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Monday, October 04, 2004

Capitani Romani class cruisers

I just spoke with Frank Fox, and he expressed scepticism that the Attilio Regolo or Scipione Africano could have maintained 43 knots in service. Frank suggested that I run some calculations with my program. Apparently, the 43 knots claim is of the same value as the 40 knots claim for the Renown and Repulse when new, or 39 knots for the destroyer leader Swift, or 40 knots for the Atlanta. Namely, the claims were not any good at all. IF the Scipione Africano were extremely light and was pressed to extreme overload, it would be capable of 43 knots. At a more normal load of 5,035 tons and at the designed SHP of 110,000, the speed would only be 36 knots. If pressed hard, the maximum speed would be on the order of 39 knots. There are many uncertainties, as I don't know the correct hull form coefficients. It seems very likely that at normal loaded condition, these ships would have had trouble reaching 40 knots, despite what has been published. IF they were very light, then that is another matter. If they could be run at a displacement of 4,035 tons and pressed to 137,000 SHP, then 43 knots is possible.

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