Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Notable Point · 49:43-51:20

The M89 fleet destroyer remains unrealized

Battleship priorities and World War I interrupt an ambitious French fleet-destroyer design with 140 mm guns and a seven-torpedo broadside.

5.5-inch Guns65 mm Guns450 mm TorpedoesArabe Class DestroyersAventurier Class DestroyersDestroyersFrench NavyJeune EcoleM89 Destroyer DesignNaval ProcurementNaval WeaponsWorld War I
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Notes

The proposed M89 contre-torpilleur d'escadre was the clearest break from France's incremental prewar destroyer development. Plans called for 140 mm guns and eight 450 mm torpedoes in three twin and two single launchers, allowing a seven-torpedo broadside. The proposed design may also have retained some 65 mm guns. The design was not built as planned while France pressed its dreadnought program and wartime needs redirected procurement. Destroyers ordered for Argentina entered French service as the Aventurier class, and the Arabe class followed during World War I. These plans pointed toward a larger fleet destroyer after France had begun moving beyond Jeune Ecole.