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:
“The Fountaine of parents duties is Love....Great reason there is why this affection should be fast fixed towards their children. For great is that paine, cost, and care, which parents must undergoe for their children. But if love be in them, no paine, paines, cost or care will seeme too much.”
—William Gouge (20th century)
“Scandal is an importunate wasp, against which we must make no movement unless we are quite sure that we can kill it; otherwise it will return to the attack more furious than ever.”
—Sébastien-Roch Nicolas De Chamfort (1741–1794)
“Trouth is trayed where craft is in ure;
But though ye have had my hertes cure,
Trow ye I dote withoute ending?
What no, perdy!”
—Sir Thomas Wyatt (1503?–1542)