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fighting ships of the world

UNITED STATES NAVY (UNITED STATES OF AMERICA)

ESCORTS

"Eagle" patrol vessels (1918-1919)

Eagle No1 1918

PE19 1941

PE19 1943

Project history: Purpose-built ASW ships created soon after joining of the USA into First World War as alternative for more expensive destroyers. New ships should carry armament, sufficient for a duel with surfaced submarine, have speed not less than 18kts and comprehensible to operations in conditions of Northern Atlantic seaworthiness. In total it was supposed to build 100 ships for the USN and 12 more for Italy. The building contract of all series was received by Henry Ford's Auto company. For decrease in industrial expenses and in consideration of absence of contractor`s sufficient experience of shipbuilding the project has been as much as possible simplified, in particular, a number of curved surfaces have brought to a minimum, having changed them, whenever possible, the flat. The hull was flush-decked. On early design stages it was supposed to arm new ships by two 76/50mm guns and twin 533mm TT, however against 150mm guns of German submarine cruisers similar armament looked too weak, therefore soon TT was disappeared from project, and artillery have strengthened by two 102mm guns. Originally designed diesels at the desire of Ford were refused in favour of more light steam turbines: changes made to the project conducted to displacement growth that called into question possibility of achievement of 18kts speed.

On contract conditions all 100 ships of Eagle class for USN should be commissioned till the end of 1918, however because of corrections of project lead РЕ1 has been accepted by Navy only in October, 1918. A month later war was over and necessity in Eagles has disappeared, and building of 72 ships (including all "Italians") has been cancelled.

Modernizations: 1942 - 1943, most survived: - 2 x 1 - 102/50, 1 DCT; + 1 x 24 - 178 Hedgehog Mk 10 ASWRL, 2 DCR, SE or SF radar

1.1946, PE27, 32, 38, 48, 55, 57: 1 x 1 - 76/50 Mk 11, 1 x 24 - 178 Hedgehog Mk 10.11 ASWRL, 2 DCR, SE or SF radar

Naval service: Eagle No25 wrecked 11.6.1920. PE17 was wrecked off Long Island 19.5.1922 during heavy gale. PE56 was sunk by German submarine U853 23.4.1945 off Portland (E US coast).

Eagle No57

© Ivan Gogin, 2014-15