The three Forbin-class ships were arguably the first purpose-built torpedo-flotilla leaders. Massed torpedo boats still needed a larger vessel to coordinate their movements, pass orders, and scout for the battle fleet. That requirement anticipated later destroyer leaders and the Royal Navy's scout cruisers. Yet the proposed leader could make only 20 knots and carried a schooner rig for cruising endurance, even though a force intended to operate near France needed rapid reaction more than sail-powered range. The design therefore began with a genuine command requirement but embodied a mismatch between mission and machinery.
Chapter · 0:13-2:18
Why torpedo-boat flotillas needed a cruiser leader
The Forbin class addressed the command problem inside Jeune École torpedo warfare and anticipated later destroyer leaders, but its speed and endurance requirements already conflicted.