B97 moves closer to a screening destroyer

B97 shows Germany shifting toward a boat that could protect the fleet as well as attack. Unlike the highly variable V25 group, the eight boats form a closely matched class in displacement and dimensions. Design displacement ranges from 1,350 to 1,374 tons, while maximum displacement varies by only four tons, from 1,843 to 1,847. They were responsive sea boats, though screw assistance improved their poor turning circle. The 6.6-second roll period and roll tanks fitted to the B boats illustrate the importance of stability for manually aimed guns. Four 88 mm guns, six torpedoes, and capacity for 24 mines combine screening, attack, and minelaying roles on one hull. B97 launched in December 1914, but most of the class followed in March or June 1915 and many commissioned later that year. The boats joined the fleet taken to Scapa Flow, yet their late commissioning and small numbers left the High Seas Fleet's screening shortage unresolved.