§ The most notable vessels proposed to be laid down in 1887–88 are two 20-knot protected cruisers.
§ Their dimensions are:—
| Length | 265 feet. |
| Breadth | 41 feet. |
| Displacement | 2,800 tons. |
| Sped on measured mile, with 400 tons of coal, and fully equipped | 20 knots |
| Ocean speed | 17 to 18 knots |
| Radius of action at 10-knot | 8,000 knots |
§ The vessels will have a protective steel-deck extending from stem to stern, and sheltering the boilers, magazines, steering-gear, &c.
§ Vertical (inverted-cylinder) triple-expansion engines are to be fitted in the steel-bottomed ships, special arrangements of armoured-coamings being built for the protection of that portion of the cylinders.
§ Above the protective steel-deck the space will be minutely sub-divided, coal-bunkers, coffer-dams, &c, being built as is usual in vessels of the "protected" class.
§ A double-bottom on the cellular principle, adapted for water-ballast, will be fitted.
§ The armament will include—
| 6 | 6-in. B.L.R. guns on centre-pivot mountings. |
| 9 | 6-pr. rapid-firing guns. Machine-guns. |
| 6 | Torpedo-tubes (all under cover). |
§ The bow will be strengthened for ramming in the usual manner,
559§ In all respects the vessels will be made suitable for independent sea-service, and for being driven at high speed in rough water.
§ They will have only fore and aft steadying sails, being dependent upon their steam-power and twin-screws for propulsion.