| Name | No | Yard No | Builder | Laid down | Launched | Comp | Fate |
| Inconstant | Pembroke DYd | 27.11.1866 | 12.11.1868 | 8.1869 | hulk 1898 |
|
Displacement normal, t |
5782 |
|
Displacement full, t |
|
|
Length, m |
102.8 pp |
|
Breadth, m |
15.3 |
|
Draught, m |
7.49 |
|
No of shafts |
1 (hoisting screw) |
|
Machinery |
sails + 1 2-cyl HSE trunk, 11 boilers |
|
Power, h. p. |
7360 |
|
Max speed, kts |
16.2 |
|
Fuel, t |
coal 750 |
| Endurance, nm(kts) | 2780(10) |
|
Armament |
10 x 1 - 229/14 MLR Mk IV, 6 x 1 - 178/16 MLR Mk III |
|
Complement |
600 |
Project history: Designed by Sir Edward Reed.
The Inconstant was the direct result of the American Wampanoag
class, and when completed proved to be the fastest warship afloat. Iron hull,
from keel to bulwarks, was clad with a double layer of 76mm timber. The first
layer was applied vertically and the second layer horizontally. Ship was
coppered, without double bottom or wing compartments, but had lateral watertight
bulkheads extended up to the upper deck. Inconstant was fitted with a
balanced rudder, controlled by two treble-hand wheels-one on deck, the other
below.
The 229mm guns in Inconstant formed the main deck
broadside battery; the 178mm guns were mounted on the upper deck and two of
these were chase guns firing through embrasures forward.
The engine was of greater size and power than any existing cruiser. It was a
retrogressive step to retain simple expansion engine but nevertheless she
provided a speed which was unprecedented for the times - she logged 15.5kts for
24 hours. Ship had telescopic funnels and hoisting screw. She was ship rigged,
with fixed bowsprit, with 2500m² sail area, making 13.5kts under sail.
Modernizations: 1872: + 6 x 1 - 100/21 20pdr BL, 2 x 1 QF guns, 11 x 1 MGs, 4 x 1 light guns
1877: + 2 x 1 - 356 TC
Naval service: No significant events.
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