Q&A ยท 55:05-55:17

The machinery cost of running Tribals hard

Frequent high-speed operation produced recurring turbine trouble, informally described as turbine-itis, and demanded repeated machinery attention.

Question

How often did Tribal destroyers need engine overhauls when they were run at high speed so frequently?

Short answer

Machinery trouble was frequent; recurring turbine problems, nicknamed turbine-itis, demanded regular repair attention.

Notes

The Tribals' reputation for operating at high speed had a maintenance consequence. Recurring turbine problems became common enough to acquire the nickname turbine-itis and required frequent repair. Tactical aggressiveness and a high operational tempo therefore imposed a continuing engineering burden on crews and dockyards.