HC Deb 12 March 1888 vol 323 cc901-3

This is also a new design, the leading features of which have been already described. Its preparation completes a series of new designs for vessels of altogether exceptional speed and armament, which have engaged the close attention of the Director of Naval Construction and his Department for more than a year, and have involved a very large amount of labour and discussion.

Taking these new types in association with previous cruiser designs, it appears that there has been effected a virtual reconstruction of the cruiser classes, as will appear from the following summary:—

— Tons. Maximum Speed.
Knots.
Protected.—"Blake" class 9,000 22
Protected. "Vulcan" class (torpedo depôt ship) 6,600 20
Armour Belted.—"Orlando" class 5,600 8.15
Protected,—"Mersey" class 4,000 18
Protected. "Medea" class 2,080 to 3,000 20 to 19¾
Protected. For Australasian service 2,500 19
Protected. "Bellona" class 1,800 19½
Protected. "Blanche" class 1,600 16½
Unprotected.—"Archer" class 1,770 17
Unprotected. "Rattlesnake" class 550 18½ to 19
Unprotected. "Sharpshooter" 730 21
Of those new types all the designs have been prepared within the last two years, except those for "Orlando," "Mersey," "Archer," and "Rattlesnake" classes. The completion and trials of these vessels will be pressed forward with all possible despatch.