PCF Swift

One of the larger types of craft used in the task of coastal and riverine patrols in the Vietnam war was the PATROL CRAFT FAST.
This craft was adapted from a commercial design for oil rig support work in the bay of Mexico.
About 200 PCFs were constructed between 1965 and 1966 all by the firm of Sewart Seacraft of Berwick, Louisiana, U.S.A.
The craft we have modeled is a type 1 with a displacement of 19.3 tons of which 104 were built that were sent to Vietnam between 1967 -1970 and smaller numbers to Cambodia.
As in all wars the craft grew in weight as time progressed and this effected the performance and handling. Many pictures of the craft in action shown the craft with a distinct bows down attitude and pushing a large bow wave in front.
The weapons for of the type 1 was 2 x 12.7mm (.5”) machine guns in a forward turret and one 12.7mm mounted on top of a 81mm mortar in a single mounting.
Personnel weapons were also carried, mainly AR15 and M16 rifles plus often a M19 machine guns for close range work.>br> Power was supplied by two 480 hp General Motors diesels giving (empty weight) speed of 28lnots and a range of 400 miles, The craft carried a crew of 6.
Many were exported to other countries and served in Cambodia, Philippines, South Korea, South Vietnam, Thailand, U.S.A, Brazil, and Zaire.

Details of the kit

Scale 1/24 Length 604mm Beam 180mm Sailing weight 2kgs

This model is constructed on a glassfibre hull with the chine strips and the deck fender as part of the hull moulding. The superb hull lines of the original design have been faithfully reproduced to give this model the outstanding seakeeping qualities of the original vessel.
The complete superstructure and all deck structure parts are in pre-printed 1mm colour plastic.
To complement this most attractive model a full set of fittings in cast metal and resin is included along with propeller shaft, tube and rudder.
To finish this model a full set of fittings in cast light alloy and plastic are supplied.
A FULL SIZE PLAN and comprehensive instructions are included to assist the modeller with the construction of this most attractive model.
As in all of the Deans range, the on the water performance is outstanding.