CUS McLean (DDL-1938+)
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The advent of the large German, French and Italian destroyers started a trend where no navy wanted to be left behind or be so outclassed. Everybody built a large destroyer, most classing them as Destroyer Leaders to give them a purpose other than just being big. The CUA Navy was no different and its McLean class was a good blend of attack and defensive weapons with a decent torpedo armament for use on larger targets.
Even with the advent of WW2 the class was kept in production to act as leaders to the smaller 5/6 gun destroyers. The eight 4.5" guns gave a large volume of fire, which when coupled with the advances made in RADAR made these ships formidable opponents.
Displacement | 2,600 tons std 3,300 tons full load |
Length | 384 ft |
Breadth | 39 ft |
Draught | 13 ft |
Machinery | 2 shaft steam turbines, 50,000shp |
Speed | 36 knots |
Range | 7000 miles at 15 knots (900 nm at 35 knots) |
Armour | Nil |
Armament | As built 8 x 4.5" (4x2) 6 x 40mm (3x2) 8 x 20mm (8x1) |
Torpedoes | 10 x 21" (2x5) |
Complement | 235 |
Notes | CUS McLean |
Depth charge thrower and what happens when the depth charge explodes.