Design for a future 5,500 tons armoured cruiser dated 1906

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In the article “Folgerungen aus den Operationen der japanischen Flotte (part 2) the author described the war between Russia and Japan (8 February 1904-5 September 1905) which was disastrous for Russia with an annihilated navy. He pointed out the ‘plus and mins’ of the armament versus armor and finally what kind of future warships needed to be built.

New strategies demanding small armoured cruisers (5,500 tons, 8-19cm guns) which could act as flotillaleader of a flotilla torpedoboats and for shelling enemy targets. Starting as a protected cruiser could this type evolute into a armoured cruiser. One problem to solve was a financial one. Replacing the existing small cruisers by the proposed armoured cruiser without increasing the budget could not be realized.

Displacement 5,500 tons and as dimensions 110 x 15.5 metres. Armour consisted of a 100mm belt, 70mm armour deck and the 19cm gun turrets and conning tower protected by 150mm. Armament 8-19cm L/45guns (2x2, 4x1), 16x1-8.5cm L/45and 8-6.6cm L/45 guns. No foremast but two signaalmasts.

A good alternative would be building an inproved destroyer with a displacement of around 1,000 tons, 30 miles speed and a light armoured deck. Such a destroyer could except for destroying enemy torpedo boats be used as flotillaleader or vedette cruiser. A large benefit was the strengthened armament consisting of 8.5cm quick firing guns of which at least 3 could fire straight ahead.

Source

Die Flagge. Organ des Vereines zur Förderung der österreuchischen Schiffahrt, nr.8, May 1906.