Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:15:29-1:15:55

How fast were the Abdiel-class minelayers?

A speed question separates formal evidence from an operational anecdote: no official maximum is cited, but an account has the fast minelayers overtaking U.S. carrier groups already at full speed.

Abdiel Class MinelayersFast MinelayersRoyal NavyShip Speed
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Question

Was any official record made of the Abdiel class's maximum speed?

Short answer

No official record is cited; an unofficial account says Abdiel-class minelayers overtook U.S. carrier groups already running at full speed.

Notes

No official record is cited to settle the class's maximum speed. An unofficial account has Abdiel-class minelayers starting behind U.S. carrier groups already running at full speed and overtaking them. The anecdote supports their reputation as exceptionally fast ships without turning an informal report into a measured trial result. The exchange distinguishes documented specifications from operational recollection.