Name Generali class Preceded by Rosolino Pilo class Planned 5 | Builders Cantieri Odero Succeeded by Curatone class | |
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Operators Regia Marina
Kriegsmarine | ||
The Generali-class destroyer was a class of Italian destroyers, built as a development of the Rosolino Pilo-class destroyer. They were the last ships of the Regia Marina (Italian Navy), fitted with three stacks. In 1929, being obsolete, units were reclassified as torpedo-boats, and in this role served during Second World War.
Contents
Origins
The class was built between 1921 and 1924, ordered from Cantieri Odero, Sestri Ponente. The ships were able to reach 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) of top speed, an improvement respect the previous class Rosolino Pilo. Their displacement was 832 tons (normal) and 890 tons (full load). Their armament initially was composed of three 102-millimetre (4 in)/45 calibre guns (an Italian version of the QF 4 inch Mk V) and two 76 mm (3 in)/30 calibre guns, and four 450 mm (18 in) torpedo launchers. In 1936 ships were enabled with minesweeping equipment, and the 76 mm guns were replaced by twin cannons Breda Model 35.
Units
The class was known also by name of his first unit, Generale Antonio Cantore. All other ships were dedicated to Italian generals. None of them survived the war.