Pathfinder displaced 2,987 tons yet carried twelve Laird-built boilers, two triple-expansion engines, and an economical range of 3,400 nautical miles at 10 knots. The machinery produced 25 knots, while a complement of 289 served in a hull 112.8 metres long, 11.8 metres in beam, and 4.6 metres in deep-load draught. Ten quick-firing 12-pounders formed the main battery, backed by eight three-pounders and two 18-inch torpedo tubes. A two-inch waterline belt and a protected deck between 0.625 and 1.5 inches thick gave the scout enough protection to resemble a later light cruiser.
Chapter · 15:44-17:22
A compact cruiser with surprising protection
The class combined a 25-knot triple-expansion machinery plant, 12-pounder armament, torpedo tubes, and enough belt and deck armour to blur the line between scout and light cruiser.