I-class torpedoes and the path to the Tribals

The I class supported a two-step case for the Tribal design. A Tribal would trade one torpedo mounting for a battery of eight guns, while the I-class flotillas had already increased the force's torpedo total. Two I-class flotillas contributed 180 torpedoes and a Tribal flotilla another 32, for 212 across the three formations. The heavier Tribal gunfire could help protect the torpedo-armed ships as they closed to launch. At flotilla level, the classes formed one tactical system instead of separate packages judged only by their individual weapon counts.