Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:53:34-1:53:55

Why Tribal-class destroyers do not become cruisers

Turning a Tribal-class destroyer into a light cruiser would require a much larger ship and would erase the design's destroyer character.

Destroyer DesignLight CruisersPocket CruisersTribal Class Destroyers (1936)Warship Classification
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Question

Could Tribal-class destroyers be converted into light cruisers?

Short answer

Only by making them much larger; as built, they are fighting destroyers with limited cruiser-like qualities.

Notes

Converting Tribal-class destroyers into light cruisers would require a much larger ship, rather than a modest alteration. The Tribals are characterised as fighting destroyers with some cruiser-like qualities instead of true small cruisers. Role and hull scale therefore matter together. Adding cruiser ambitions can quickly produce a different ship instead of a converted destroyer.