Congo Free State - Coastal Defence Ship Design Competition, 1900/01

[snip]

ok, that settles it. Im doing a motar barge.

[Walter]

Go for it!  ;D

[snip]

The Pitch:
In response to the Belgium inquiry to riverian warships for use on the Congo's rivers, Vickers proposes the following design in conjunction to those proposed by our friends at Armstrong (as seen here and here). We at Vickers feel the design we present in conjunction with the first design presented by our colleagues at Armstrong would from a vial and strong core to the Congo Free State's naval service. Given the focus of Armstrong's designs on more conventional rolls with engaging targets on land filled in all but "by default" our design focusses much more on the latter aspect. While still mounting a single 10" gun for deterring all but the most foolhardy cruiser capitan, most of this ships weapons are mortars and other weapons designed for engaging unarmored targets. The mainstay of such guns are two massive 10" mortars mounted on the aft sides of the ship. They are both capable of almost 360 degree fire and provide more firepower then should ever be needed against anything other then hardened fortifications. These are augmented by a battery of the latest 4" QF guns, 6lb guns, and some 2" mortars for more rapid firepower. The ship is also equipped with a ram for use against a variety of targets. All of the heavy guns are shielded by enough armor to keep out all but the largest field guns. The QF guns are completely incased in armor, and the 10" gun and mortars are in open barbettes to allow for maximum fields of fire. The ships are capable of more then 14.5 knts and do so with the latest SRE technology to ensure that repairs are easy to carry out away from a port. There is also a reseve set aside for use as the buyer sees fit. The same offers that Armstrong presented with regards to the subsidization of weapon development and construction cost applies to this design as well.

The Design:

Bombard, Vickers Export Riverine Motar Battleship laid down 1901 (Engine 1900)
Barbette ship

Displacement:
   3,860 t light; 4,006 t standard; 4,505 t normal; 4,904 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (305.00 ft / 300.00 ft) x 75.00 ft x (10.00 / 10.77 ft)
   (92.96 m / 91.44 m) x 22.86 m  x (3.05 / 3.28 m)

Armament:
      1 - 10.00" / 254 mm 32.0 cal gun - 500.00lbs / 226.80kg shells, 60 per gun
     Breech loading gun in open barbette mount, 1895 Model
     1 x Single mount on centreline, forward deck forward
      2 - 10.00" / 254 mm 10.0 cal guns - 450.00lbs / 204.12kg shells, 40 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in open barbette mounts, 1901 Model
     2 x Single mounts on sides, aft deck centre
      4 - 4.00" / 102 mm 50.0 cal guns - 30.00lbs / 13.61kg shells, 200 per gun
     Quick firing guns in casemate mounts, 1900 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, forward evenly spread
      4 hull mounts in casemates- Limited use in any sea
      6 - 2.00" / 50.8 mm 15.0 cal guns - 4.00lbs / 1.81kg shells, 150 per gun
     Muzzle loading guns in deck mounts, 1901 Model
     6 x Single mounts on sides, forward evenly spread
      8 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 6.00lbs / 2.72kg shells, 150 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1900 Model
     6 x Single mounts on sides, forward evenly spread
      6 raised mounts
     1 x Twin mount on centreline, aft deck aft
      Weight of broadside 1,592 lbs / 722 kg

Armour:
   - Belts:      Width (max)   Length (avg)      Height (avg)
   Main:   6.00" / 152 mm   195.00 ft / 59.44 m   3.00 ft / 0.91 m
   Ends:   3.00" / 76 mm   104.98 ft / 32.00 m   6.00 ft / 1.83 m
   Upper:   6.00" / 152 mm   195.00 ft / 59.44 m   9.00 ft / 2.74 m
     Main Belt covers 100 % of normal length

   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:         -            -         5.00" / 127 mm
   2nd:         -            -         5.00" / 127 mm
   3rd:   6.00" / 152 mm   1.00" / 25 mm            -

   - Protected deck - single deck:
   For and Aft decks: 1.00" / 25 mm
   Forecastle: 1.00" / 25 mm  Quarter deck: 1.00" / 25 mm

   - Conning towers: Forward 5.00" / 127 mm, Aft 5.00" / 127 mm

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, simple reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 4,000 ihp / 2,984 Kw = 14.62 kts
   Range 5,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 898 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   274 - 357

Cost:
   £0.279 million / $1.115 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 177 tons, 3.9 %
      - Guns: 177 tons, 3.9 %
   Armour: 1,333 tons, 29.6 %
      - Belts: 752 tons, 16.7 %
      - Armament: 186 tons, 4.1 %
      - Armour Deck: 337 tons, 7.5 %
      - Conning Towers: 59 tons, 1.3 %
   Machinery: 708 tons, 15.7 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 1,532 tons, 34.0 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 645 tons, 14.3 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 110 tons, 2.4 %
      - On freeboard deck: 110 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     11,687 lbs / 5,301 Kg = 23.4 x 10.0 " / 254 mm shells or 2.7 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 2.22
   Metacentric height 11.2 ft / 3.4 m
   Roll period: 9.4 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 60 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.04
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 1.20

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a ram bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.701 / 0.708
   Length to Beam Ratio: 4.00 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 17.32 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 44 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): -20.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: -6.00 ft / -1.83 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m
      - Average freeboard:      10.00 ft / 3.05 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 61.6 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 125.4 %
   Waterplane Area: 18,044 Square feet or 1,676 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 137 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 83 lbs/sq ft or 403 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.98
      - Longitudinal: 1.29
      - Overall: 1.00
   Excellent machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Excellent accommodation and workspace room
   Good seaboat, rides out heavy weather easily

[snip]

The Pitch:
As further response to the inquiry regarding a heavy unit for the Congo, Armstrong also submits the following as part of a two-part offering. The design features a unique AAY arrangement of the 9.2" guns for maximum forward firepower in situations where the ship cannot bring its full broadside to bear. In addition, the design features a single 12" gun per side for firepower to deter all but the finest battleships and bravest cruisers. The design features similar speed and armor to others that have been offered and also features substantial reserves that can be customized as desired by the buyer. The design features a low quarterdeck for easy handling of small river craft from the stern.

The Design:

Anvil, Armstrong Riverine Battleship laid down 1900

Displacement:
   6,026 t light; 6,392 t standard; 7,000 t normal; 7,487 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (305.00 ft / 300.00 ft) x 75.00 ft x (15.00 / 15.92 ft)
   (92.96 m / 91.44 m) x 22.86 m  x (4.57 / 4.85 m)

Armament:
      6 - 9.20" / 234 mm 45.0 cal guns - 380.00lbs / 172.37kg shells, 100 per gun
     Breech loading guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1900 Model
     2 x Twin mounts on sides, forward deck centre
     1 x Twin mount on centreline, aft deck aft
      2 - 12.00" / 305 mm 35.0 cal guns - 850.00lbs / 385.55kg shells, 70 per gun
     Breech loading guns in casemate mounts, 1895 Model
     2 x Single mounts on sides, aft deck forward
      6 - 4.00" / 102 mm 50.0 cal guns - 30.00lbs / 13.61kg shells, 250 per gun
     Quick firing guns in casemate mounts, 1900 Model
     6 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      6 hull mounts in casemates- Limited use in all but light seas
      6 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 6.00lbs / 2.72kg shells, 400 per gun
     Breech loading guns in deck mounts, 1900 Model
     2 x Twin mounts on sides, forward deck centre
      2 raised mounts
     1 x Twin mount on centreline, aft deck aft
      1 raised mount
      Weight of broadside 4,196 lbs / 1,903 kg

Armour:
   - Belts:      Width (max)   Length (avg)      Height (avg)
   Main:   7.00" / 178 mm   195.00 ft / 59.44 m   7.00 ft / 2.13 m
   Ends:   4.00" / 102 mm   104.98 ft / 32.00 m   7.00 ft / 2.13 m
   Upper:   4.00" / 102 mm   195.00 ft / 59.44 m   9.00 ft / 2.74 m
     Main Belt covers 100 % of normal length

   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   7.00" / 178 mm   3.00" / 76 mm      5.00" / 127 mm
   2nd:   4.00" / 102 mm   2.00" / 51 mm      5.00" / 127 mm
   3rd:   4.00" / 102 mm   2.00" / 51 mm      4.00" / 102 mm

   - Protected deck - single deck:
   For and Aft decks: 2.00" / 51 mm
   Forecastle: 1.00" / 25 mm  Quarter deck: 1.00" / 25 mm

   - Conning towers: Forward 8.00" / 203 mm, Aft 5.00" / 127 mm

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, simple reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 4,000 ihp / 2,984 Kw = 13.81 kts
   Range 5,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 1,095 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   382 - 497

Cost:
   £0.602 million / $2.408 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 720 tons, 10.3 %
      - Guns: 720 tons, 10.3 %
   Armour: 2,025 tons, 28.9 %
      - Belts: 917 tons, 13.1 %
      - Armament: 382 tons, 5.5 %
      - Armour Deck: 623 tons, 8.9 %
      - Conning Towers: 102 tons, 1.5 %
   Machinery: 708 tons, 10.1 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 2,073 tons, 29.6 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 974 tons, 13.9 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 500 tons, 7.1 %
      - On freeboard deck: 500 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     12,150 lbs / 5,511 Kg = 31.2 x 9.2 " / 234 mm shells or 2.3 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.71
   Metacentric height 7.8 ft / 2.4 m
   Roll period: 11.2 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 69 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.22
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 1.38

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has low quarterdeck ,
     a ram bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.726 / 0.731
   Length to Beam Ratio: 4.00 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 17.32 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 45 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: -5.00 ft / -1.52 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m,  12.00 ft / 3.66 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  3.00 ft / 0.91 m,  3.00 ft / 0.91 m
      - Average freeboard:      10.65 ft / 3.25 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 71.7 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 110.4 %
   Waterplane Area: 18,453 Square feet or 1,714 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 104 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 112 lbs/sq ft or 548 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.93
      - Longitudinal: 1.89
      - Overall: 1.00
   Excellent machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Adequate accommodation and workspace room
   Good seaboat, rides out heavy weather easily

[snip]

The Pitch:
The second half of the two-part offering, this design's goal is to provide a fast counterpart to the heavy unit capable of harassing a larger ship with crew suppression fire or for use in other soft target reduction roles. The design is fast, and can be equipped with torpedo to provide more anti-battleship punch if desired. Both designs can be sold as independent works, but it is viewed that in combination that maximum effect will be acheaved.

Hammer, Armstrong Riverine Rapid Combat Craft laid down 1900

Displacement:
   415 t light; 448 t standard; 495 t normal; 533 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (175.00 ft / 175.00 ft) x 18.00 ft x (10.00 / 10.62 ft)
   (53.34 m / 53.34 m) x 5.49 m  x (3.05 / 3.24 m)

Armament:
      2 - 4.70" / 119 mm 40.0 cal guns - 50.00lbs / 22.68kg shells, 150 per gun
     Breech loading guns in deck mounts, 1895 Model
     2 x Single mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
      8 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 6.00lbs / 2.72kg shells, 400 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1900 Model
     8 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      4 - 1.85" / 47.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 3.00lbs / 1.36kg shells, 600 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1895 Model
     4 x Single mounts on centreline, evenly spread
      4 raised mounts
      Weight of broadside 160 lbs / 73 kg

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   1.00" / 25 mm         -               -
   2nd:   0.50" / 13 mm         -               -
   3rd:   0.50" / 13 mm         -               -

   - Protected deck - single deck:
   For and Aft decks: 1.00" / 25 mm
   Forecastle: 0.50" / 13 mm  Quarter deck: 0.50" / 13 mm

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 1 shaft, 3,650 ihp / 2,723 Kw = 20.33 kts
   Range 1,998nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 85 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   52 - 68

Cost:
   £0.057 million / $0.226 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 26 tons, 5.2 %
      - Guns: 26 tons, 5.2 %
   Armour: 54 tons, 11.0 %
      - Armament: 18 tons, 3.7 %
      - Armour Deck: 36 tons, 7.3 %
   Machinery: 247 tons, 49.9 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 73 tons, 14.7 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 80 tons, 16.1 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 15 tons, 3.0 %
      - On freeboard deck: 15 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     100 lbs / 45 Kg = 1.9 x 4.7 " / 119 mm shells or 0.1 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.27
   Metacentric height 0.6 ft / 0.2 m
   Roll period: 9.8 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 53 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.81
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 1.06

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.550 / 0.557
   Length to Beam Ratio: 9.72 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 13.23 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 65 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  8.00 ft / 2.44 m,  8.00 ft / 2.44 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  8.00 ft / 2.44 m,  8.00 ft / 2.44 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  8.00 ft / 2.44 m,  8.00 ft / 2.44 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  8.00 ft / 2.44 m,  8.00 ft / 2.44 m
      - Average freeboard:      8.00 ft / 2.44 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 178.5 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 62.5 %
   Waterplane Area: 2,132 Square feet or 198 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 39 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 19 lbs/sq ft or 93 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.50
      - Longitudinal: 2.09
      - Overall: 0.58
   Caution: Hull subject to strain in open-sea
   Cramped machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Cramped accommodation and workspace room

[Walter]

Inspired by Snip's "light companion design" text bit...
I guess that this one will have no problems on your rivers. It is also cheap and can be built in 6 months. Armor? What's that? ;D

Gun Boat, Kongo Gun Boat laid down 1901 (Engine 1900)

Displacement:
   415 t light; 500 t standard; 536 t normal; 565 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (140.00 ft / 140.00 ft) x 40.00 ft x (5.00 / 5.23 ft)
   (42.67 m / 42.67 m) x 12.19 m  x (1.52 / 1.59 m)

Armament:
      1 - 14.00" / 356 mm 35.0 cal gun - 1,286.46lbs / 583.53kg shells, 80 per gun
     Breech loading gun in deck mount, 1901 Model
     1 x Single mount on centreline, forward deck centre
      4 - 4.00" / 102 mm 45.0 cal guns - 32.27lbs / 14.64kg shells, 150 per gun
     Breech loading guns in deck mounts, 1901 Model
     4 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      6 - 2.24" / 57.0 mm 45.0 cal guns - 5.70lbs / 2.58kg shells, 350 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1901 Model
     6 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      Weight of broadside 1,450 lbs / 658 kg

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   2.00" / 51 mm         -               -

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 54 ihp / 40 Kw = 6.00 kts
   Range 4,000nm at 6.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 64 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   55 - 72

Cost:
   £0.070 million / $0.282 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 142 tons, 26.4 %
      - Guns: 142 tons, 26.4 %
   Armour: 12 tons, 2.2 %
      - Armament: 12 tons, 2.2 %
   Machinery: 8 tons, 1.5 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 253 tons, 47.3 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 121 tons, 22.6 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 0 tons, 0.0 %

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     763 lbs / 346 Kg = 0.6 x 14.0 " / 356 mm shells or 0.5 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 2.08
   Metacentric height 4.0 ft / 1.2 m
   Roll period: 8.4 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.24
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 1.02

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.670 / 0.675
   Length to Beam Ratio: 3.50 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 11.83 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 20 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 68
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   20.00 %,  5.00 ft / 1.52 m,  5.00 ft / 1.52 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  5.00 ft / 1.52 m,  5.00 ft / 1.52 m
      - Aft deck:   35.00 %,  5.00 ft / 1.52 m,  5.00 ft / 1.52 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  5.00 ft / 1.52 m,  5.00 ft / 1.52 m
      - Average freeboard:      5.00 ft / 1.52 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 104.6 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 75.7 %
   Waterplane Area: 4,369 Square feet or 406 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 97 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 69 lbs/sq ft or 337 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.91
      - Longitudinal: 2.38
      - Overall: 1.00
   Adequate machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Cramped accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform

[Delta Force]

Lengthened Onega class cruisers for scouting, river patrols, and commerce protection. If you want an offensive minelayer or rapid transport I can draw up a version designed for that, these two ships are just meant to show what is possible with the Onega when used as a combat ship.

Improved Onega Class Scout, Russia Export Minelaying Cruiser laid down 1900

Displacement:
   2,750 t light; 2,866 t standard; 3,301 t normal; 3,649 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (378.00 ft / 378.00 ft) x 50.00 ft x (12.00 / 12.96 ft)
   (115.21 m / 115.21 m) x 15.24 m  x (3.66 / 3.95 m)

Armament:
      10 - 4.72" / 120 mm 45.0 cal guns - 50.00lbs / 22.68kg shells, 180 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1900 Model
     2 x Single mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
     8 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      Weight of broadside 500 lbs / 227 kg

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   2nd:   1.00" / 25 mm         -               -

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 10,632 ihp / 7,931 Kw = 21.35 kts
   Range 6,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 783 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   217 - 283

Cost:
   £0.347 million / $1.388 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 93 tons, 2.8 %
      - Guns: 93 tons, 2.8 %
   Armour: 25 tons, 0.8 %
      - Armament: 25 tons, 0.8 %
   Machinery: 1,611 tons, 48.8 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 996 tons, 30.2 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 551 tons, 16.7 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 25 tons, 0.8 %
      - Above deck: 25 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     1,830 lbs / 830 Kg = 7.2 x 6 " / 152 mm shells or 0.5 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 2.02
   Metacentric height 5.4 ft / 1.6 m
   Roll period: 9.0 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 76 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.05
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 1.30

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.509 / 0.521
   Length to Beam Ratio: 7.56 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 19.44 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 49 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 58
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): -10.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   30.00 %,  13.00 ft / 3.96 m,  11.50 ft / 3.51 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  11.50 ft / 3.51 m,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m
      - Aft deck:   25.00 %,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m
      - Average freeboard:      10.86 ft / 3.31 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 165.7 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 116.0 %
   Waterplane Area: 12,701 Square feet or 1,180 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 91 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 62 lbs/sq ft or 303 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 1.00
      - Longitudinal: 1.00
      - Overall: 1.00
   Cramped machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Adequate accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Good seaboat, rides out heavy weather easily

Miscellaneous weight:
25 tons above deck reserve weight.

Improved Onega Class 8 Inch Guns, Russia Export Minelaying Cruiser laid down 1900

Displacement:
   2,750 t light; 2,872 t standard; 3,308 t normal; 3,657 t full load

Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
   (378.00 ft / 378.00 ft) x 50.00 ft x (12.00 / 12.96 ft)
   (115.21 m / 115.21 m) x 15.24 m  x (3.66 / 3.95 m)

Armament:
      2 - 8.00" / 203 mm 45.0 cal guns - 250.00lbs / 113.40kg shells, 60 per gun
     Breech loading guns in deck and hoist mounts, 1900 Model
     2 x Single mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
      8 - 4.72" / 120 mm 45.0 cal guns - 50.00lbs / 22.68kg shells, 180 per gun
     Quick firing guns in deck mounts, 1900 Model
     8 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
      Weight of broadside 900 lbs / 408 kg

Armour:
   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   3.00" / 76 mm   1.00" / 25 mm      1.00" / 25 mm
   2nd:   1.00" / 25 mm         -               -

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 2 shafts, 9,000 ihp / 6,714 Kw = 20.44 kts
   Range 6,000nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 784 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   217 - 283

Cost:
   £0.357 million / $1.430 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 209 tons, 6.3 %
      - Guns: 209 tons, 6.3 %
   Armour: 44 tons, 1.3 %
      - Armament: 44 tons, 1.3 %
   Machinery: 1,375 tons, 41.6 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 1,097 tons, 33.2 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 558 tons, 16.9 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 25 tons, 0.8 %
      - Above deck: 25 tons

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     1,980 lbs / 898 Kg = 7.7 x 8.0 " / 203 mm shells or 0.6 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.73
   Metacentric height 4.4 ft / 1.3 m
   Roll period: 10.1 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 75 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.18
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 1.32

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck,
     a normal bow and a cruiser stern
   Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0.511 / 0.523
   Length to Beam Ratio: 7.56 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 19.44 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 46 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 57
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): -10.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
            Fore end,    Aft end
      - Forecastle:   30.00 %,  13.00 ft / 3.96 m,  11.50 ft / 3.51 m
      - Forward deck:   30.00 %,  11.50 ft / 3.51 m,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m
      - Aft deck:   25.00 %,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m
      - Quarter deck:   15.00 %,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m,  10.00 ft / 3.05 m
      - Average freeboard:      10.86 ft / 3.31 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 153.4 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 116.2 %
   Waterplane Area: 12,714 Square feet or 1,181 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 94 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 72 lbs/sq ft or 350 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.99
      - Longitudinal: 1.07
      - Overall: 1.00
   Cramped machinery, storage, compartmentation space
   Adequate accommodation and workspace room
   Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
   Good seaboat, rides out heavy weather easily

Miscellaneous weight:
25 tons above deck reserve weight.

[Nobody]

I wouldn't call an unarmored ship "cruiser". How about fast gunboat?

[Walter]

Instead of a protected cruiser, it is an unprotected cruiser. :)

[KWorld]

Instead of a protected cruiser, it is an unprotected cruiser. :)

Which certainly existed.  The OTL USS Columbia, for example, was an unprotected cruiser, designed as a commerce raider.

[Desertfox]

Want weird, unique, useful? How about double ended! Two props fow, two props aft, better maneuverability in the confines of the river. Max speed is 10kts simmed as 13 due to inefficiencies in the arrangement.



Wrath of Khan, Kongo Riverine Bad@$$ laid down 1900

Displacement:
   3,479 t light; 3,739 t standard; 3,878 t normal; 3,989 t full load

Dimensions: Length overall / water x beam x draught
   300.00 ft / 300.00 ft x 60.00 ft x 11.60 ft (normal load)
   91.44 m / 91.44 m x 18.29 m  x 3.54 m

Armament:
      2 - 11.02" / 280 mm guns (1x2 guns), 669.14lbs / 303.52kg shells, 1900 Model
     Breech loading guns in a turret (on a barbette)
     on centreline amidships
      4 - 6.69" / 170 mm guns (2x2 guns), 149.90lbs / 68.00kg shells, 1900 Model
     Breech loading guns in turrets (on barbettes)
     on centreline ends, evenly spread
      4 - 6.69" / 170 mm guns in single mounts, 149.90lbs / 68.00kg shells, 1900 Model
     Breech loading guns in casemate mounts
     on centreline ends, evenly spread
      8 - 6.69" / 170 mm guns in single mounts, 149.90lbs / 68.00kg shells, 1900 Model
     Breech loading guns in casemate mounts
     on side, evenly spread
      4 - 0.50" / 12.7 mm guns in single mounts, 0.06lbs / 0.03kg shells, 1900 Model
     Machine guns in deck mounts
     on side, evenly spread, all raised mounts
   Weight of broadside 3,737 lbs / 1,695 kg
   Shells per gun, main battery: 80

Armour:
   - Belts:      Width (max)   Length (avg)      Height (avg)
   Main:   6.70" / 170 mm   230.00 ft / 70.10 m   6.00 ft / 1.83 m
   Ends:   3.10" / 79 mm     70.00 ft / 21.34 m   6.00 ft / 1.83 m
     Main Belt covers 118 % of normal length

   - Gun armour:   Face (max)   Other gunhouse (avg)   Barbette/hoist (max)
   Main:   6.70" / 170 mm   3.10" / 79 mm      3.10" / 79 mm
   2nd:   3.10" / 79 mm   1.10" / 28 mm      1.10" / 28 mm
   3rd:   3.10" / 79 mm         -               -
   4th:   3.10" / 79 mm         -               -

   - Armour deck: 0.60" / 15 mm

Machinery:
   Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
   Direct drive, 4 shafts, 2,147 ihp / 1,602 Kw = 13.00 kts
   Range 1,500nm at 10.00 kts
   Bunker at max displacement = 250 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
   245 - 319

Cost:
   £0.558 million / $2.232 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
   Armament: 467 tons, 12.0 %
   Armour: 896 tons, 23.1 %
      - Belts: 447 tons, 11.5 %
      - Torpedo bulkhead: 0 tons, 0.0 %
      - Armament: 295 tons, 7.6 %
      - Armour Deck: 153 tons, 3.9 %
      - Conning Tower: 0 tons, 0.0 %
   Machinery: 313 tons, 8.1 %
   Hull, fittings & equipment: 1,804 tons, 46.5 %
   Fuel, ammunition & stores: 398 tons, 10.3 %
   Miscellaneous weights: 0 tons, 0.0 %

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
   Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
     3,340 lbs / 1,515 Kg = 5.0 x 11.0 " / 280 mm shells or 1.0 torpedoes
   Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.54
   Metacentric height 4.8 ft / 1.5 m
   Roll period: 11.5 seconds
   Steadiness   - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 51 %
         - Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.28
   Seaboat quality  (Average = 1.00): 1.00

Hull form characteristics:
   Hull has a flush deck
   Block coefficient: 0.650
   Length to Beam Ratio: 5.00 : 1
   'Natural speed' for length: 17.32 kts
   Power going to wave formation at top speed: 37 %
   Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 51
   Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 0.00 degrees
   Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
   Freeboard (% = measuring location as a percentage of overall length):
      - Stem:      11.00 ft / 3.35 m
      - Forecastle (25 %):   9.00 ft / 2.74 m
      - Mid (50 %):      8.00 ft / 2.44 m
      - Quarterdeck (15 %):   8.00 ft / 2.44 m
      - Stern:      8.00 ft / 2.44 m
      - Average freeboard:   8.58 ft / 2.61 m
   Ship tends to be wet forward

Ship space, strength and comments:
   Space   - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 114.9 %
      - Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 88.0 %
   Waterplane Area: 13,789 Square feet or 1,281 Square metres
   Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 73 %
   Structure weight / hull surface area: 111 lbs/sq ft or 540 Kg/sq metre
   Hull strength (Relative):
      - Cross-sectional: 0.96
      - Longitudinal: 1.37
      - Overall: 1.00
   Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is cramped
   Room for accommodation and workspaces is cramped

[Jefgte]

Cool concept, useful in a river.
So, increase range could be useful for coastal operations & ...perhaps for cruiser raider.

Jef

[Desertfox]

Rocky, any feedback on all the designs? Any you like so far?

[snip]

Rocky, any feedback on all the designs? Any you like so far?

Yes, that would be nice information

Edit: I posted the other two designs I did not get to before leaving.

[The Rock Doctor]

Holidays have generated some slow-down.  I'll provide feedback soon...