Operators Regia Marina Succeeded by Impetuoso class Planned 20 | Preceded by Soldati class Built 1942–1943 | |
Name Comandanti Medaglie d'Oro class | ||
The Comandanti Medaglie d'Oro class were a group of destroyers planned for the Italian Navy during World War II. Twenty ships were ordered but none were launched by the time of the Italian Armistice.
Contents
Design
The ships were to be significantly larger than the previous Italian destroyers, such as the Soldati class. The armament was increased to four single 135 mm guns (similar to those used in the Capitani Romani-class cruisers) in dual purpose mountings. Twelve 37 mm guns comprised the light AA armament and two fire control directors were to be fitted (with Gufo radar).
Ships
The ships were named after recipients of the Gold Medal of Military Valor. A total of 20 ships were ordered in 1941 from four shipyards; six from OTO Livorno, eight from CRDA Trieste, two from CNR Ancona and four from CT Riva Trigoso. Only nine ships were laid down and the hulls were broken up by the Germans or destroyed by Allied bombing.