These were the pinnacle of Argentinian cruiser design, and compared more than favourably with their British competitors (Southampton and Edinburgh classes).
ARA Neuquen (CL-1939)
The Neuquen class ended up being very popular. The Argentinians built two for
themselves and exported the design to Germany who built four for themselves and
another two for Spain.
These were the pinnacle of Argentinian cruiser design, and compared more than
favourably with their British competitors (Southampton and Edinburgh classes).
This is the last cruiser class built for the Argentine Navy. It is not until 1941-42 that more ships are allowed to be laid down at Bahia Blanca, and these new vessels would fight on the Allies side.
| Displacement | 11,200 tons std, 14,200 tons full load |
| Length | 615 ft |
| Breadth | 64 ft |
| Draught | 26.5 ft |
| Machinery | 4 shaft Steam Turbines 80,000shp |
| Speed | 32 knots |
| Range | 7400 miles at 15 knots |
| Armour | 3.9" side, 2.5" deck, 3.4" turrets |
| Armament | 12 x 5.9" (4x3) 16 x 88mm (8x2) 14 x 37mm (7x2) 24 x 20mm (3x4 12x1) |
| Aircraft | 1 |
| Torpedoes | 8 x 21" (2x4) |
| Complement | 760 |
| Notes | ARA Neuquen ARA Parana |
This was a close drawing to what I think it should be, but their is too much,
bridge, AA directors, and the aircraft handling is very tight. A bit bigger
cruiser would be better with same fittings.