A fast attack craft (FAC) is a small, fast, agile and offensive warship armed with anti-ship missiles, gun or torpedoes. FACs are usually operated in close proximity to land as they lack both the seakeeping and all-round defensive capabilities to survive in blue water. The size of the vessel also limits the fuel, stores and water supplies. Sizewise they are usually between 50–400 tonnes and can reach speeds of 25–50 knots.
A fast attack craft's main advantage over other warship types is its affordability. Many FAC's can be deployed at a relatively low cost, allowing a navy who is at a disadvantage to effectively defend itself against a larger adversary. A small boat, when equipped with the same weapons as its larger counterpart, can pose a serious threat to even the largest of capital ships.
Read more about Fast Attack Craft: History
Famous quotes containing the words fast, attack and/or craft:
“Across the lonely beach we flit,
One little sandpiper and I;
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The wild waves reach their hands for it,
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As up and down the beach we flit—
One little sandpiper and I.”
—Celia Thaxter (”Laighton”)
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—Sun Tzu (6th–5th century B.C.)
“It is in the gift for employing all the vicissitudes of life to one’s own advantage and to that of one’s craft that a large part of genius consists.”
—G.C. (Georg Christoph)