"A" Class Destroyer (1894)

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The destroyers of the "A" Class entered service between 1895 and 1896.

Originally termed the 26 Knotters and 27 Knotters, those vessels remaining were re-designated as "A" class destroyers on 30 August 1912.[1]

By May 1920, seven of the ships were still worth documenting as regards their armament.[2]

Guns

One 12-pdr 12 cwt on a P I mounting. The gun recoiled 12 inches and the mounting and its sights were capable of 30 degree elevations (9500 yards).[2]

Originally, the 26 knotters three and the 27 knotters five 6-pdr guns (though the 26 knotters could mount five by landing the torpedo tubes).[3] It appears these were removed by late in the war.[2]

By 1920, those remaining had also been fitted with a QF 6-pdr on Mark IV HA mounting.[2]

Torpedoes

Most had two single 18-in torpedo tubes, particularly by the war. Some had a third fixed bow tube which was removed from most although some boat retained only this tube. [3]

From 1907, the decision was made to standardise the "A" through "D"s with torpedoes set for short range, allotting them the Mark IV S.R.[4]

Other Weapons

Searchlights

Fire Control

Visual fire control system.[2]

Torpedo Control

See Also

Footnotes

  1. Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships, 1906-1921, p. 18.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Technical History and Index Vol. 4, Part 34, p. 15.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships, 1860-1905, pp. 90-91.
  4. Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1907, p. 32.

Bibliography

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