Pluton 1939
| Name | No | Yard No | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Comp | Fate |
| Pluton | Arsenal de Lorient | 16.4.1928 | 10.4.1929 | 1.10.1931 | TS 4.1933, internal explosion 18.9.1939 |
|
Displacement standard, t |
4773 |
|
Displacement full, t |
6500 |
|
Length, m |
144.0 pp 152.5 oa |
|
Breadth, m |
15.6 |
|
Draught, m |
5.18 full load |
|
No of shafts |
2 |
|
Machinery |
2 sets Bréguet geared steam turbines, 4 small-tube boilers (2 F C de la Gironde, 2 Normand) |
|
Power, h. p. |
57000 |
|
Max speed, kts |
30 |
|
Fuel, t |
oil 1200 |
| Endurance, nm(kts) | 4510(14) |
|
Armour, mm |
shileds: 20 |
|
Armament |
4 x 1 - 139/40 M1927, 2 x 1 - 47/40 M1885, 10 x 1 - 37/50 M1925, 6 x 2 - 8.80, 290 mines |
|
Complement |
424 |
Project history: Built under the 1925 programme, was designed on the sample of British Adventure as minelayer for 250 mines and personnel transport for 1000 troops with armament. Armament consisted of 2 single 203mm and 2 single 138mm guns was originally supposed. However in this case ship would be considered as "A" class (heavy) cruiser which number has been limited by agreements.
Ship protection: only guns had light splinter protection.
Modernizations: 4.1933: - 8 x 1 - 37/50, 6 x 2 - 8.80; + 4 x 1 - 75/50 M1927, 6 x 2 - 13.2/76
Naval service: As minelayer Pluton practically was not used. 24.10.1932-27.4.1933 she has passed conversion to gunnery TS. Many rangefinders for training of cadets have been installed. Since June, 1940 ship should become ultimately training ship and been renamed La Tour D`Auvergne. Under this name she, basically, is known, though (contrary to a popular belief) actually has not received it. Pluton was lost at Casablanca on 18.9.1939 as result of internal explosion and followed 18hour fire.
Pluton 1938
© Ivan Gogin, 2008-14