info, cataloguing all American military medals and ribbons.
Brazil; United States
