USS Pegasus (PHM-1) is an American hydrofoil, the keel of which was laid down in May 1973, launched in November 1974, and in July 1977 the hydrofoil entered service. The overall length of the ship at the time of launch was 41 meters, and the width was 8.5 meters. The full displacement reached 255 tons, and the maximum speed was 48 knots. The onboard armament at the time of launch consisted of one 76 mm OTO Melara gun and two RGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers.
USS Pegasus (PHM-1) was the lead unit of the eponymous class of hydrofoils. Units of this type were built to be as fast and maneuverable as possible, and also had very powerful weapons for such small size and displacement. USS Pegasus (PHM-1) was intended primarily for the destruction of surface targets in coastal waters, and its ability to combat underwater and air threats was practically nil. A big supporter of units of this type was Admiral Elmo Zumwalt. After his retirement, the project was stopped, and funds for its further development were limited. USS Pegasus (PHM-1) was not immediately withdrawn from the US Navy - it served until July 1993.
