HMAS Melbourne (CL-1938+)

 

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Utililising the same hull as the County Class cruisers (see Canberra), 4 triple six inch were fitted in the same place that 3 triple 7.5" also fitted. The new superstructure layout with the heavy secondary battery of 12 x 4.5" was as good as any. Built for trade protection duties, 2 aircraft were carried for search procedures.

Armour was at a level of protection against 8" gunfire as being the most common type of cruiser that these ships were likely to encounter.

 

4 units were laid down, 2 in 1937 (HMAS Melbourne & HMAS Invercargill 1941) and another in 1938 (HMAS Perth 1941) and the final one in 1939 (HMAS Brisbane 1943).

 

Displacement 10,000 tons std, 13,200 tons full load
Length 605 ft
Breadth 63 ft
Draught 25 ft
Machinery 4 shaft Steam turbines 72,000 shp
Speed 32 knots
Range 5,000 miles at 18 knots
Armour 4" side, 2.5" deck, 3" turrets
Armament 12 x 6" (4x3)

12 x 4.5" (6x2)

16 x 2pd (4x4)

8 x 40mm (8x1)

Aircraft 2
Torpedoes nil
Complement 800
Notes  

 

 

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