Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Chapter · 13:53-16:08

Audace gains room for modernization

The larger Audace class could trade older weapons for Aspide, Standard, and Otomat systems because its hull retained enough space for a major refit.

5-inch GunsAspide MissileAudace Class Guided Missile DestroyersDestroyersItalian NavyMissilesNaval GunneryOTO Melara 76 mmOTOMAT MissilesSea Sparrow Missile FamilyShip ModernisationShip PropulsionStandard Missile
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Notes

The Audace class replaced the ageing 5-inch/38 with two newer OTO Breda 127 mm guns and carried the compact OTO Melara 76/62. Its original fit retained Tartar missiles and both 324 mm and 533 mm torpedo launchers. The larger hull left enough room for a major modernization that the smaller Impavido class could not accept. Audace lost one 127 mm gun, gained Sea Sparrow followed by Aspide, and replaced Tartar with Standard missiles. Otomat added anti-ship reach, while the heavyweight 533 mm torpedo launchers gave way and the 324 mm launchers remained. The 76 mm guns stayed in their existing positions. The ships retained steam-turbine propulsion despite these weapons changes and remained in service until 2006. This adaptable predecessor allowed Italy to expand capability before Durand de la Penne offered a larger hull and more generating power.