Generali-class destroyer

Generale Antonio Cantore photographed in 1941 in Kotor following the Axis invasion of Yugoslavia.
Class overview
Name: Generali-class minelayer
Builders: Cantieri Odero
Operators:
Preceded by: Rosolino Pilo class
Planned: 5
Completed: 5
Active: 5
Lost: 5
General characteristics
Class and type:Generali-class destroyer
Displacement:832 tons (normal)
890 tons (full load)
Length:73.2 m
Beam:7.3 m
Draft:3 m
Installed power:16.000 HP
Propulsion:4 boilers and 2 turbines, 2 axes
Speed:30 knots (56 km/h)
Range:2,000 nmi
  at 14 kn (26 km/h)
Crew:105 officers, chief petty officers and enlisted
Armament:
  • 3 x 102/45
  • 2 x 76/30 mm
  • 4 torpedo launchers

The Generali-class destroyer was a class of Italian destroyers, built as an enhancement of Rosolino Pilo class destroyer. They were the last ships of Italian Navy, Regia Marina, fitted with three stacks. In 1929, being obsolete, units were reclassified as torpedo-boats, and in this role served during Second World War.

Origins

Class was built between 1921 and 1924 from Cantieri Odero, Sestri Ponente, and ships were able to reach 30 knots of top speed, an improvement respect the previous class Rosolino Pilo. Their displacement was 832 t (normal) and 890 (full load). Their armament initially was composed by 3 x 102/45 mm and 2 x 76/30 mm guns, and 4 x 450 mm torpedo launchers. In 1936 ships were enabled with minesweeping equipment.[1]

Units

Class was known also by name of his first unit, Generale Antonio Cantore. All other ships were dedicated to Italian generals. None of them survived the war.

Notes

  1. ↑ http://www.marina.difesa.it/storia/almanacco/parte05/navi0515.asp Class on official website of Italian Navy