YUGOSLAVIAN NAVY (YUGOSLAVIA)

Project history: Ordering first rather large combat ship, Yugoslavian Navy was guided on newest French leaders and made following demands to design: moderate dimensions, high speed, considerable endurance, especially made a reservation, that armament should be delivered by Škoda: Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia were included into "Small Antanta" block. As possible builders British and French firms were considered, but French shipbuilders have refused because of their obligatory condition to install French guns. From designs offered by British shipbuilders White and Yarrow, latter has been chosen, contract was concluded 4.8.1929. Three sister-ships were supposed to be built on Yugoslavian wharfs, but for the various reasons it was necessary to refuse it. On set of technical data Dubrovnik was closest to French Contre-Torpilleurs and consequently she was frequently classified as destroyer leader, but structurally corresponded to contemporary British destroyers. All artillery was delivered by Škoda. Main guns were developed on the basis of British 140mm/50 Mk I guns, but differed by increased bore length. It was necessary to refuse fifth guns because of big weight (15t with a shield). The original design, possibly, under influence of construction of Dutch destroyers, provided presence of seaplane platform, but then it have refused in favour of twin 83.5mm/55 AA gun. On Dubrovnik Yarrow boilers with a lateral arrangement of fire chambers and superheaters (20.3atm) for the first time were installed. Main 42000hp Parsons turbine units were supplemented by separate 900hp Curtiss unit for cruising. On six-hour trials ship shown 37.2kts at 48500hp, and in 1934 in Adriatic she made 40.3kts.

Modernizations: None.