Amazon was roughly 180 tons larger than Ambuscade while keeping a similar range and speed, which required more power to drive the larger hull. Ambuscade served as the prototype destroyer and Amazon as the prototype leader, a distinction that foreshadowed the later flotilla-leader system. Amazon retained the same broad gun and torpedo battery, so the experiment concerned hull size, machinery, and leadership potential more than a different mission. Both ships later received extensive work and served as testbeds. Both probably received ASDIC, although Ambuscade's fit remains uncertain. Together, the prototypes establish the design choices that preceded the standardized interwar classes.
Chapter · 9:05-11:12
HMS Amazon and the prototype leader idea
HMS Amazon was the larger companion prototype, testing the hull size and machinery of a destroyer leader while retaining much the same mission and armament as Ambuscade.