SWIFTSURE.
TRIUMPH.
These battleships were built for the Chilian Government, but both were purchased by Great Britain before they were completed. The displacement is 11,980 tons, length 436 ft., and engines of 12,500 h.p. give a speed of 20 knots. For their size the armament of these vessels is most formidable. It comprises four 10-in., fourteen 7·5-in., and fourteen 14-pounder guns, with two torpedo tubes. The 10-in. weapons are in two twin turrets, the 7·5-in. guns being in an armoured battery.
The waterline and vital parts are protected by 7-in. of armour, which is increased to 10-in. on the turrets and there is 6-in. plating over the secondary battery. The coal supply is 2,000 tons. A complement of 700 officers and men is carried. The ships each cost £845,000 to build and complete. In all but very calm weather they lose much of their fighting value owing to the nearness of the 7·5-in. battery to the water, a position which makes it impossible to work these guns in a seaway. In other respects, too, the type is considered inferior to standard British design.
H.M.S. Dreadnought. Photo: Sport & General.
DREADNOUGHT.
Displacement: 17,900 tons.
Speed: 22 knots; Guns: 10 12in., 24 12pdrs.; Torpedo tubes: 5.
| Astern fire: | Broadside: | Ahead fire: |
|---|---|---|
| 6 12in. | 8 12in. | 6 12in. |