An Office of Naval Intelligence assessment slightly overstates the class's belt and deck protection while understating gun range and turret armour. The estimates are close overall, although several details are wrong. The Belluzzo geared turbines followed Parsons theory, with extensive Italian adaptations to the design. A good field of fire and better protection still left the class with a glass jaw.
Notable Point · 3:27-5:23
ONI estimates reveal the class and its machinery lineage
A U.S. intelligence report comes close on the cruisers' protection and gun performance while their Belluzzo turbines show how Italy adapted Parsons principles.