Spanish ARMADA DESTROYERS

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Destructor Class (1885)

68131

In the second half of the nineteenth century the development of torpedoes and a new type of ship, the torpedo-boat, forcing the main navies to find ways to protect your capital ships. In Spain, lieutenant Fernando Villamil conceived in 1885 the idea of a new type of ship anti-torpedo action. Commissioner to the UK by the Minister of Marine, developed the project of a ship of 350 tons, able to reach 23 knots, as fast as any torpedo-boat, best armed and most seafaring conditions. The new unit was called Destructor (Destroyer) and her keel was laid down at the shipyards of Glasgow Thompson in late 1885. The Destructor was a boat ahead of its time, and after being put into service in 1887 or even the Royal Navy would have similar units until 1892, with the HMS Havoc and the HMS Hornet.

Structure
Displacement: 360/458 tons.
Length: 58.74 m
Beam: 7,63 m
Draft: 1,10 m

Armament
1x90 mm, 4x57 mm 2x37 mm guns. 3x381 mm torpedo tubes.

Propulsion
Two triple-expansion engines, fed by four boilers type locomotive, which supplied two axes 3800 hp

Speed
23 knots.

Range
At 10 knots was 5500 miles.

Only one ship of this class was built : Destructor.


Destructor (1887-1908)

68132

Builder: Thompson (Glasgow)
Laid down:: 12.1885
Launched: 29/07/1886
Commissioned: 19/01/1887
Decommissioned: 01/01/1908
Fate : Scrapping

History:
Commissioned 29.01.1887.
On 30/08/1890 she survived in a fierce storm off Cape Machichaco.
She was not involved in War with the U.S.
Decommissioned on 1908.

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Terror Class (1885)

68135

At the risk of an armed conflict with the U.S. for the crisis in Cuba in 1895 was ordered to build a couple of destroyers, along the lines of the British destroyers "class A".

Structure.
Displacement: 380 Tons.
Length: 68,27 m
Beam: 6,71 m
Draft: 1,67 m

Armament.
2x75 mm, 2x 57mm, 2x 37 mm guns. 2x356 mm torpedo tubes.

Propulsion.
Two triple expansion vertical engine, powered by four boilers supplying two axes with 7000 hp . As auxiliary rig across the Atlantic were added four suits removable.

Speed.
29 knots.

Two vessels Wwere built of this class: Terror and Furor.


Terror (1886-1924)

68136

Builder: Thompson (Glasgow)
Laid down: 11/12/1895
Launched: 10/08/1896
Commissioned: 17/12/1896
Decommissioned: 1924
Fate: Scrapping

History:
At the start of hostilities with the United States was ordered to join the fleet of Cervera in Cape Verde for Cuba. It departed from Cadiz on 12/03/1898. A failure forced him to call at Martinique and leave the squadron. Completed repairs and remaining blocked Cervera in Santiago went to San Juan, Puerto Rico, where it arrived on 25/05/1898. Devoid of his pieces of 75 mm, which had been cleared for the Atlantic crossing aboard a cruise, the cruise left the port with Isabel II on 12.06.1898 to meet the American cruiser Saint Paul, who stood blocking the port. Terror tried a torpedo attack unsuccessfully, resulting hit by several shells that caused two deaths and several injuries. He later managed the blockade and take refuge in Martinique, where he remained until the end of the war. He returned to Spain on 15.09.1898.
Furor (1896-1898)

Builder: Thompson (Glasgow)
Laid down: 11/12/1895
Launched: 07/08/1896
Commissioned: 16/12/1896
Decommissioned: 03/07/1898
Fate: Sunk in combat

History:
At the start of hostilities with the United States was ordered to join the fleet of Cervera in Cape Verde for Cuba, as the flagship of the division of destroyers under the command of Captain Villamil. It departed from Cadiz on 12/03/1898. Along with the rest of the squadron arrived in Santiago and was blocked there by the fleet of Admiral Sampson. Participated in the Battle of 03/07/1898. She left the port next to Pluto as the last ship of the squadron of destroyers. Received fire from heavy guns of U.S. battleships. She soon lost the government and one of their machines, and quickly sank. Among the missing was Captain Villamil, the designer of the Destructor.

68137

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Audaz Class (Terror Class B) (1896)

68153

At the imminence of the War with the U.S., in 1896 was decided to extend the Terror class with the construction of two new pairs of the same class destroyers. It followed the previous model, based in the Royal Navy "Class A", with slight changes in its size, design something more big and heavy.

Structure.
Displacement: 450 Tons.
Length: 69,79 m
Beam: 6,71 m
Draft: 1,91 m

Armament.
2x75 mm, 4x57 mm guns. 2x356 mm torpedo tubes.

Propulsion.
Two triple expansion engine, fed by four boilers, which provided 7000 hp to two shafts.

Speed.
29 knots

There were four vessels in this class: Audaz, Osado, Pluton, Proserpina

Audaz (1898-1924)

68154

Builder: Thompson (Glasgow)
Laid down: 06/06/1896
Launched: 01/03/1898
Commissioned: 08/03/1898
Decommissioned: 06/06/1924
Fate: Scrapping

History:
In his initial route to Spain was severely damaged in a storm.
At the start of hostilities with the United States in 1898 was ordered to depart to the Philippines. She was ordered back before reaching the Suez Canal.
In 1909 she was integrated into the Naval Forces in North Africa Operations. In 1913 he participated in bombing operations against the North Morocoo coast.
In 1922 she intervened in the operations at Spanish Protectorate in Morocoo.
Osado (1898-1924)
Builder: Thompson (Glasgow)
Laid down: 1896
Launched: 06/05/1897
Commissioned: 08/03/1898
Decommissioned: 01/01/1925
Fate: Scrapping

History:
At the start of hostilities with the United States in 1898 was ordered to depart to the Philippines. She was ordered back before reaching the Suez Canal.
In 1909 she was integrated into the Naval Forces in North Africa Operations. In 1913 participated in bombing operations against the North Morocoo coast.
In 1923 she survived a major storm that was about to cause his loss.
Plutón (1897-1898)
Builder: Thompson (Glasgow)
Launched: 13/07/1897
Commissioned: 29/12/1897
Decommissioned: 03/07/1898
Fate: Missing in action

History:
At the start of hostilities with the United States was ordered to join the fleet of Admiral Cervera in Cabo Verde, for Cuba, as part of the division of destroyers under the command of Captain Villamil. She departed from Cadiz on 12/03/1898. Along with the rest of the squadron arrived in Santiago and was blocked there by the fleet of Admiral Sampson.
On the night of 2 to 3 June, she participated alongside the cruiser Reina Mercedes in action to prevent the americans blocking the entrance to the sinking of the Merrimac merchant. He threw two of torpedoes made at least one hit-target, which prevented the success of the U.S. maneuver.
Participated in the Battle of 03/07/1898. She left the port along the Furor as lasts ships of the squadron. She received fire from heavy guns of the U.S. battleships and fit a shell of 320 mm from USS Indiana. The ship lost one of its boilers and was practically split in two. Still could run aground on some rocks near the coast, allowing the rescue of survivors.
Proserpina (1898-1931)
Builder: Thompson (Glasgow)
Laid down: 1896
Launched: 23/10/1897
Commissioned: 08/02/1898
Decommissioned: 05.1931
Fate: Scrapping

History
At the start of hostilities with the United States in 1898 was ordered to depart to the Philippines. She was ordered back before reaching the Suez Canal.
In 1913 she participated in bombing operations against the North Morocoo coast.

[mik43]

Excellent thread, well done

Mik

[CGRET]

I would have to agree with Mik on this thread!

Regards
Charles

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Bustamante Class (1908)

68359

The Bustamante Class was part of the first serious attempt to rebuild the Armada after the Desastre of 1898. In 1908 was approved the construction of three destroyers. The work was ordered to the Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval, a company of mostly British capital installed in Spain after 1898. Units were poor quality compared to those built in other navies, slower and with worse seaworthiness.

Structure.
Displacement: 370/548 tons.
Length: 67,45 m
Beam: 6,75 m
Draft: 2,1 m

Armament.
5x57 mm guns. 2x450 mm torpedo tubes.

Propulsion.
They had a group of Parsons steam turbine type, fed by four boilers supplying 8770 hp. three axes

Speed.
28 knots.

Range.
1000 miles.

It was built three vessels of this class. All three were baptized with the names of commanders killed in action in the war with United States. Bustamante, Villamil and Cadarso

Bustamante (1914-1930)

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 25/08/1911
Launched: 03/01/1913
Commissioned: 23/03/1914
Decommissioned: 20/10/1930
Fate: Scrapping

History:
She participated in various campaigns in the North Morocoo (1921-1925).

Villamil (1916-1932)

68360

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 25/11/1912
Launched: 10/12/1913
Commissioned: 16/08/1916
Decommissioned: late 1932
Fate: Scrapping

History
She participated in various campaigns in the North Morocoo (1921-1925).

Cadarso (1917-1930)

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 24/09/1913
Launched: 18/12/1914
Commissioned: 25/08/1917
Decommissioned: late 1930
Fate: Scrapping

History:
She participated in various campaigns in the North Morocoo (1921-1925).

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Alsedo Class (1915)

68465

Its construction was entrusted to the Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval of Cartagena. They were similars to the units that were intervening in the WW1. They were the first "real" Armada destroyers, fast but poorly armed. In 1940-1943 were subjected to an intense program of modernization.

Structure
Displacement: 1164 Tons.
Length: 86.26 m
Beam: 8.23 m
Draft: 2.74 m

Armament
3x101.6 mm/40 cal 2x47 mm anti-aircraft guns, 2x450 mm torpedo tubes. 60 mines on rails on deck.
In 1940-1943 added 3x20 mm anti-aircraft guns. It also added two mortars launching depth charges.

Propulsion
They were the first ships of the Navy that used fuel oil only. They had two sets of Parsons turbines powered by four Yarrow type boilers 33,000 hp supplying two axes.

Speed
37 knots.

Range
2,500 miles.

He built three vessels of this class, which continued the tradition, baptized the destroyers with the names of historical commanders of the Navy: Alsedo, Velasco and Lazaga.

Alsedo (1924-1957)


68466

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 26/05/1920
Launched: 21/10/1922
Commissioned: 22/08/1924
Decommissioned: 24/05/1957
Fate: Scrapping

History:
Participated in the landing of Al Hoceima in northern Morocco, the 09/09/1925.
In July 1936 she was stationed in Cartagena, commanded by Lieutenant Commander Cano-Manuel. At news of the mutiny of the troops in North Morocoo Protectorate received orders to go to Almeria to support the authority of the Civil Governor. She left Cartagena for the afternoon of 18th. In Almería the commander was visited by two army officers, who invited him to join the rebelion. This conversation was overheard by crew members. Then received orders to go to Malaga and join the destroyer Sánchez Barcaiztegui, whose crew had taken the command of the ship. The destroyer reached Málaga late on 19th. Moved at Sánchez Barcaiztegui, the commander was arrested there. As the deputy commander and other officers was arrested by the ship's crew, who formed a committee led by Corporal Ivars. The next morning, July 20th, the command was assumed by Sub-Lieutenant Caso.
During the war he appeared in side missions in the Mediterranean without ever taking action. Their artillery was gradually dismantled to rebuild other units. At the end of the war was in Cartagena in disrepair.

Velasco (1924-1957)

68467

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 06/07/1920
Launched: 16/06/1923
Commissioned: 27/12/1924
Decommissioned: 09/04/1957
Fate: Scrapping

History:
Participated in the landing of Al Hoceima on 09.09.1925. She was approached by the gunboat Canalejas, which gave him a big leak and forced her to retire.
In July 1936 she was in Ferrol to make a repair. The crew remained at the command of commander Calderon on the 18th. Submitted to the fires of battleship España and cruiser Almirante Cervera, in the early hours of 21th part of the crew was sent to the Arsenal, from which facilitated the takeover of the Arsenal by the insurgents.
In the following months she performed in the Cantabrian coast guard missions, traffic control, mining and bombing of ports. Participate in the sinking of the submarine B-6 off the Cabo Peñas 19/09/1936. In september 1937 she joined the Nationalist Fleet in the Mediterranean in escort missions, traffic control, mining and bombing of ports. In october 1938 returned to Ferrol to works of great buoyancy and modernization. He did not participate in further operations in the war.

Lazaga (1925-1961)

68468

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 15/10/1920
Launched: 06/03/1924
Commissioned: 17/08/1925
Decommissioned: 20/02/1961
Fate: Scrapping

History:
In July 1936 she was stationed at Cartagena to carry out mayor works repair. The 17th was fixed at Arsenal. Their commander, Commander García Freire, favorable to the rebelion, made the ship in a center of support to the rebels at Arsenal, led by Captain Galan. At 13.00 hours on 18th was the proclamation of General Franco by calling the uprising on the Peninsula, and the radio message was transferred to Galan, who tried to gain control of the Arsenal. However, the strong performance of the base commander, Rear Admiral Molins, prevented the success of this attempt. The rebels officers then took refuge in the Lazaga. The morning of 20th sailors groups take control of the base. By noon Admiral Molins requires the surrender of the destroyer, and her command was assumed by Lieutenant-enginer Fajardo, and the lieutenant Guitart few days later.
She moved to Almeria, from which performs escort duties, traffic control and shore bombardment. After the loss of Republican battleship Jaime I returned to Cartagena. She fought italian submarine Finzi on 20/08/1937 and participated in the battle of Cabo de Palos on 06/03/1938, framed in the Second Fleet destroyers.
In May 1938 he suffered a serious breakdown in their machines, so it remained in secondary tasks on the basis of Cartagena to the end of the war. In March 1939 was damaged in a bombardment of the Nationalist aviation.

[spruso]

Nice work. I know very little about the Spanish Navy ships or history. Keep up the good work.

Cheers
Bruce

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Churruca Class (1922)


68617

In 1922 was approved the construction of a serie of three destroyers (destroyers type J). The design chosen was an improved version of the British destroyers Scott class, drawing on experience gained in the course of operations of the WW1 by the Royal Navy. This ships were splendid, perhaps the best built by spanish shipyards. They were very seaworthy boats, good sail, well armed and excellent shooting platforms.

Structure
Displacement: 1536/1800 tons.
Length: 101.98 m
Beam: 9.67 m
Draft: 3 m

Armament
5x120 mm/45 cal. 1x76 mm/45 cal. aa. 2x3x533 mm torpedo mounts. Two mortars launched depth charges.

Propulsión
It had two groups of three turbines, powered by four Yarrow boilers, 42,000 hp.

Speed
36 knots.

Range
4,500 miles.

Nine ships were built in this class, Cervantes (sold to Armada Argentina in 1927), Juan de Garay (sold to Armada Argentina in 1927), Sanchez Barcaiztegui, José Luis Díez, Almirante Ferrandiz, Lepanto, Churruca, Alcala Galiano, Almirante Valdes.

Sánchez Barcaiztegui (1928-1964)

68622

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 30/04/1924
Launched: 23/07/1926
Commissioned: 29/09/1928
Decommissioned: 01/07/1964
Fate: Scrapping

History
In July 1936 she was in Cartagena, in command of commander Fernando Bastarrache. On the night of 17th is given orders of the Ministro de Marina that destroyers highlight to block rebels ports in the Protectorate. On the morning of 19th, the commander of the ship decided to enter in Melilla port and join the rebellion. Once the ship docked the commander reads the proclamation of General Franco to the crew. At that time the crew forced departure of the ship. Once the sea commander and officers are arrested, taking over the Ensign Calderón.
During the war she served as escort, traffic control and bombing of enemy ports, all in the Mediterranean. On 25/04/1937 she met with nationalist cruisers Canarias and Baleares of which she could escape and get to Cartagena. On 16/09/1937, at work escorting a convoy, she met with the cruise Canarias, which was hit which caused minor damage. On 06/03/1938 took part in the battle of Cabo de Palos, enlisted in Second Fleet destroyers. In March 1939, received a bomb aircraft in the arsenal of Cartagena.

José Luis Díaz (1929-1965)

68621

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construccion Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 11/04/1927
Launched: 08/25/1928
Commissioned: 09/13/1929
Decommissioned: 12/01/1965
Fate: Scrapping

History:
On 04/04/1932 she almost was lost in a storm off the coast of Ibiza, she did run aground on the island.
In July 1936 she was in dry dock in Cartagena, under the command of commander Carré. In the afternoon of 19 the commander ordered your officiers to disarm the sailors hoping to join the rebellion, but was jaied by the crew.
In August 1936 moved to Malaga, from where it operated in the Gibraltar Strait. She passed to the Biscay Gulf 21/09/1936 with part of the Republican fleet. In 02/03/1937 fought national destroyer Velasco. A few days later, citing problems with the machines, the commander interned the ship into the port of Bordeaux. He and chief engineer fled to the Nationalist side. Returned to Santander. On 31/05/1937 the basque government takes control of the ship, which is captured by a basque crew. On 06/07/1937 she met with the nationalist cruiser Almirante Cervera, and escape thanks her superior speed. On June 15th, against orders from the Admiralty, leaves Bilbao port for France with refugees. There deserted the commander and part of the officers. In July, dissolved the Basque government, re-embark on the original crew. The 28/08/1937 is hit by a bomb in the port of El Musel, Gijón. The next day sails, and the commander, according to the crew decides to head to the English port of Falmouth, where part of the crew deserted. On September 27th happens to Le Havre to repairs.
In Le Havre remains almost a year, until 20/08/1938. Disguised as british destroyer she travel for the Gibraltar Strait. On the night of 26 reached the Strait, where much of the National Fleet expects her. It was discovered at about 0127 hours on 27th near Punta Europa by the Nationalist destroyer Ceuta, who gave the alarm. Soon afterwards she was spotted by the national cruise Canarias, which immediately opened fire, fitting an impact of 203 mm in the port bow at the height of the water line that opened a large hole. With low speed and forward sunk refuges in Gibraltar. She remained locked until 12/29/1938 while being repaired. Forced to sail was immediately attacked by nationalist units, being addressed by the miner Vulcano. Was hit by two 88 mm that resulted in damage to machinery. The commander decided to run aground in the Playa de los Catalanes, to the east of the Rock. Immediately the British authorities seized the ship for their internment. It was delivered to the National Fleet 25/03/1939
Almirante Ferrándiz (1929-1936)

68620

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 09/01/1927
Launched: 05/21/1928
Commissioned: 08/19/1929
Decommissioned: 09/28/1936
Fate: Sunk in combat

History:
In July 1936 she was in Cartagena. 15th their commander, Captain Galan, the main support of the rebels at Arsenal, was dismissed. The next day, 16th, was ordered to sail to Barcelona to support the Civil authority. At news of North Morocco in the early morning of 18th returned to Cartagena. The ship under the command of Ensign Barbastro reached Tangier on 21th. Based on this port first, and then in Malaga, carries out block and control traffic between the Protectorate and the Peninsula.
On the morning of September 28th had been patrolling the Strait, when at 0620 sighted an enemy cruiser and reverses the course towards the Mediterranean. The cruiser, which was the Canarias, which was assumed in the Bay of Biscay, opens fire at 0640 to 23.000 m. Despite evasive maneuvers, the destroyer received six 203 mm hit. She sank at 0930, east of Gibraltar. The Canarias collected 31 survivors, and the French liner Koutubia 29, including their commander.
Lepanto (1930-1957)

68619

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 19/07/1928
Launched: 09/11/1929
Commissioned: 07/08/1930
Decommissioned: 24/05/1957
Fate: Scrapping

History:
In July 1936 she was based in Cartagena, under the command of Captain Fuentes, loyal to the government. The 16th was ordered to Almeria from supporting the civil authority. In the afternoon of 17th is given the order blocking Melilla. The officers mutinied try to break into the rebel port. Then the crew refuses to follow orders and keep the ship off the port. On 20th docked in Malaga, where the officers were arrested, but their commander, who continues to command.
Based in Cartagena, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the war. 09/07/1937 took part in fighting against the nationalist cruiser Baleares at Cabo Cherchel. She participated in the battle of Cabo de Palos on 05/03/1938 and released three of the twelve torpedoes who sank the nationalist cruiser Baleares.
After the war, on 26/06/1946, in maneuvers, crashed with the submarine C-4, causing immediate collapse of sub and loss of all crew. The subsequent court martial found no liability.


Churruca (1931-1963)

68618

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 28/01/1929
Launched: 20/07/1929
Commissioned: 30/06/1931
Decommissioned: 29/10/1963
Fate: Scrapping

History:
In July 1936 she was based in Cartagena commanded by Captain Barreto. On the 15th night was ordered to Cadiz to supporting the civil authority. The afternoon of 17th arrives at Ceuta, whose entrance was surprised by the declaration of martial law by the insurgents. On the morning of 18th destroyer enters in the port and its commander joins the rebellion. That same night shipped the Primer Tabor de Regulares (moroccan troops battalion) for Cadiz. There the commander rejected the offer to board of a section of legionnaires as security force. In the open sea on his return to Ceuta the crew mutinied and arrested its officers.
Back in Cartagena, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the remainder of the war. 09/07/1937 took part in fighting against the cruiser Baleares at Cabo Cherchel. On 12/08/1937 he was attacked by an Italian submarine near Cartagena, fitting the impact of a torpedo, which caused damage to the boilers, with four killed and eight wounded. Spent the rest of the war in the Arsenal in Cartagena.

Alcalá Galiano (1931-1957)

68623

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 5/15/1929
Launched: 12/20/1929
Commissioned: 9/23/1931
Decommissioned: 6/18/1957
Fate: Scrapping

History:
In July 1936 she was based in Cartagena commanded by Captain Sánchez-Ferragut. On 20th the crew mutinied and arrested its officers.
On 08/05/1936 patrollyng west of the Strait of Gibraltar, intercepted a convoy of rebel troops escorted by the gunboat Dato. Harassed by the fire of the gunboat and several aircraft, the destroyer broke contact, allowing the arrival in the peninsula for much of the Legion's forces in Morocco.
Back in Cartagena, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the remainder of the war. In June 1938, sent as a convoy escort, was taken by the liner Magallanes, which caused severe damage. She remained in dry dock in Cartagena for the rest of the war.

Almirante Valdés (1933-1957)

Builder: Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 2/3/1930
Launched: 9/8/1930
Commissioned: 3/17/1933
Decommissioned: 12/11/1957
Fate: Scrapping

History:
In July 1936 she was based in Cartagena commanded by Captain-lieutenant Taviel de Andrade. The dawn of the 18th sails to Melilla, where she arrived in the afternoon. In agreement with its officers, the commander gives the order to enter the port with the intention of joining the military rebellion. Just docked the destroyer, the crew, worried by the presence of groups of armed legionnaires, cast off and leave the dock. She is stranded on a cliff, but was released with the help of a merchant, allowing the escape. The commander and officers were then arrested.
Back in Cartagena, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the remainder of the war. 09/07/1937 took part in fighting against the cruiser Baleares at Cabo Cherchel.

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Churruca Class (1929)

68920

In 1929 was approved the construction of two additional destroyers of the Churruca Class, with a series of modifications and improvements, especially in regard to armaments. Shortly after authorizing the extension of the series with five units more.

Structure.
Displacement: 1676/1800 tons.
Length: 101.98 m
Beam: 9.67 m
Draft: 3 m

Armament.
4x120 mm/45 cal. 2x76 mm/45 cal. aa. 2x3x533 mm. torpedo mounts, two mortar launching depth charges.

Propulsion
Two groups of three turbines, powered by four Yarrow boilers, two shafts, 42000 hp.

Speed
36 knots.

Range
4500 miles.

Seven ships were built in this class: Almirante Antequera, Almirante Miranda, Gravina, Escaño, Ulloa, Jorge Juan, and Císcar


Almirante Antequera 1935-1965

68914

Builder: Sociedad española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 04/01/1930
Launched: 29/12/1930
Commissioned: 30/05/1935
Decommissioned: 01/12/1965
Fate: Scrapping

History:
In July 1936 she was stationed in Santander, under the command of Captain Núñez de la Puente. Received orders to go to the Strait of Gibraltar, arriving on 21th. Dominated by the ship's crew, the commander and the officers attempted to land, but were arrested.
Back in Cartagena, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the remainder of the war. In early March 1937 was highlighted Santander load of ammunition, but a malfunction caused him to take refuge in Casablanca 9. She remained there until July 8th, and could run the nationalist blockade of the Straits disguised as British destroyer. 07.09.1937 took part in fighting against the cruiser Baleares at Cape Cherchel. On 17/07/1937 she met with the cruise Canarias, and hit by shrapnel. She participate in the battle of Cape Palos on 03/05/1938 and released five of the twelve torpedoes who sank the nationalist cruiser Baleares.
Almirante Miranda 1936-1970

68919

Builder: Sociedad española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 23/01/1931
Launched: 20/10/1931
Commissioned: 25/07/1936
Decommissioned: 02/03/1970
Fate: Scrapping

History
In July 1936 was nearly completed and was enlisted with provisional artillery from the old battleship España.
From Cartagena, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the remainder of the war. 07.09.1937 took part in fighting against the cruiser Baleares at Cape Cherchel.
At 07/12/1957 she intervened in the Agadir demostration during de Sidi Ifni war
Gravina 1936-1963

68916

Builder: Sociedad española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 01/06/01/1931
Launched: 24/12/1931
Commissioned: 24/08/24/1936
Decommissioned: 31/10/1963
Fate: Scrapping

History
In July 1936 was in the final stages of artillery. In September she was stationed in the Strait of Gibraltar. The 29th were spotted by surprise sailing with the destroyer Almirante Ferrándiz by the nationalists cruisers Canarias and Almirante Cervera. Attacked by the second, suffered damage that forced him to take refuge in Casablanca. He could not break the nationalist blockade until November.
Back in Cartagena, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the remainder of the war. 0709.1937 took part in fighting against the cruiser Baleares at Cape Cherchel. She participate in the Battle of Cape Palos on 05.03.1938, but did not intervene in the action.
At 07/12/1957 she intervened in the Agadir demostration during de Sidi Ifni war

Escaño 1936-1964

68921

Builder: Sociedad española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 01/12/1931
Launched: 28/06/1932
Commissioned: 15/09/1936
Decommissioned: 19/02/1964
Fate: Scrapping

History
On September 1936 was in the final stages of artillery. On late September was sent to Bay of Biscay to join with the rest of the fleet. He returned with the Republican fleet in October. Back in Cartagena, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the remainder of the war. 26/02/1937 night sailing in total darkness approached the nationalist auxiliary cruiser Lazarus and out of sight below. 07.09.1937 she took part in fighting against the cruiser Baleares at Cape Cherchel.
At 07/12/1957 she intervened in the Agadir demostration during de Sidi Ifni war
Císcar 1936-1963

68915

Builder: Sociedad española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 07/04/1932
Launched: 25/11/1932
Commissioned: 24/10/1936
Decommissioned: 07/12/1963
Fate: Accidental aground.

History
Based in Cartagena, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment until the spring of 1937. In April she crossed the Strait of Gibraltar camouflaged with English flag and docked in Bilbao on 17th. On May and June she tries to break the nationalist blockade of the cantabrics ports. She has several encounters with the nationalist cruiser Almirante Cervera, of which escapes thanks to his greater speed.
On May 31 the control of the ship was taken by the Basque Government, which shipped a new crew. On June 15, with the imminent fall of Bilbao, she left the port for France with refugees and then to Santander, where control was taken up by Central Government. On August 11 she, together with the destroyer Jose Luis Diez, tried to torpedoes the Almirante Cervera, but without results. She went to Gijon, where on 19/10/1937 was hit by an airstrike. She remained sunk in the dock to the entrance of the nationalist troops.
She was refloated on 21/03/1938. Trailed to Ferrol, rejoined the national fleet in February 1939. Based in Barcelona since March 1939.
On the night of 17/10/1957, as she entered the port of Ferrol guided by radar with a thick fog, ran aground on the coast and its hull was crushed.
Jorge Juan 1937-1959

68917

Builder: Sociedad española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 05/09/1932
Launched: 28/03/1933
Commissioned: 30/08/1937
Decommissioned: 04/06/1959
Fate: Scrapping

History
Based in Cartagena during the Civil War, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment. 07.09.1937 she took part in fighting against the cruiser Baleares at Cape Cherchel.
Ulloa 1937-1963

68918

Builder: Sociedad española de Construcción Naval (Cartagena)
Laid down: 30/01/1933
Launched: 24/07/1933
Commissioned: 20/11/1937
Decommissioned: 07/12/1963
Fate: Scrapping

History
In November 1937 was in the final stages of artillery, completed with dismantled montages of the Alcalá Galiano. She received Churruca crew. Based in Cartagena, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the remainder of the war.

[dorupantos]

Dear Asdrubal ! I put myself a question : in whole Spain there are not pictures with "destructores" CEUTA and MELILLA ?

[steve roberts]

Hi Asdrubal.Keep up the good work.PS like youe Avatar! Regards Steve.:)

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Dear Asdrubal ! I put myself a question : in whole Spain there are not pictures with "destructores" CEUTA and MELILLA ?
Are the next in the list. They ware launched in 1915 but delivered to the Armada in 1937.

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Hi Asdrubal.Keep up the good work.PS like youe Avatar! Regards Steve.:)

The avatar is from a picture of Antonio Brugada (1858) exhibit in the Museo Naval of Madrid.

69204

Represents a moment in the battle of Cape St Vincent. The vessel Santísima Trinidad, the flagship of the Spanish Armada surrendered, and went to his aid the Pelayo 74-gun ship, commanded by Captain Cayetano Valdés. He threatened the crew of the Trinidad to open fire unless they immediately hoisted the flag again and resumed the fight. The British prize crew was rejected, and Trinidad was recovered and could return to Cádiz.

[steve roberts]

Hi Asdrubal.Thank you for your reply and the detailed explaination.No Dobt a pround moment for your Armada! My avatar is of my home land the ISLE OF MAN,a beautiful place.My signature avatar is the crest of the submarine HMS Dreadnought. Best Wishes Steve.:)

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Aquila Class (1913)

69230

In 1913 Romania commissioned four destroyers at Naples shipyard Pattison (Vigor, Vijelie, Vartez and Viscol). By entering Italy in the World War 1 in 1915 were seized. The first three (Aquila, Sparviero, Nibbio) served as scouts in the Adriatic and the fourth (Falco) was completed after the end of the war. In 1920 Romania recovered two destroyers (Marasti, ex-Nibbio, ex-Vartez; and Maraesti, ex-Sparviero, ex-Vijejie), leaving the other two, Aquila and Falco, the Italian flag.
During the Spanish Civil War, in September 1937, the Nationalists managed to Italian fascist authorities an agreement for the sale of two pairs of destroyers. The Aquila and Falco were the most interesting pair, by their characteristics and status of active. 10/10/1937 formally ceded. They were immediately incorporated into the national fleet. Units were of little value for their mechanical fragility, very prone to failures in boilers.

Structure.
Displacement: 1456/1733 tons.
Length: 94.6 m
Beam: 9,47 m
Draft: 3.35 m
At the time of sale in 1937, they were included fourth fake fireplace aft to confuse them with the class destroyers Alsedo face of expected international reaction by the transfer of Italian units.

Armament.
4x120 mm/45 cal. in two twin mounts. 2x76,2 mm/40 cal aa. Being incorporated into the national fleet were anti-aircraft weaponry reinforced with four 4x20 mm aa. 2x2x450 mm. torpedo mounts.

Propulsion.
Two groups of turbines, five boilers type Thornycroft, 38000 hp to two axes.

Speed
34 knots

Range
1700 miles

We acquired two ships of this class: Ceuta and Melilla

Ceuta (ex Ceuta Velasco, ex-Aquila, ex-Vigor) 1937-1948

69228

Builder: Pattison (Naples)
Laid down: 11/03/1914
Launched: 27/07/1916
Commissioned (to Spanish Armada): 11/10/1937
Decommissioned: 24/04/1948
Fate: Scrapping

History:
Based in Palma, in Mallorca, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the war. She suffered numerous mechanical problems that kept him most of the time in port. She participated in the interception of José Luis Díaz in the Strait of Gibraltar on 27/08/1938. It was she who spotted the Republican destroyer. After the war, his status was made unfit for active service.

Melilla (ex-Melilla Velasco, ex-Falco) 1937-1950

6922969227

Builder: Pattison (Naples)
Laid down: 19/08/1916
Launched: 16/08/1919
Commissioned (to Spanish Armada): 11/10/1937
Decommissioned: 18/11/1950
Fate: Scrapping

History:
Based in Palma, in Mallorca, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the war. She participated in the interception of José Luis Díaz in the Strait of Gibraltar on 27/08/1938. After the war he did state unfit for active service.

[dorupantos]

Thank you ! But other pictures ? These pictures are on net regarding spanish civil war destroyers !

[dorupantos]

You have coppied from net some details from some ships ! Everryone could coppy pages from net . I'd like you present pics and history and facts about SPANISH NAVY with your own words !

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

You have coppied from net some details from some ships ! Everryone could coppy pages from net . I'd like you present pics and history and facts about SPANISH NAVY with your own words !

Oh, dorupantos, ¡Qué triste es pedir! ;)

Of course I will not bore to this nice forum with all the information I have Obtained through the work of decades of my father-in-law, who very kindly shared with me. I have seven pages of data on the Ceuta and on the Melilla other seven.

You ask for pics. Well, I send you two. Maybe you don´t know them. Sorry about how bad things are, but do not have the originals (my father-in-law has only originals photographs from the mid-'50s, and the two Ceuta's were already scrapped).

One of Ceuta after the war, during the 2nd World War, anchored in the port of Ferrol. The great flag of the hull was identified her as neutral for the U-Boat and for the British anti-submarine patrols. The photo is after 12/06/1940, as per Ministerial Order of that date was ordered to be anchored as a training ship at the School of Engineers (the "Escuela de Máquinas", my father was there first student and later teacher) in Ferrol.

69299

And another of the Melilla, in dry dock in the Arsenal of Ferrol during the Civil War, as can be seen in black bands in fireplaces, identification signal used by the nationalist side instead of the white bands used before the war. Repair took place between 09/07/1938 and 20/08/1938.

69297

I have more, but the scanner ...

Of course, I remain at your disposal if you need more information.


.

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Poerio Class (1913)

69386

Three lightweight explorers Poerio class were launched in 1914 in Ansaldo shipyards in Genoa . Participated in the 1st World War in the Adriatic. One of them was sunk by a mine a few days after the war ended. In 1921 became classified as destroyers. The two surviving units of the class, Poerio and Pepe, were included with Aquila and Falco in the transfer of units according to the Nationalist Fleet September 1937. Were submitted on 25.10.1937 and joined the Nationalist Fleet in Palma. Obsolete ships, were acquired in very poor condition, with serious problems on machines and frequent breakdowns that reduced their operations time.

Structure.
Displacement: 865/1028 Tons.
Length: 85 m
Beam: 8 m
Draft: 2.8 m

Armament.
5x102 mm, 1x40 mm and 1x20 mm aa. 2x2x450 mm torpedo mounts.

Propulsion.
Two sets of Parsons turbines, powered by three Yarrow boilers, 24000 hp two axes.

Speed
32 knots. However, the state machine in 1937 prevented him exceed 24 knots.

Range
2930 miles.

We acquired two vessels of this class: Teruel (ex Guglielmo Pepe) and Huesca (ex Alessandro Poerio).


Huesca (ex Alessandro Poerio) 1937-1948

69387

Builder: Ansaldo (Genova)
Laid down: 25/06/1913
Launched: 04/08/1914
Commissioned (to Spanish Armada): 25/10/1937
Decommissioned: 17/08/1953
Fate: Scrapping

History:
Based in Palma, in Mallorca, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the war. She suffered serious mechanical problems in the boilers that kept her most of the time in port. On 24/05/1938, during a patrol, was approached by the twin destroyer Teruel, resulting in 5 dead, 10 injured and extensive damage. She could reach the port of Palma with great difficulty. When the war finished was removed from active duty.

Teruel (ex Guglielmo Pepe) 1937-1948

69388

Builder: Ansaldo (Genova)
Laid down: 02/07/1914
Launched: 17/09/1914
Commissioned (to Spanish Armada): 25/10/1937
Decommissioned: 24/01/1948
Fate: Scrapping

History:
Based in Palma, in Mallorca, performed tasks of traffic control, escort and shore bombardment during the war. She suffered numerous mechanical problems that kept her most of the time in port. On 24/05/1938 during a patrol approached the twin destroyer Huesca, which extensively damaged her bow. At the end of war was removed from active duty.

[dorupantos]

Congratulations ASDRUBAL ! You are GREAT ! I'm hungry for old destroyers and also destroyers of Romanian Royal Navy or sister ships photos .In our country there are few informations about Romanian Royal Navy (In Comunist era Romanian Royal Navy "doesn't exist" and the 'big" comunist navy was "secret" cause cold war ). Once again congratulation and thank you !

[dorupantos]

Destroyer CEUTA (former italian AQUILA)

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Churruca Class (1936/1943/1955)

69907

11/01/1936 it was authorized the construction of two new Churruca Class destroyers. The outbreak of the Civil War prevented the start-up. A trade agreement with Argentina looked at the sale to that country a type Churruca destroyer, so that the project was reset on 22/05/1943 by the state-owned shipbuilding Empresa Nacional Bazan, inherited after the Civil War in the shipyards of the Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval in Cartagena and Ferrol. It was commissioned two ships, one for the Argentina Armada and one for the Armada. However the two units was assigned to the Armada. They were delivered in 1951. As part to the Convenant aid wiht U.S, were modernizated between 1956 and 1959 and radically transforming its features to adapt to an anti-aircraft and anti-submarine use.

Structure.
Displacement: 1712/2225 tons.
Length: 101.15 m (102.41 m after the modernization)
Beam: 9.67 m
Draft: 3.7 m

Armament.
4x120 mm/45 cal., 2x76 mm/45 cal. aa, 2x3 torpedo mounts 533 mm.
After the modernization 3x76,2 mm/50 cal. aa, 3x40 mm/70 cal. aa, 2 torpedo mounts MK32 483 mm as, 8 mortarslaunched loads deep, 2 hedgehog MK11 mounts.

Exploration Systems
After modernization air scanning radar MLA and surface radar 1b SG-6b. Two fire directors radars AN/SPG-34. Sonar BCC-a

Propulsion.
Two groups of turbines, powered by four Yarrow type boiler, 42000 hp two axes.
With modernization withdrew a boiler, the three remaining boilers 31,500 hp

Speed
36 knots.
After the modernization was reduced to 28 knots

Autonomy
4500 miles.
After the modernization 3150 miles

It was built two vessels of this class: Álava and Liniers.


Liniers (1951-1982)

69909

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Cartagena)
Laid down: 30.12.1944
Launched: 01/05/1946
Commissioned: 27/01/1951
Commissioned after the modernization: 18/09/1962
Decommissioned: 15/12/1982

History:
During the early sixties was one of the most modern units of the Army as the insignia of the 32nd squadron of destroyers. A mid-70s became a training ship functions in Marin.

Álava (1951-1978)

69910

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Cartagena)
Laid down: 07.01.1944
Launched: 13/06/1947
Commissioned: 11/12/1951
Commissioned after the modernization: 17/01/1962
Decommissioned: 17/08/1978
Fate: Scrapping

History:
During the early sixties was one of the most modern units of the Army as the insignia of the 31nd squadron of destroyers. A mid-70s became a training ship functions in Marin.

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Audaz Class (1945)

70695

After the end of the Civil War, on 18/12/1942, was authorized the construction of nine destroyers. The work did not begin until July 1945, and faced lack of resources, materials and fianciación because the international isolation period at the end of World War 2. Ships caused troubles, were unstables, with serious mechanical problems and failures due to poor hull welding techniques.
Before the completion of the series were included in the Modernization Agreement with U.S. Navy in 1955.

Structure.
Displacement: 1101/1465 tons.
Length: 93.95 m
Beam: 9.28
Draft: 3.4

Armament.
initial: 3x105 mm. 4x37 mm aa. 8x20 mm aa.
Modernization: 2x76,2 mm/50 cal. aa. 2x40 mm/70 cal. aa. As two mounts hedgehog anti-submarine weapons, two MK32 torpedo mounts as, eight mortars Mk6 and two MK9.

Exploration Systems
Air navigation radar MLA-1b and surface AN/SPS-5b. A fire control radar AN/SPG-34. Sonar BCC-a

Propulsion.
Two groups of turbines with three boilers naphtha. 32,500 hp to two shafts.

Speed
32 knots

Range
3500 miles (15 knots).

Nine ships were built in this class: Audaz, Osado, Meteoro, Furor, Rayo, Ariete, Temerario, Intrépido and Relámpago.


Audaz (1953-1974)

70697

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 25.09.1945
Launched: 24/01/1951
Commissioned: 30/06/1953
Commissioned after the modernization: 28/06/1961
Decommissioned: 16/09/1974
Fate: Scrapping

Osado (1955-1972)

70701

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 25.09.1945
Launched: 04/09/1951
Commissioned: 25/01/1955
Commissioned after the modernization: 06/12/1961
Decommissioned: 02/07/1972
Fate: Scrapping

Meteoro (1955-1974)

70700

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 25.09.1945
Launched: 04/09/1951
Commissioned: 30/11/1955
Commissioned after the modernization: 21/02/1963
Decommissioned: 19/09/1974
Fate: Scrapping

Furor (1960-1972)

70698

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 14.07.1945
Launched: 24/02/1955
Commissioned: 07/09/1960
Decommissioned: 12/08/1974
Fate: Scrapping

Rayo (1958-1974)

70702

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 14.07.1945
Launched: 04/09/1951
Commissioned: 20/06/1958
Commissioned after the modernization: 21/02/1963
Decommissioned: 12/08/1974
Fate: Scrapping

Ariete (1961-1966)

70696

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Cartagena)
Laid down: 14.07.1945
Launched: 24/02/1955
Commissioned: 07/02/1961
Decommissioned: 26/02/1966
Fate: Accidental aground.

History
Sailing through a storm to 25/02/1966 along the Galician coast, was left without propulsion and dragged ashore. Tucked into a cliff, the crew was saved but the ship hull broke in two the next day.

Temerario (1958-1974)

70704

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 14.07.1945
Launched: 29/03/1960
Commissioned: 16/03/1964
Decommissioned: 31/12/1975
Fate: Scrapping


Intrépido (1965-1985)

70699

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 14.07.1945
Launched: 15/02/1961
Commissioned: 25/03/1965
Decommissioned: 15/04/1982
Fate: Scrapping

Relámpago (1958-1974)

70703

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 14.07.1945
Launched: 26/09/1961
Commissioned: 07/07/1965
Decommissioned: 31/12/1975
Fate: Scrapping

.....

[mik43]

Absolutely brilliant, well done

Mik

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Oquendo Class (1944)

70942

On 05.04.1944 was given an order for built nine destroyers. It was designed by the technical department of the same factory, and had problems. Soon appeared difficulties due to low quality of the materials, the backwardness of the domestic industry in large scale use of welding and design problems. On 08.02.1952 the number was reduced from nine units to three. The first unit was launched on 05.09.1956, and from the first sea trials demonstrated serious problems of stability and reliability of the machines, which requires significant reforms. It was decided the drastic solution to suspend the work with the two other units of the series. The series was reduced, therefore a single unit. His service was problematic, due to continuing problems with the machines. He was discharged only fifteen years after its delivery.

Structure.
Displacement: 2342/3004 tons.
Length: 116.45 m
Beam: 11.02
Draft: 4.07

Armament.
4x120 mm/50 cal. 6x40 mm yy. 2 hedgehogs MK11, 2 launchers MK32 torpedo.

Exploration Systems
She was the only spanish vessel equipped with systems of British origin. An air navigation radar Marconi SNW-10 and another surface type 293 Q. Main fire control radar type 275 M and antiaircraft type 262 P. Sonar BCC-a.

Propulsion.
Two groups of Rateau turbines, with three boilers type LaSeyne, 30000 hp two axes.

Speed
38 knots

Range
5000 miles (15 knots).

Only one ship was built in this class: Oquendo

Oquendo (1956-1978)

70944

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 15.06.1951
Launched: 05/09/1956
Commissioned: 22/04/1963
Decommissioned: 02/11/1978
Fate: Scrapping

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Fletcher Class (1941)

71542

After the successive failures of the Audaz and Oquendo classes, in 1954 were initiated talks with the U.S. Navy for the transfer of a series of Fletcher class destroyers.
Shortly before entering the 2nd World War in 1941, the U.S. Navy had planned a new class of destroyers, heavy, capable of confronting the modern Japanese destroyers. Before the war was commissioned into the construction of 24 units. After Pearl Harbor were ordered 100 more, and 62 others, with some slight variations, during the war. They appeared at all stages of the conflict, proved their ability. After the war many of these ships were sent to the Fleet Reserve.
In 1956 it was agreed between the U.S. and Spain the cession of two destroyers on loan for five years renewable. They were granted in 1957. In 1959 gave a third. In 1960 gave up two more, those in active status in the U.S. Navy and, therefore, with more modern systems. In 1972, all five units were acquired by the Navy property at a nominal price.

Structure.
Displacement: 2005/2940 tons.
Length: 114.65 m
Beam: 11.91 m
Draft: 5.2 m

Armament.
Lepanto and Almirante Ferrandiz
5x127 mm/38 cal. 6x40 mm/56 cal. 6x20 mm/70 cal. guns. Two quintuple torpedo mounts of 533 mm. Two docks depth charges in the stern and six sides.
Almirante Valdes, Alcalá Galiano and Jorge Juan
4x127 mm/38 cal., 6x76, 2 mm/50 cal., 6x20 mm/70 cal. guns. One quintuple torpedo mount 533 mm. Two docks depth charges in the stern and six sides. Two Hedgehog MK14 mounts.

Exploration Systems
Lepanto, Almirante Ferrandiz and Almirante Valdes
Air navigation radar SC2, surface SC, fire control Mk12, Mk35 and two SPG-34. Sonar World War 2. Were modernized in 1966-67, with the SQS-29.
Alcala Galiano and Jorge Juan
Air navigation radar SPS-6C, surface SPS-10, fire control, MK25, Mk35 and two SPG-34, sonar SQS-4 (in 1966-67 replaced by more modern SQS-29)

Electronic Warfare
WLR-1 team.

Propulsion.
Steam turbines powered by four Babcock & Wilcox boilers / Foster-Wheeler, 60000 cv., Two axes.

Speed
37 knots

Range
6000 miles (15 knots)

We acquired five vessels of this class: Lepanto, Almirante Ferrandiz, Almirante Valdes, Alcala Galiano and Jorge Juan.

Lepanto (Ex USS Caps) (1957-1985)

71547

Builder: Gulf Shipbuilding Co. (Chickasaw, AL)
Laid down: 12.06.1941
Launched: 31/05/1942
Commissioned (U.S. Navy): 23/06/1943
Commissioned (Armada): 15/05/1957
Decommissioned: 31/12/1985
Fate: Scrapping

History.
Us Navy: In World War 2 participated in North Atlantic operations (until January 1944) and in the Pacific. Intervened directly in the landing at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He went into reserve in January 1947.
Armada: In November 1975, participated in the crisis of the Sahara.

Almirante Ferrandiz (Ex USS D.W.Taylor) (1957-1987)

71544

Builder: Gulf Shipbuilding Co. (Chickasaw, AL)
Laid down: 12.06.1941
Launched: 04/07/1942
Commissioned (U.S. Navy): 18/09/1943
Commissioned (Armada): 15/05/1957
Decommissioned: 17/11/1987
Fate: Scrapping

History.
U.S. Navy: In the 2nd World War participated in the Pacific theater. Intervened directly in the landing of the Marianas, where sank the Japanese submarine I-10. On 05.01.1945 in the Bonin was hit by a mine. Returned to duty in May 1945, was involved in operations in Okinawa. He went into reserve in August 1946.

Almirante Valdés (Ex USS Converse) (1959-1986)

71545

Builder: Bath Iron Works Corp. (Bath, ME)
Laid down: 23.02.1942
Launched: 30/08/1942
Commissioned (U.S. Navy): 08/06/1943
Commissioned (Armada): 01/07/1959
Decommissioned: 17/11/1986
Fate: Scrapping

History.
U.S. Navy: In the 2nd World War Participate in the Pacific theater. She appeared in the Solomon Islands, in several battles with the Japanese destroyers. On 03/12/1943 I was hit by an airstrike. In March 1944 joined TG58. In November 1944 was envoyed to Philippines. In May 1945 to Okinawa. He went into reserve in April 1946.
Navy: The submarine collided with Siroco 12/06/1985 when it was submerged, Which caused him slight damage.

Alcalá Galiano (Ex USS Jarvis) (1960-1988)

71543

Builder: Todd Pacific Shipyards (Seattle, WA)
Laid down: 07.06.1943
Launched: 14/02/1944
Commissioned (U.S. Navy): 03/06/1944
Commissioned (Armada): 03/11/1960
Decommissioned: 15/12/1988
Fate: Scrapping

History.
U.S. Navy: In the 2nd World War participated in the Pacific Theater of Operations North. He went to the reserve in June 1946. He returned to active service on 08/02/1951 to participate in the Korean War until the summer of 1952. In 1954 he joined the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. In 1955 he joined the Seventh Fleet in the Western Pacific.


Jorge Juan (Ex USS McGowan) (1960-1986)

71546

Builder: Federal Shipbuilding Co. (Kearny, NJ)
Laid down: 30.06.1943
Launched: 14/11/1943
Commissioned (U.S. Navy): 20/12/1943
Commissioned (Armada): 01/12/1960
Decommissioned: 15/11/1988
Fate: Scrapping

History.
U.S. Navy: In the 2nd World War participated in the Pacific theater. He took part in the Marianas campaign, the Palau, Leyte, Lingayen Gulf, after which he joined the TG58 went to the reserve in April 1946. He returned to active service on 06/07/1951 to participate in the Korean War. In 1953 he joined the Atlantic Fleet.

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Roger de Lauria Class (1960)

72094

The two ships of this class were initially part of the serie of Oquendo. Given the serious problems appeared with the first unit, all works were suspended. It was decided to rehabilitate them in 1960. The plan was to cut the hulls longitudinally, inserting new structures to expand the beam and modernized weapons system within the U.S. aid program. But continues problems of reliability of the machines, which shortened his life.

Structure.
Displacement: 3012/3785 tons.
Length: 116.67 m
Beam: 13 m
Draft: 4.5m

Armament.
6x127 mm/38 cal., Two anti-submarine torpedo tubes 533 mm and two 324 mm triple mounts. One helicopter Hugues 500 M.

Exploration Systems
Air scanning radar SPS-40A and surface type SPS-10F. Radar fire control Mk35 and MK25 type. Hull sonar SQS-32 C and variable depth sonar AN/SQA-10.

Electronic warfare
WLR-1 team.

Propulsion.
Two groups of turbines Rateau LaSeyne type with three boilers, 60,000 hp to two shafts

Speed
30 knots

Range
4500 miles (15 knots).

Was built two vessels of this class: Roger de Lauria and Marqués de la Ensenada.

Roger de Lauria (1969-1982)
72092


Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 11.04.1951
Launched: 12/11/1958
Launched 2: 29/08/1967
Commissioned: 30/05/1969
Decommissioned: 15/01/1982
Fate: Scrapping

Marqués de la Ensenada (1970-1988)

72093

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 05.04.1951
Launched: 15/07/1959
Launched 2: 02/03/1968
Commissioned: 10/09/1970
Decommissioned: 20/10/1988
Fate: Scrapping

History.
In November 1975 participate in the crisis of the Sahara.
On 02.10.1981, about to be retired from active duty for a serious breakdown in the boilers, she was attacked by terrorist gang ETA in the port of Santander. It opened a leak 3 x 2,5 m that could be plugged. It was decided to undertake the costly repair of their machines and to postpone his retirement until 1988.

[steve roberts]

Hi Asdrubal.A very good series of posts.Full of facts.Keep them coming...Many Regards Steve.

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Thank you very much, Steve. I hope not to bore you too much with the "Navios españoles".

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Gearing Class (1944)

72451

From the Fletcher class, the U.S. Navy developed Summer (1943) and Gearing (1944) types. After the end of the war, the rapid development of weapons systems forced a fundamental reform since 1959, the FRAM program, to increase their capacity anti-submarine warfare. Eliminated two double mounts to provide a platform adapted for operating a helicopter.
In the late '60s found the Armada, after decommissioning of the destroyers of the series Churruca and Audaz, reduced capacity submarine. Before August 1970 it signed an agreement with the United States for the loan of five Gearing class destroyers. The first two were granted in August 1972. The next three after being refurbished in the U.S., were delivered in October 1973. In May 1977 the property was acquired by the Armada.

Structure.
Displacement: 2425/3520 tons
Length: 119.02 m
Beam: 12,47 m
Draft: 5.8 m

Armament.
4x127 mm/38 cal in two twin mountings. ASROC launcher as. MK44 torpedoes, two triple torpedo mounts MK32 as., one Hughes 369 light helicopter.

Exploration Systems
As the air navigation radars Churruca and Gravina a Lockheed AN/SPS-40, while the Méndez Núñez, Lángara and Blas de Lezo a Westinghouse AN/SPS-37. The surface scan radar Raytheon AN/SPS-10. Fire control radar Western Electric 25/28. Hull sonar Sangamo SQS-23

Electronic Warfare
WLR-1 WLR-3, countermeasures ULQ-6.

Propulsion.
It had two sets of Westinghouse or General Electric turbines, powered by four Babcock & Wilcox boilers, 60,000 hp.

Speed
32 knots

Range
4800 miles (15 knots).


Were acquired five vessels of this class: Churruca, Gravina, Méndez Núñez, Lángara y Blas de Lezo.

Churruca (ex USS E. A. Greene) (1972-1989)

72454

Builder: Federal Shipbuildings Co. (Kearny, NJ)
Laid down: 17/08/1944
Launched: 18/03/1945
Commissioned (U. S. Navy): 08/06/1945
Commissioned (Armada): 31/08/1972
Decommissioned: 15/09/1989
Fate: Sunk as target maneuvers.

History
In November 1975 Participate in the crisis of the Sahara.
On 12/12/1991 she was sunk as targets in exercises by the frigates Reina Sofia, Baleares and Andalucía, together with the carrier Principe de Asturias' harriers.

Gravina (ex USS Furse) (1972-1991)

72455

Builder: Consolidated Steel Corp. (Orange, Tx)
Laid down: 23/09/1944
Launched: 09/03/1945
Commissioned (U. S. Navy): 10/07/1945
Commissioned (Armada): 31/08/1972
Decommissioned: 30/09/1991
Fate: Scrapping

Méndez Núñez (former USS O'Hare) (1973-1992)

72457

Builder: Consolidated Steel Corp. (Orange, Tx)
Laid down: 27/01/1945
Launched: 22/06/1945
Commissioned (U. S. Navy): 29/11/1945
Commissioned (Armada): 31/10/1973
Decommissioned: 03/04/1992
Fate: Scrapping
Lángara (ex USS Leary) (1973-1992)

72456

Builder: Consolidated Steel Corp. (Orange, Tx)
Laid down: 11/08/1944
Launched: 20/01/1945
Commissioned (U. S. Navy): 07/05/1945
Commissioned (Armed): 31/10/1973
Decommissioned: 03/04/1992
Fate: Scrapping

History
In November 1975 Participate in the crisis of the Sahara.
Blas de Lezo (ex USS Noa) (1972-1991)

72453

Builder: Bath Iron Works Corp. (Bath, Me)
Laid down: 26/03/1945
Launched: 30/07/1945
Commissioned (U. S. Navy): 02/11/1945
Commissioned (Armed): 31/10/1973
Decommissioned: 30/09/1991
Fate: Scrapping

History
In November 1975 Participate in the crisis of the Sahara.

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Baleares Class (1967)

72909

In 1963, finally overcoming the country's crisis and started the industrial development, for the Armada was now time to retrieve a shipbuilding program. Following the pre-war policy of use British designs, were initiated contacts with the Royal Navy to build under license in Spain five frigates Leander type, but opposition from Labour Party, opposed at the dictatorship of General Franco, prevented success. The steps then moved to the U.S., and in 1964 agreed a convention to build in Spain five Knox type destroyers escort. The final design eliminated the deck helicopter operations to include a Tartar launcher, becoming classified as frigates escort guided missiles (FEG). These ships were the protagonists of the integration of the Armada in the organization of NATO since 1982.

Structure.
Displacement: 3015/4177 tons
Length: 133.59 m
Beam: 14.33 m
Draft: 4,73 m (7.01 to bow)

Armament.
1x127 mm/45 cal.
Two 12x20 mounts mm/120 Meroka antimissil lime.
2x12, 7 mm/99 cal.
Four containers-launchers for RGM-84 Harpoon missiles.
A Tartar launcher Mk 22 (Standard SM-1 (after SM-2 RIM-66C) MR).
Two double mounts MK32 Submarine Mk 46 torpedo.
Honeywell ASROC antisubmarine eightfold MK16 launcher for RUR-5 rockets with MK46 torpedoes.
Two Mk 25 torpedo tubes 484 mm, torpedo Mk 37.
Lures Super RBOC Mk 46.

Exploration Systems
Hughes Exploration Radar AN/SPS-52B air.
AN/SPS-10F surface.
Weapons control. Sistem Meroka, RAN 12L. Fire Director Standard missiles and 127 mm gun, Raytheon AN/SPG-51G. Fire Director 127 mm gun AN/SPG-53B Western Electric. AN/VPS-2 director Meroka FIRE System. AN/UPX-12 IFF, TACAN AN/SRN-15A.
INISEL Sonar Raytheon DE-1160-LF (SQS-56). Variable Depth Sonar System EDO AN/SQS-35

Electronic Warfare
Elsag Countermeasures Mk 1000, Deneb CESELSA ESM, ECM INISEL Canopus AN/SLQ-25 Nixie torpedo.

Propulsion.
One set of Westinghouse turbines, V2M powered by two boilers, one shaft, 35000 hp.

Speed
28 knots

Range
4000 miles (20 knots).


Were built five frigates of this class: Baleares, Andalucía, Cataluña, Asturias and Extremadura.

Baleares (1973-2005)

72912

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 31/10/1968
Launched: 20/08/1970
Commissioned: 24/09/1973
Decommissioned: 30/03/2005
Fate: Scrapping.

History
In November 1975 participate in the operations of the Sahara crisis.
Since 1992 involved in operations in the Adriatic Sea during the war in Yugoslavia (16-21/07/1992, 01/04-20/07/1993, 20/10/1994-20/01/1995, 05/02-05 / 05/1996). After the terrorist attacks of New York in 11/09/2001 participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Eastern Mediterranean (Active Endeavor) (14/01-21/04/2002).
Andalucía (1972-1991)

72910

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 02/07/1969
Launched: 30/03/1971
Commissioned: 23/05/1974
Decommissioned: 15/12/2005
Fate: Sunk as target in maneuvers

History
In November 1975 she participate in the operations of the Sahara crisis as the flagship of the Task Force of landing.
Since 1992 involved in operations in the Adriatic during the war in Yugoslavia (17/05-18/06/1992, 04/10/1992-12/01/1993, 20/06-19/10/1994, 05/11 / 1995-05/02/1996). After the terrorist attacks of 11/09/2001 participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Eastern Mediterranean (Active Endeavor) (31/08/2004).

Cataluña (1975-2004)

72913

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 20/08/1970
Launched: 03/11/1971
Commissioned: 16/01/1975
Decommissioned: 30/06/2004
Fate: Scrapping.

History
During the Kuwait crisis operated in the eastern Mediterranean (07/11/1990-11/12/1990). In 1992 she moved the olympic torch from Athens to Barcelona.
Since 1993 she involved in operations in the Adriatic during the war in Yugoslavia (12/01-01/04/1993, 05/03-20/06/1994, 09/05-05/08/1995).
Asturias (1975-2009)

72911

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 30/03/1971
Launched: 13/05/1972
Commissioned: 02/12/1975
Decommissioned: 30/06/2009
Fate: Moored in the port of La Graña, Ferrol. There is a popular movement to rescue her from the scrap and turn it into a floating museum of the Armada. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?v=wall&gid=152129718179

History
She represented Spain in the events of the Bicentennial of the Independence of the United States in July 1976.
In January 1980, moved from Rome to Cartagena the remains of HM King Alfonso XIII (RIP) to be buried in the Monastery of El Escorial.
21/05/1990 she was the first Spanish ship in a permanent naval force of NATO, the STANAVFORLANT. During the Kuwait crisis operated in the Red Sea and Persian Gulf in April and May 1991. Since 1993 involved in operations in the Adriatic Sea during the war in Yugoslavia (25/07-19/11/1993, 21/01-09/05/1995, 05/05-15/06/1996). She returned to the Adriatic during the Kosovo crisis in 1999 between April and June.
Extremadura (1973-1992)

72914

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 03/11/1971
Launched: 21/11/1972
Commissioned: 10/11/1976
Decommissioned: 15/09/2006
Fate: Scrapping.

History
Since 1992 involved in operations in the Adriatic Sea during the war in Yugoslavia (26/07-04/10/1992, 20/11/1993-09/02/1994, 06/08-05/11/1995).


.

[steve roberts]

Thank you again Asdrubal.It is a great pity that General Franco did not let your country build LEANDER Types.As you will have probably read on the forum,They were very good sea keeping ships,with a wide capability for re-armament + Various types of sonar fits.Several countries were very interested in buying this Class of ship....Many Regards Steve.

[colombamike]

Great topic guys !
Any HIGHER resolution picture's of spanish destroyers 1920-1960's ? :confused:

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Thank you again Asdrubal.It is a great pity that General Franco did not let your country build LEANDER Types.As you will have probably read on the forum,They were very good sea keeping ships,with a wide capability for re-armament + Various types of sonar fits.Several countries were very interested in buying this Class of ship....Many Regards Steve.

The Baleares were not bad either. The saddest thing is that the professional relationship between the Armada and the Royal Navy that existed from the early twentieth century disappeared, and today there is practically nothing (the Armada only looks to the U.S. Navy). In fact the Armada is not involved in European projects. Perhaps it also had to do with the escalation of confrontation over Gibraltar (1969). Sometimes we forget the words of Churchill: "Nations have no friends, only interests." It was said in the House of Commons:

Mr. Fell:
Is it not a little inconsistent of the Opposition to get so worried about the possible sale of a few frigates to what they call a Right-wing dictatorship when they themselves supplied three submarines and two frigates to the Right-wing dictatorship of Portugal when they were the Government and 16 Rolls-Royce Nene engines to the Left-wing dictatorship of Russia, which founded the jet age in Russia?
27/07/1964
http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1964/jul/27/leander-class-frigates

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Great topic guys !
Any HIGHER resolution picture's of spanish destroyers 1920-1960's ? :confused:

Hahaha, the pics...

There is pics, but they didn´t published. My father in law had got, for example, photos of the Cartagena Arsenal since 1957. And he bought from older originals. But do not let them see me. The spaniard brings together large collections, but then hides them.


It is the national character :(

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Perry Class (1977)

73503

Plans to build a new series of frigates were launched in 1973. Armada contacted the U.S. Navy, with the aim of creating a battle group consisting of one aircraft carrier and an anti-submarine frigate escort group. The design chosen was that of the Perry class frigates, for antisubmarine and antiaircraft versatility. With these ships the E.N. Bazan began working the method of preassembled blocks. The series was conducted in two phases, of four and two.

Structure.
Displacement: 3585/4035 tons
Length: 137.7 m
Beam: 14.3 m
Draft: 5.7 m (7.7 to bow)

Armament.
1x76 mm/62 cal.
Two 12x20 mounts mm/120 Meroka antimissil lime.
A launcher Mk 13 (RGM-84D Harpoon missiles and Standard SM-1 Block VI MR [RIM-66B]).
Two triple mounts MK32 Submarine Mk 46 torpedo.
Two helicopters SH-60B "Sea Hawk" with Texas Instruments AN/APS-124 radar, magnetic anomaly detector of AN/ASQ-81, Proteus acoustic signal processor AN/UYS-1 countermeasures AN/ALQ-142 and Mk 46 torpedoes .

Exploration Systems
Raytheon Radar AN/SPS-49 Exploration Air.
Raytheon Radar Surface Exploration AN/SPS-55.
Weapons control. Sistem Meroka, Radar Selenium RAN 12L / X
Guns and missiles control Lockheed SPG-60, Signaal WM-28, Lockheed AN/VPS-2.
Sonar Raytheon DE-1160-LF (SQS-56), Sonar TACTAS AN/SQR19, Variable Depth Sonar System EDO AN/SQS-56
TACAN LAMPS III. AN/SQQ-89

Electronic Warfare
Nettunel sistem.

Propulsion.
Two LM 2500 GE / FIAT turbines, one shaft, 41000 hp.

Speed
28 knots

Range
4500 miles (20 knots).


Have been built six frigates of this class: Santa María, Victoria , Numancia, Reina Sofía, Navarra and Canarias.


Santa María (1986)

73508

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 22/05/1982
Launched: 24/11/1984
Commissioned: 29/10/1986

History
During the Kuwait crisis operated in the Persian Gulf in September and November 1990. Since 1994 involved in operations in the Adriatic Sea during the war in Yugoslavia (04/02-04/06/1994, 05/04-05/08/1995, 05/05-15/06/1996). After the terrorist attacks in 11/09/2001 Participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Eastern Mediterranean (Active Endeavor) (06/10-07/12/2001). Since 2002 involved in operations in the Indian Ocean, in the Task Force 150, from March to June 2002.


Victoria (1987)

73509

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 16/08/1984
Launched: 23/07/1986
Commissioned: 29/10/1987

History
During the Kuwait crisis operated in the Persian Gulf in February 1991. Since 1992 involved in operations in the Adriatic Sea during the war in Yugoslavia (07/09-26/09/1992, 18/10/1993-04/02/1994, 20/09-14/12/1994 and 05/03 -19/06/1996). She returned to the Adriatic during the Kosovo crisis in 1999 between March and May. After the terrorist attacks in 11/09/2001 Participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Eastern Mediterranean (Active Endeavor) (October 2001). Since 2002 involved in operations in the Indian Ocean, in the Task Force 150, in summer-fall 2002. Between February and April 2009 participated in Operation Atalanta against piracy off Somalia

Numancia (1988)

73506

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 08/01/1986
Launched: 29/01/1987
Commissioned: 08/11/1988

History
During the Kuwait crisis operated in the Persian Gulf between November 1990 and February 1991. Since 1993 involved in operations in the Adriatic Sea during the war in Yugoslavia (27/08-06/10/1993, 04/06-20/09/1994 and 06/08-05/12/1995). She returned to the Adriatic during the Kosovo crisis in 1999 between February and March. After the terrorist attacks in 11/09/2001 Participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. Since 2002 involved in operations in the Indian Ocean, in the Task Force 150, in Spring 2002. In the summer 2002, 12-26/07/2002, she was involved in the Parsley Island Crisis (Romeo Sierra Operation). In March-July 2004 involved in Operation Endurance Freedom in the Indian Ocean. Between April and August 2009 participated in Operation Atalanta against piracy off the coast of Somalia.

Reina Sofía (1990)

73507

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 09/10/1987
Launched: 19/07/1989
Commissioned: 30/10/1990

History
Her previous name was America. It was changed before the laid down. During the Kuwait crisis in the Persian Gulf operated between April 1991 and June 1991. Since 1993 involved in operations in the Adriatic Sea during the war in Yugoslavia (18/06-27/08/1993, 14/12/1994-05/04/1995 and 15/06-19/06/1996). In Spring 2003 during the Iraq war she was involved in operations in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean.

Navarra (1994)

73505

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 15/04/1991
Launched: 23/10/1992
Commissioned: 30/05/1994

History
Since 1995 involved in operations in the Adriatic Sea during the war in Yugoslavia (10/12/1995-09/02/1996). She returned to the Adriatic during the Kosovo crisis in 1999 between May and June. After the terrorist attacks in 11/09/2001 Participated in Operation Enduring Freedom. In the summer 2002, 12-26/07/2002, she was involved in the Parsley Island Crisis (Romeo Sierra Operation). In Fall 2002 involved in Operation Endurance Freedom in the Indian Ocean. 09/12/2002 intercepted and boarded the North Korean merchant So San, carrying 15 Scud missiles, handed over to the U.S. Navy. Since November 2009 participes in Operation Atalanta against piracy off the coast of Somalia.

Canarias (1994)

73504

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 23/04/1992
Launched: 21/06/1993
Commissioned: 14/12/1994

History
After the terrorist attacks in 11/09/2001 Participated in Operation Enduring Freedom in the Eastern Mediterranean (Active Endeavor) (April 2002). In February 2003 involved in operations in the Indian Ocean. Between August and November 2009 participated in Operation Atalanta against piracy off the coast of Somalia.


.

[mik43]

Another set of brilliant pix Asdrubal, this is definitely the best source of things on the Armada. Keep up the good work

Mik

[Asdrúbal el Bello]

Álvaro de Bazan Class (1996)

73614

In the early nineties a number of countries, including Spain, initiated a program of designing a multipurpose frigate model, the NFR-90, which failed when U.S. and UK withdrew from it. Germany, the Netherlands and Spain sought to pursue a parallel TFC Program, about the APAR radar system. However, in 1995 the Armada received the offer of transfer of the Aegis combat system by the U.S. Navy, and in 1996 began the program F-100, featuring the novelty to bring a weapon system for large vessels (over 8,500 tons) in a frigate of 4,500 tons. After japanesse Kongo class frigates, Spanish frigates are the second not U.S. Navy to use the Aegis system. From F-100 have developed the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen Class and develop the Hobart Class of the Royal Australian Navy.

Structure.
Displacement: 4555/6256 tons
Length: 146.7 m
Beam: 18.6 m
Draft: 4.84 m

Armament.
1x127 mm/54 cal.
2x20 mm/120 cal.
One mount 12x20 mm/130 Meroka antimissil lime.
Two quadruple launchers for 8 x McDonnell Douglas RGM-84D Harpoon
One vertical launcher for Mk 41 VLS for 32 x Standard SM-2 MR Block IIIA and 64 x RIM-162 Envolved Sea Sparrow
Two double MK32 mod 9 mounts launchers for anti-submarine Mk 46 torpedoes.
One helicopter SH-60B "Sea Hawk" with Texas Instruments AN/APS-124 radar, LAMS III, AN / SQR 4, Hellfire or Penguin Mk 2 Mod. 7 missiles, Mk 46 torpedoes.

Exploration Systems
Lockheed Martin AN/SPY-1D multifunction 3D Radar
Surface Exploration SN/SPS-67 Raytheon Radar, Thales Scout AN/SPS-73.
Weapons control. Illuminator 2 x Raytheon SPG-62 Mk 99 mod 7
Sistem Meroka and gun. FABA DORNA RNT-30 Radar
Sonar Enosa-Raytheon DE-1160-LF (SQS-56).
AN/SQQ-28

Electronic Warfare
Elnathan 9500 Mk Regulus
Enhanced AN / SLQ 25A Nixie torpedo
ESM / ECM Indra SLQ Aldebaran 380 EW suite
FMC Super RBOC Mk 36 flare launchers.

Propulsion.
Two LM 2500 GE / FIAT turbines and two BAZAN-Cartepillar CAT 3600 diesel Bravo-12 gears, two shafts, 47,000 + 12,240 hp.

Speed
28.5 knots

Range
4500 miles (18 knots).


Have been built four frigates of this class: Álvaro de Bazán, Almirante Juan de Borbón, Blas de Lezo and Méndez Núñez.


Álvaro de Bazán (2002)

73617

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 14/06/1999
Launched: 27/10/2000
Commissioned: 19/09/2002

History
10/09/2005 she integrated in the Battle Group of the aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, which operates in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean during Operation Endurance Freedom between September 2005 and March 2006.
During 2007 she made a cruise around the planet, 142 years after the made by the armored frigate Numancia in 1865-1867.

Almirante Juan de Borbón (2003)

73615

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 27/10/2000
Launched: 28/02/2002
Commissioned: 03/12/2003

History
Her previous name was Roger de Lauria.


Blas de Lezo (2004)

73616

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 28/02/2002
Launched: 16/05/2003
Commissioned: 16/12/2004

History
09/02/2007 integrated the Battle Group of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, with whom she operated in the Indian Ocean in Operation Endurance Freedom from February to April 2007.
In April-June, 2009 participated in Operation Allied Protector against piracy in the Gulf of Aden

Mendez Nunez (2006)

73618

Builder: Empresa Nacional Bazan (Ferrol)
Laid down: 16/05/2003
Launched: 12/11/2004
Commissioned: 21/03/2006

History.
In March 2008 she integrated the Battle Group of the aircraft carrier Illustrious, which operated in the Red Sea during Operation Endurance Freedom between March and April 2008.


.

[culverin]

Ref # 24.
I believe ARIETE when translated to English means BATTERING RAM.
A most appropriate end to this destroyer then.

[ludsie]

Great thread and great pictures Australia is about to build 3 x Alvaro de bazan class frigates thanks for sharing great to see what they're going to be like

Ludsie

[dorupantos]

Back in time ! The spanish sisters of Romanian Royal Navy destroyers MARASTI & MARASESTI (ex-italian NIBBIO & SPARVIERO) "Destructores" CEUTA & MELILLA (ex-italian AQUILA & FALCO) ! Dictator FRANCO onboard of CEUTA .