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Mini-Armored Troop Carrier (ATC)
Displacement: 15 tons
Length: 36 feet
Beam: 12.7 feet
Draft: 3.5 feet
Propulsion: 2 diesels, water jets
Speed: 28 kts
Range:
Crew: 2 + 18 troops
Weapons: 7 weapons stations for various combinations of 7.62mm mg, .50 mg, Mk 19 Mod 3 40mm grenade launchers, Mini-gun
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Photo: US Navy
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HISTORY:
The Mini ATC was designed as a replacement for the MSSC during
the Vietnam War and arrived too late to serve in Vietnam. They were
distributed to the Coastal River Divisions and later the Special
Boat Units. During the late 70s and up to the 90s they were the main
boat used for River Assault Operations and Riverine Seal platoon
support.
In the Late 80s the Mini ATC engines were up graded to 8V92TAs,
and then they could go speeds of up to 40knots,and that's FAST on a
river!!! It's an excellent Combat River boat with gunmounts
providing 360 degree coverage and armor inserts. This flat bottom
jet boat. can carry 14 troops and a crew of 4. The Special Boat
Unit/Teams discontinued using them in favor of more air
transportable Boats such as the CAC, PBL and SOCR.
The Phillipine NSW/Marines use them but they have different color
schemes. Columbia will soon receive some as well.
Personally I had fun riding and shooting off of them. SBU-XI
maintained their boats great. they were great River Rats.
Cheers, Jim G.
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