Russian Nowik-cruisers designed for hunting destroyers according to the Dutch magazine Marineblad 1901/1902 no. 8

An item referred to the magazine Le Yacht which reported that the new 3.000 ton cruisers of the Nowik type were to be designed to operate against destroyers. This asked for specific demands allowing her to operate in shallow waters. The dimensions were 10 x 12,2 metres with a small draught. The bow was in fact ram prow. Boilers and engine room were protected by 5,1cm hardened steel unable to be penetrated by 7,6cm gunfire from a distance of 900 metres. Her 12cm guns protected by shields were able to penetrate from a distance of 2.700 metres the sides of a destroyer. The three engines were to supply 9.000 ihp allowing a speed of 25 miles. Fore and aft were torpedo tubes situated.