Its sophisticated radar enabled the missile boat, with its low radar reflectivity, to detect a larger enemy ship before the latter was aware of its presence, fire its missiles and speed away. 112 Komar-class vessels were produced, while over 400 examples were built of the following Osa-class missile boat, with a significant number of both types being sold to pro-Soviet nations.īeing relatively small and constructed of wood, the Komar-class boats had a very small radar cross-section. Endurance was limited to 1,000 nautical miles (1,900 km 1,200 mi) at 12 knots (22 km/h 14 mph) and the vessels had fuel and supplies for only five days at sea. Missile boats were invented and first manufactured by the Soviet Union in the 1950s, beginning with 'Project 183R' which developed into the Komar-class missile boat, mounting two P-15 Termit (Styx) anti-ship missiles in box launchers and a twin 25mm autocannon on a 25-metre (82 ft) wooden hull displacing 66.5 tonnes (65.4 long tons 73.3 short tons) Four diesel engines gave the Komars 4,800 bhp (3,600 kW) and a top speed of around 44 knots (81 km/h 51 mph). Missile boats, when equipped with sophisticated anti-ship missiles, and especially when used in a swarm, can pose a significant threat to even the largest of capital ships, and do so at much greater ranges than is possible with torpedoes. Guided bombs and then anti-ship missiles further reduced the usefulness of large warships outside the carriers.

Even as World War II was taking place, submarines and aircraft, particularly those launched from aircraft carriers had made it clear that large warships were little more than targets in a major war. This trend culminated in the giant battleships of World War II. Previously, increasing the potency of naval artillery required larger projectiles, which required larger and heavier guns, which in turn called for larger ships to carry these guns and their ammunition and absorb their recoil. The advent of proper guided missile and electronic countermeasure technologies gave birth to the idea that warships could now be designed to outmaneuver their enemies and conceal themselves while carrying powerful weapons. The doctrine behind the use of missile boats is based on the principle of mobility over defence and firepower.

They are similar in concept to the torpedo boats of World War II in fact, the first missile boats were modified torpedo boats with the torpedo tubes replaced by missile tubes. Being smaller than other warships such as destroyers and frigates, missile boats are popular with nations interested in forming a navy at lower cost.

A missile boat or missile cutter is a small, fast warship armed with anti-ship missiles.

Star wars broadside cruiser