At 38 knots, an Abdiel's stated range fell to about 1,000 nautical miles. The machinery consumed fuel so quickly that maximum speed could only be used selectively. Speed brought protection and flexibility at the tactical level, while endurance still depended on fuel access and careful routing. A ship intended for independent action therefore remained tied to a supporting logistical network. Maximum speed was an advantage with a substantial operating cost.
Notable Point · 17:19-17:39
The fuel cost of nearly 40 knots
The same speed that made Abdiel valuable imposed a sharp endurance penalty: at 38 knots, range was only about 1,000 nautical miles.