El Plata-class monitor

The El Plata class consisted of a pair of monitors built in Britain in the 1870s for the Argentine Navy. They served as coastal defence ships.[1]

Watercolor of El Plata
Class overview
NameEl Plata class
BuildersThames Iron Works, Blackwall, London
Operators Argentine Navy
Preceded byNone
Succeeded byNone
Built1874–1876
In service1875–1927
Completed2
Scrapped2
General characteristics (as built)
TypeMonitor
Displacement1,535–1,677 long tons (1,560–1,704 t)
Length180 ft (54.9 m) (p/p)
Beam44 ft (13.4 m)
Draft9 ft 1 in (2.8 m)
Installed power750 ihp (560 kW)
Propulsion2 shafts, 2 compound steam engines
Speed9 knots (17 km/h; 10 mph)
Range1,400 nmi (2,600 km; 1,600 mi)
Complement120
Armament
Armor
  • Belt: 4.5–6 in (114–152 mm)
  • Deck: 1 in (25 mm)
  • Gun turret: 8–10 in (203–254 mm)

Description

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The El Plata-class monitors were 186 feet (56.7 m) long overall, with a beam of 44 feet (13.4 m) and a draft of 9.5–10.5 feet (2.9–3.2 m). They displaced 1,535–1,677 long tons (1,560–1,704 t), and their crew numbered 120 officers and enlisted men.[2]

The ships had two compound steam engines, each driving one propeller shaft, rated at a total power of 750 indicated horsepower (560 kW). This gave them a maximum speed of 9–9.5 knots (16.7–17.6 km/h; 10.4–10.9 mph). They carried 120 long tons (122 t) of coal which gave them a range of approximately 1,400 nautical miles (2,600 km; 1,600 mi).[2]

Ships in class

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See also

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References

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Notes

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  1. ^ Particulars of the War Ships of the World: (Extracted from Lloyd's Register Book, 1892-93). 10th rev. issue. Lloyd's Register of Shipping. 1892. p. 87.
  2. ^ a b Chesneau & Kolesnik, p. 401; Ironclads Vasco da Gama and Andes, p. 108; Silverstone, p. 11

Bibliography

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  • Gardiner, Robert, ed. (1979). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1860–1905. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-133-5.
  • Gardiner, Robert; Gray, Randal, eds. (1985). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0-87021-907-3.
  • "Ironclads Vasco da Gama and Andes". Warship International. X (1). Toledo, Ohio: Naval Records Club: 106–08. 1973.
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