MOLTKE CLASS.
MOLTKE.
GOEBEN.
(Completed 1911-12.)
These ships displace 22,640 tons, the length on water line is 610 ft., and the extreme breadth 961⁄2 ft. They are propelled by Parsons’ turbines, of 52,000 h.p., designed to give a speed of twenty-five knots, but on trial the maximum speed was slightly over twenty-eight knots, and since being in service these two battle-cruisers are said to have proved themselves to be the fastest armoured vessels in the German fleet. The fuel capacity is over 3,000 tons, and at economical speed the vessels can cover 12,000 miles without replenishing their bunkers.
The armament is fairly powerful. It consists of ten 11-in., twelve 5·9-in., and twelve 21-pounder guns, with four submerged torpedo tubes. Two turrets amidships are en echelon, the remaining three being on the centre line, so that all ten big guns can be fired on either broadside. These ships are reported to have special arrangements for rapidly loading the heavy guns, but the report is not authenticated.
For battle-cruisers the protection is remarkably good, there being 11-in. armour on the waterline. In every respect these vessels are among the most powerful units of the German fleet.
They have a complement of 1,013 officers and men.
VON DER TANN.
(Completed 1910.)
The Von der Tann was the first battle-cruiser built by Germany. She was launched in 1909 and commissioned in the following year. The design of the British Invincible was closely followed, but certain improvements were introduced.
On a displacement of 19,100 tons there is carried an armament of eight 11-in. and ten 5·9-in guns, with sixteen 21-pounders for repelling torpedo attack. Four submerged torpedo tubes are fitted. The vessel has a length of 560 ft. She is equipped with Parsons’ turbines of 43,600 h.p., designed for a speed of twenty-five knots. On trial she touched twenty-eight knots, and has done even better than this since.
The four double turrets are so disposed that all eight guns are available on either broadside through a very wide arc. The vitals of the ship are protected by an armour belt 93⁄4-in. thick. She can carry 2,600 tons of fuel, which enables her to steam about 11,000 miles at economical speed.