Italian destroyer Leone
| Company type | Destroyer |
|---|---|
| Industry | Naval warfare |
| Founded | 1923 |
| Headquarters | Genoa , Italy |
| Products | Warship |
Leone served as the lead vessel of the three-ship Leone-class destroyer series constructed for the Template:Lang-it (Royal Italian Navy) during the early 1920s.
Design and description
Conceived as enlarged destroyers fulfilling the role of scout cruisers (esploratori), these vessels were initially commissioned in 1917 but faced delays due to shortages in steel, leading to a renewed order in 1920.[1] Their overall length measured 113.41 meters (372 ft 1 in), with a beam spanning 10.36 meters (34 ft 0 in) and an average draft of 3.1 meters (10 ft 2 in).[2] Standard displacement was recorded at 2,195 long tons (2,230 t), increasing to 2,289 long tons (2,330 t) when fully loaded. The crew complement consisted of 10 officers alongside 194 enlisted sailors.[1]
Propulsion was provided by two geared steam turbines manufactured by Parsons Marine Steam Turbine Company, each connected to a separate propeller shaft and powered by steam from four Yarrow boilers. These turbines generated an output rated at 42,000 shaft horsepower (31,000 kW), enabling an operational speed of approximately 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph), though Leone achieved a peak velocity of 33.7 knots (62.4 km/h; 38.8 mph) producing 45,667 shp (34,054 kW) during sea trials. Fuel capacity allowed for a cruising range near 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km; 2,300 mi) at a steady pace of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).[1]
The primary artillery comprised eight 120 mm guns arranged in four twin turrets: one turret positioned forward and another aft of the superstructure, with the remaining two situated between the funnels and torpedo tube mounts amidships.[3] For anti-aircraft protection, the class was equipped with two single-mounted 76 mm AA guns located amidships. Torpedo armament included two triple banks of 450 mm tubes, while mine warfare capability allowed for the deployment of up to 60 naval mines.[1]
Citations
Bibliography
- Brescia, Maurizio (2012). The Navy of Mussolini: Comprehensive Guide to the Regina Marina 1930–45. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-1-59114-544-8.
- Fraccaroli, Aldo (1968). World War II Italian Warships. Shepperton, UK: Ian Allan. ISBN 0-7110-0002-6.
- Gray, Randal, ed. (1985). Conway's Complete Guide to the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-0-87021-907-8.
- McMurtrie, Francis E., ed. (1937). Jane's Fighting Ships, 1937 Edition. London: Sampson Low. OCLC 927896922.
- Rohwer, Jürgen (2005). Chronology of Naval Warfare 1939–1945: A History of World War II at Sea (Third Revised Edition ed.). Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-59114-119-2.
{{cite book}}:|edition=has extra text (help) - Whitley, M. J. (1988). World War II Destroyers: An International Reference Encyclopedia. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-85409-521-8.
External links
- Leone Official Marina Militare website
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