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Monday, August 30, 2004

Large destroyers and scout cruisers

I have gone through phases where I was sure that large destroyers and small scout cruisers should be equipped with 6in guns. I had this concept to modify my Ger/CS/1905 scout cruiser design to carry 3-6in/50 on the centerline. I would have upgraded the torpedo armament to 4-21in torpedoes in twin tube mounts. These are the detailed specs:
  • legend displacement: 2,500 tons
  • dimensions: 370ft x 38ft x 13ft
  • Cp: 0.56
  • Cm: 0.85
  • protection: 2in HT steel over machinery
  • speed: 35 knots
  • fuel: 500 tons
  • machinery: 50,000 SHP

The problem with this design is that 6in guns are really too large for small ships. 5.5in guns are about as large as are suitable and about 5in is ideal. The shot weight is what really matters. Manhandling 100lb shot in a seaway is problemmatic. 5.5in shot weighing 85lbs is not much better. 50 or 60lb shot is about the largest that is reasonable. A 13cm (5.1in) gun with 68lb or 72lb shot is probably too heavy to be reasonable, although it was still used.

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