First ocean going destroyers built by Atlantis, the Lion class were the result of close examination (who said 'spying') of the destroyers being built by other navies. The armament was three of the standard 75mm guns with two 47mm cannons. These ships showed that the 75mm gun needed to be replaced with a larger calibre gun for anti-torpedo boat work. The main advance for these ships was the introduction of the 21" torpedo, replacing the 18". This was part of the 'Vermuyden' revolution where he had designed new motive power plant that allowed for larger torpedoes carrying larger warheads.
The four ships were refitted in 1913 with 3x90mm replacing the 75mm. Convoy escort duties were there lot during WW1. From Atlantis to Gibraltar and Gibraltar to Britain.
All four ships were discarded and scrapped at wars end.
Displacement: 1,100 tons normal, 1,380 tons full load.
Dimensions: 296 x 30 x 9 feet
Machinery: 2 shaft, steam turbines, 25,000shp
Speed: 32 knots
Endurance: 3,000 miles at 12 knots
Armour: Nil
Armament:
3 x 75/90mm (3x1)
2 x 47mm (2x1)
4 x 21" Torpedoes (2x2)
Crew: 100