Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 30:03-31:22

How did the S90 compare with British turbine destroyers?

The S90 was a larger torpedo platform, while Viper emphasized turbine speed and gun armament in a smaller hull.

DestroyersParsons TurbinesRoyal NavyS 90 Class Torpedo BoatsTorpedo BoatsViper Class Destroyers
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Question

How did the S90 compare with contemporary Royal Navy destroyers?

Short answer

The S90 was larger and slower, while the smaller British turbine boats carried stronger gun batteries and nearly the same number of crew.

Notes

Contemporary British destroyers were smaller than the S90s and placed much greater emphasis on speed. The Viper comparison combines Parsons turbines with a displacement of about 350 tons, rising to about 400 tons fully loaded. Its battery comprised one 12-pounder, five 6-pounders, and two torpedo tubes. The S90s made 28 knots and carried 69 crew, almost the same complement as the 68 men crowded into the smaller British boat.