| Page Created |
| December 27th, 2024 |
| Last Updated |
| Februray 2nd, 2025 |
| Italy |
 |
| Length |
| 28 Metres |
| Wide |
| 4.3 Metres |
| Height |
| Displacement |
| 60 tonnes – 68.8 tonnes |
| Propulsion |
| Three 1,100-hp Isotta-Fraschini Asso, ASM 183, petrol engines |
| Armour |
| – |
| Armament |
| History |
 |
The Cantieri Riuniti dell’Adriatico 60t “Canguri” is a minelaying torpedo boat, repurposed for specialized operations during World War II. This vessel plays a role in supporting the Italian Xa Flottiglia MAS. The Cantieri Riuniti dell’Adriatico Motor Torpedo Boats, known by the initials of their manufacturer, form a class of fast assault craft employed by the Regia Marina during the Second World War. Derived from the German schnellboote of the Lürssen type, all units are constructed by Cantieri Riuniti dell’Adriatico at their Monfalcone shipyards in two series.
The first series comprises boats numbered from MS 11 to MS 16, MS 21 to MS 26, and MS 31 to MS 36. The second series includes boats from MS 51 to MS 56, MS 61 to MS 66, and MS 71 to MS 76. MS 76, however, remains incomplete at the time of the 1943 armistice, and the Germans capture the unit, commissioning it into the Kriegsmarine.
| Development |
At the outset of the war, the Regia Marina lacks effective vessels to counter enemy submarines operating near port entrances, coastal waters, and vital sea lanes. The operational use of MAS (Motoscafo Armato Silurante) boats highlights that prioritizing maximum speed results in poor seakeeping under adverse conditions. The lightweight construction and stepped chine hull design enable high speeds but compromise stability and safety in rough seas, posing risks to crews.
In April 1941, while the Regia Marina explores solutions, a breakthrough occurs with the capture of remnants of the Yugoslav fleet. Among the captured vessels in the port of Cattaro are six German-built torpedo boats from Lürssen shipyards. Weighing approximately 65 tonnes, these boats demonstrate superior seakeeping at high speeds, even in challenging sea conditions, and meet the Regia Marina’s requirements.
Designated as MS 41-46, the captured boats enter service in the Regia Marina. They represent export versions of the older German S-1 model from 1931. Unlike the German units, they feature less powerful engines, as Germany withholds the designs of their latest models and Daimler-Benz diesel engines until late in the war.
The Royal Navy commissions Cantieri Riuniti dell’Adriatico to replicate the captured boats, resulting in the development of the “CRDA 60 t.” Motor Torpedo Boat. This design closely mirrors the original German model, with minor modifications. Eighteen units are ordered, with Isotta-Fraschini Asso petrol engines replacing the diesel engines found in the Yugoslav units.
Using the same hull design, the Baglietto shipyards construct a small anti-submarine and coastal escort vessel known as the “Vedetta Anti Sommergibile”. Though slower than torpedo boats, the Vedetta Anti Sommergibile boats are equipped with powerful anti-submarine weaponry.
| Specifications |
Constructed from wood with metal reinforcements in high-stress areas, the boats have fully enclosed bridges. The first series displaces 63.4 tonnes, while the second series displaces 68.8 tonnes, resulting in a slight reduction in speed. First-series boats reach 32.5 knots, while second-series boats achieve 31 knots.
Propulsion relies on three 1,100-hp Isotta-Fraschini Asso petrol engines, each driving a propeller through reduction gears. Only the central engine is reversible for maneuvering. Despite sacrificing some speed, these boats excel in seakeeping, with operational speeds rarely exceeding 33 knots in the first series and 31 knots in the second under load conditions.
Armament varies between series. The first series carries two 20/65 millimetres machine guns (one at the bow, one aft), two 6.5 mm machine guns, two stern-mounted depth charge racks for 100 kg charges, and two 533 mm torpedo launchers at the bow. The bow launchers in the first series are of the spoon type.
The second series introduces two additional 450-millimetres stern torpedo launchers while retaining the first series’ armament. MS 74 and MS 75 diverge by mounting five 20/65-millimetres machine guns. They have one Italian-made single mount at the bow and a German-made quadruple mount aft. Alongside the ships have two 533 millimetres torpedo launchers. These units are modified to transport, launch, and recover Siluro a Lenta Corsa and other assault craft. MS 76, still under construction at the armistice, is designed to follow this configuration. Unlike the first series, second-series bow torpedo launchers are not of the spoon type.
| Avvicinatori per Mezzi d’assalto “Canguri” |
By the close of 1942, two vessels from the second series of 18 Ms-type CRDA torpedo boats, each displacing 60 tonnes, are modified to function as transport and support craft for assault vehicles. These vessels, MS 74 and MS 75, are delivered to the Regia Marina in 1943 under the official classification of minelaying motor torpedo boats. However, their true purpose is concealed by this designation.
Nicknamed Kangaroos, the boats feature an extensive stern slide. The slides are fitted with rollers that extend from the engine room skylight to the aft extremity. This configuration facilitates the transport of various assault vehicles, including
- two Siluro a Lenta Corsa
- one Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato
- one Motoscafo Turismo Silurante Modificato Allargato
- one Motoscafo Turismo Modificato
- one Motoscafo Turismo Ridotto
Launching is executed by sliding the payload directly overboard. On September 8th, 1943, MS 74 is fully prepared and departs from Venice, heading south. In contrast, MS 75 remains unfinished and falls into the hands of German forces. Subsequently, it is transferred to Valerio Borghese’s Xa MAS Division, continuing operations under Axis control.
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