Why the E class were large light cruisers

The E class sat between smaller contemporary cruisers and the Hawkins class in size, placing them in a distinct large-light-cruiser lineage. Emerald displaced about 7,550 tons standard and Enterprise about 7,580 tons, with 9,400 tons given at full load. They measured 173.7 metres overall, with a beam of 16.61 metres and a mean draught of 4.95 metres. They were larger than the C and D classes, though far short of twice their size, and remained lighter than the Hawkins class. Their 80,000-shaft-horsepower plant combined two proven 40,000-shaft-horsepower sets derived from Shakespeare-class destroyers and produced roughly 33 knots. A planned third ship was cancelled. The stated range is about 8,000 nautical miles, although its associated cruising-speed figure is garbled. Protection concentrated on the sides, machinery spaces, magazines, and deck. Twelve 21-inch torpedoes gave the ships striking power against larger opponents. Their speed, range, torpedoes, and selective armour anticipated the Royal Navy's later Town-class large light cruisers.