Gunboat beaver. Seagoing gunboats of the "beaver" type. "Varyag" and gunboat "Koreets": functionality and features

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« Beaver"- seaworthy sailing propeller gunboat of the Russian Imperial Navy.

Built according to the Russian project at the shipyard B: Creighton and Co. in the city of Abo (Finland) in 1885. Head in a series of two ships ("Beaver", "Sivuch"). By design, it was a flat-bottomed ship with brig equipment (later the equipment was replaced with three light masts). The nasal 229-mm gun had a firing angle of 36 degrees to the side from the centerline.

"Beaver" took part in the study of the coast of the Far East. In addition, the boat was involved in patrolling the economic zone. She took part in the suppression of the Ihetuan uprising and in the Russian-Japanese war.

The drawings of the gunboat were developed by Russian engineers and approved by the Marine Technical Committee (MTK) on April 2, 1883. Steam engines with boilers were previously developed at the B: m Creighton & Co. plant. May 28, 1883 between the ITC of the Russian Empire and the plant "B: m Creighton and Co." in Abo an agreement was signed for the construction of a gunboat. According to this agreement, everything was done at the plant, except for spars, rigging, chain ropes, sails, anchors with chain ropes, galleys, desalination apparatus, copper shoulder straps for machine tools, compasses and navigation devices, lanterns and lighting accessories. The cost of building the gunboat was 580 125 rubles, of which 420 375 rubles - the hull, 159 750 rubles - a steam engine with boilers. Completion date - no later than May 31, 1885. The gunboat was named "Beaver". The ship engineer, staff captain KIM I. E. Fedorov, was appointed to supervise the construction.

Construction began in January 1884. The steel used for the construction was tested in the workshops of the Kronstadt port for compliance with the requirements of the ITC, and only after that it was allowed to work. The Beaver was launched on April 10, 1885. During the descent, the total displacement was 1230 tons.

On October 16, 1886, the gunboat arrived in Kronstadt, where sea trials continued. On October 30, the Beaver reached its maximum speed of 12.14 knots on the measured mile. Also, weapons and a mast were installed in Kronstadt.

In 1886, "Beaver" was enlisted in the Baltic Fleet, in August 1886, under the command of Captain 2nd Rank A. Menshikov, began the transition to the Pacific Ocean.

In 1891 gunboat became a member of the squadron of Nicholas II, who visited the Far East, and then cruised for security purposes near the Commander Islands and under the flag of the head of the Pacific squadron Pavel Petrovich Tyrtov cruised off the coast of China and Japan. In 1891-1892, an expedition led by the head of the Separate survey of the Eastern Ocean, captain of the KFSh A.S. Veselkin Bay). On May 27, OA Enquist was appointed commander.

By order of the port commander of March 14, 1892, Lieutenants K.K.Mayet and Tyrkov were appointed as the chiefs of watch on the boat "Beaver", Warrant Officer Lagoda - acting inspector, Stepanov - a mine officer, Lieutenant V.V. Shelting - senior artillery officer, Lieutenant C S. Chikhachev - senior navigator.

In the early 1890s, the boat was engaged in hydrographic work off the coast of Korea.

In the course of descriptive and survey work in the Peter the Great Bay in 1892-1893, on the northern coast of the Peschaniy Peninsula, Cape Chikhachev was examined and named after the name of the senior navigator.

In April 1895, together with the "Horseman" and "Gaidamak", practical exercises were conducted near the small islands located between the island of Quelport and the southern coast of Korea (the port of Hamilton).

In 1897, Cape Bobr was named in the Semyonovsky bucket (now Sports Harbor) of the Amur Bay - in honor of the gunboat herself, but at the beginning of the 20th century, the name was changed to Cape Bobrov. Further, V.A. Boisman was appointed commander (earlier, from 1892 to 1895, a senior officer).

In 1899 he took part in large maneuvers of the Pacific Ocean squadron in Talienvan Bay.

May 29, 1900 - as part of a detachment of ships under the command of Rear Admiral Mikhail Gerasimovich Veselago, she took part in the transportation from Port Arthur through Tanga to Tianjin and Beijing of a land detachment under the command of Colonel Konstantin Andreevich Anisimov.

Since 1904, Captain 2nd Rank Mikhail Vladimirovich Bubnov was appointed commander, who upon arrival in Port Arthur was appointed commander of the 2nd destroyer detachment. Instead, Captain 2nd Rank V.V.Shelting was appointed (earlier, in the early 1890s, a senior mine officer).

February 5 "Beaver" and "Gilyak" under the cover of "Gaydamak" carried out trawling from boats in Golubina Bay

In 1646 in France, for the first time, maneuverable warships with powerful weapons were used. These are gunboats that had several powerful cannons on the bow, usually from one to three. The vessel was a fairly large rowing boat. In most cases, boats were used to guard harbors, battles in lakes and rivers, as well as the coastal zone.

Appearance in the Russian fleet

Since in Russia at that time there were a huge number of long rivers and water areas, as well as lakes, the construction of gunboats can be called traditional. This is due to the fact that no other ship could fight in such conditions. The first boats of this type appeared during the war with Sweden (1788-1790). Not only was it the backbone of the rowing fleet, so the gunboats were a great success and became the most effective tool for firing on rivers and skerries.

In fact, it is an artillery ship that was used both for defense and for attacking and supporting the allied forces. The presence of falconets and large-caliber cannons on board provided excellent fire support. Later, the so-called six-packs appeared, which were already equipped with a steam engine. They were used during the Crimean War.

Basic models

After the battleboats showed themselves with better side, the decision was made to mass produce. In particular, the gunboats were delivered to the Far East, where they were needed most. The first and most famous models were named "Brave" and "Khivinets". Over time, engineers began to carry out improvements and produce boats of the "Gilyak" type, but this did not bring success. The design had many flaws and did not allow for an effective battle. Due to the lack of normal armament, such gunboats did not receive further distribution.

But new models "Ardagan", "Kare" and others have appeared. A distinctive feature was that they were equipped with powerful diesel engines. Although this significantly increased the weight and complexity of the structure, it made it possible to achieve high power, and therefore speed, which often became a determining factor during a naval battle. But soon the economically profitable "Ardahan" and "Kare" were decided to improve. And this happened already during the launching of them. For this reason, almost half of the fleet went for modernization. A new type of gunboats has appeared - "Buryat".

Gunboat "Korean"

This warship was immediately sent to the Far East, where it actually served. The "Korean" took an active part in the hostilities of 1900-1905. So, it was used against the Ihetuan Uprising, better known as the Boxer Uprising, in addition to this, it took part in the shelling of Fort Taku. During the Russo-Japanese War "Varyag" and "Koreets" were in the port of Chemulpo and defended Russian interests there.

So, in February 1904, "Varyag" and "Koreets" opposed an entire Japanese squadron of ships. As a result of the battle, there were no losses, since it was fought at a great distance. The gunboat "Koreets" did not reach the enemy, while the Japanese shells for the most part flew over. Since the boat was combat, it was impossible to allow it to be captured by the enemy. When the crew switched to the French Pascal, the Korean was blown up and therefore sunk.

Combat path traversed

During the battle, the Koreyets was hit by a single Japanese shell. A fire started in the bow, which was extinguished within 15 minutes. There were no casualties among the personnel. When the crew arrived in St. Petersburg, the officers and command were awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree, and the sailors were awarded the corresponding insignia.

In 1905, the Koreans lifted a gunboat from the bottom and scrapped it. But we can say that the combat path did not end there, since in 1906 the Koreets-2 was launched. The upgraded version was equipped with more powerful weapons and had at least some protection. In 1915, this boat was also blown up to exclude the possibility of capture by enemies. It happened during the battles for the Gulf of Riga.

"Khininets" and "Sivuch"

The youngest gunboat, "Khivinets", was part of the Baltic Fleet in tsarist times. She passed preliminary tests successfully. During operation, it steadily withstood various adverse conditions. The "Khivinets" was built in 1904-1914, during the strengthening of the Russian fleet. But the design was developed back in 1898. Since no modification was envisaged, such gunboats, the drawings of which you can see in this article, had a very narrow functionality and were not used everywhere. But for quite a long time it served as a base for the construction of other warships. This is due to the fact that she survived in such battles in which other boats went to the bottom.

"Sivuch" is famous for its battle in the Gulf of Riga, where it was destroyed in an unequal battle German battleships... It happened in 1915 near the Kihnu island. Although the German ships destroyed the Sivuch, they were forced to abandon further hostilities in the gulf and retreated. The heroism of the personnel saved Riga from the German invaders. The gunboat was called the Baltic "Varyag" for her feat.

History of the ship "Borb"

If the cruiser "Varyag" and the gunboat "Koreets" were intended more for attack, then the "Borb" was created exclusively for defensive purposes. This ship had the Gilyak base and left the shipyard in 1907, and the development project began in 1906. For the most part, it was used to protect the Amur River almost to Khabarovsk itself. The designers have put an emphasis on autonomy and cruising range. But during operation, the seaworthiness was at a fairly low level.

"Varyag" and gunboat "Koreets" were of great value to the country. These ships possessed high firepower, which cannot be said about the Bobr submarine. There were no special weapons on board, so it was often used as a swimming base. After 21 years of service, she was scrapped. Prototypes for this project was not created.

"Varyag" and gunboat "Koreets": functionality and features

Data warships were among the most versatile in combat. The design was quite competent, which ensured a high degree of buoyancy even with damage to the hull. The functionality of the cruiser and gunboat was very extensive, but most often they were used:

for the defense of coasts and ports;
support for ground forces;
landing of troops;
fighting enemy infantry and navy;
performing transport functions.

We can safely say that these were unique ships.

The ships of such a plan could be reconstructed depending on the purpose of use. So, there are unarmored variants, boats with an armored deck and battleships. It is quite logical that they were used for various purposes. The most widespread are armored gunboats. With a small mass, they had sufficient protection. "Varyag" (cruiser) and gunboat "Koreets" were significantly different from each other. The second was more maneuverable and mobile, and ensured the operational transfer of troops if necessary. The second was equipped with serious weapons and protection, which made it possible to enter the battle even with several opponents.

About the main characteristics

The designers paid the most attention to such indicators as speed and firepower... The larger the caliber of the gun and the number of guns, the more efficient the use of the vessel was considered. As for speed, it has always been important characteristic... Usually ranged from 8 to 15 knots. Depending on the purpose of use, the gunboat could be unarmored, which ensured maximum mobility. Protection of the most vulnerable places with armor plates is the most acceptable option. It was possible to achieve optimal speed and survivability. The battleship was protected from all sides, but sailed rather slowly. On the one hand, he could survive many direct hits, and on the other, he became an easy target for more mobile warships.

Most often, gunboats were equipped with main-caliber cannons from 200 to 350 mm and auxiliary guns. As the latter, 76-150 mm were often used, but this was more typical of river gunboats. Installed automatic cannons, such as "Zenith". They tried to use machine guns as rarely as possible due to the low firing range.

Unique design solutions

At a time when the sea was dominated by artillery ships, that is, gunboats, it was extremely important to constantly develop them. specifications... That is why there are a huge number of models. The designers tried to constantly make any changes in terms of weapons or protection. Improvement of power units significantly influenced the cruising range and autonomy of the vessel.

For example, river gunboats tried to make it as easy as possible. This significantly reduced the displacement and allowed the ship to be in shallow waters. At the same time, naval warships were more massive and powerful. Particular attention was not paid to the displacement here, where it was more important to ensure a high cruising range and impressive firepower.

Finally

Gunboats Russian production were famous for the fact that they entered into unequal battles with the enemy and often came out of the battle victorious. This is the merit not only of the designers of the ship, but also of the crew, who bravely fought for their homeland. In such cases, the Americans or Germans immediately retreated, not wanting to lose equipment and manpower. The Russians stood firm to the end. It is thanks to this that more than one has been won naval battle... Plus, ours often used outdated weapons, which sometimes did not even allow us to penetrate the enemy's armor. But all this did not stop fighting to the last. Striking examples of this are "Koreets" and "Varyag".

Designed in Russia "For the needs of the Far East". The project was developed according to the tactical and technical assignment of the Marine Technical Committee (MTK), which provided for a displacement of 1100 tons, a speed of about 12 knots, an armored deck and reinforced artillery weapons. The ships were intended for stationary service and for artillery support of their troops in the seaside theater of operations.

The ship's hull was riveted from Siemens-open-hearth steel with a flat bottom and had a poop, upper and armored decks. The bow underwater protruded forward, forming a spy (ram). On the poop deck, a 152-mm stern gun and four deck windows were placed for additional natural lighting and ventilation of the commander's cabin and the officers' wardroom. Along the side sections of the upper deck, and along the length of the ship - from the bow 229-mm gun to the end of the stern, there were high box-shaped bulwarks, in which, along the sides, the crew's suspension bunks were stored. The armored deck consisted of 12.7 mm thick slabs, which were located slightly above the waterline. Additional protection of the hull was provided by coal pits located under the cut of the armored deck. Heating of the premises was provided by steam heating. The ship was equipped with an armored conning tower. The main-caliber bow cannon was located in the bow semi-casemate and had a firing angle of 36 ° to the side from the centreline plane, which was characteristic feature ships of this type. The cabins for the officers and the commander of the ship were located in the stern, and the crew quarters in the bow of the gunboat. The silhouette of the gunboat had one straight chimney and two masts with the brig's rigging (later the rigging was replaced with three light masts).

The unsinkability of the ship was ensured by dividing the hull by watertight bulkheads into 7 compartments:

Spire compartment, ram compartment, chain box, forepeak;
Crew quarters, skipper's storeroom, sailing storeroom;
Crew quarters, storerooms, a cruise chamber and a bomb cellar for a 229 mm gun;
Boiler room, coal pits;
Engine room, coal pits;
Officers' cabins, aft cruise chambers and bomb bunkers;
Commander's cabin and officers' wardroom, steering compartment, propeller shaft corridor.

The steering device included a steering gear, which was controlled from the steering wheels through a transmission system. The car drove 1 semi-balanced steering wheel.

The anchor device included 2 Hall anchors, 1 spare Hall anchor, a stop anchor and a verp, as well as a steam windlass for retrieving anchor chains. The windlass, if necessary, could also be rotated manually with the help of punches.

Rescue equipment included 1 longboat, 1 steam boat, 1 rowing boat, 1 whale boat and 1 six-oared yal.

The power plant is mechanical, twin-shaft with two horizontal double-expansion steam engines with a capacity of 570 liters each. with. each and 4 boilers located in one engine room and one boiler room. Three-cylinder steam engine with one low pressure cylinder, one medium pressure, one high pressure. The machines operated on two side three-blade bronze propellers. The gunboat's full speed was 11.7 knots.

The ship's armament consisted of:

From 1 single-barreled 229-mm Musselius cannon with a barrel length of 30 calibers, located in the bow of the upper deck. The gun was located on the central rotary machine of Pestich in an armored semi-casemate and had a vertical guidance angle of the barrel from -5 ° to + 11.5 °, and the horizontal guidance angle was 72 °. A rifled barrel, equipped with a wedge lock weighing 606 kg. The time of rotation through a full angle with three numbers of calculation was equal to 1 minute. The firing range at a sea or coastal target with an inclination angle of + 11.2 ° and an initial projectile speed of 597 m / s reached 5.5 km. Shooting control was carried out visually. The mass of the artillery mount with the machine tool was 31.8 tons.
From 1 single-barreled 152-mm cannon of the Obukhov plant with a barrel length of 28 calibers, located in the aft part on the deck. The gun on a rotary machine with a friction compressor did not have an armored shield. A rifled barrel, equipped with a wedge lock weighing 172 kg. Air cooling of the barrel, single unitary ammunition supply with manual loading. The calculation of the installation included 12 people. The vertical guidance angle of the barrel ranged from -6 ° to + 12 °, and the horizontal guidance angle - up to 130 °. A cast-iron projectile weighing 37.26 kg developed an initial speed of 535 m / s and had a firing range at a sea or coastal target at an elevation angle of + 6 ° - up to 3.9 km, and at an elevation angle of + 12 ° - up to 5.7 km. Shooting control was carried out visually. The mass of the artillery mount with the machine was 8.5 tons.
Of 6 single-barreled 107-mm Krupp cannons with a barrel length of 20 calibers, located side by side on the upper deck. The gun was mounted on a Baranovsky rotary metal machine with a hydraulic compressor and a spring knurler and did not have an armored shield. A rifled barrel, equipped with a wedge lock weighing 56.5 kg. The calculation of the installation included 9 people. A cast iron grenade weighing 12.4 kg developed an initial speed of 373 m / s and had a firing range at a sea or coastal target at an elevation angle of + 27.3 ° - up to 5.5 km. The weight of the installation with the machine reached 1.46 tons.
Of 4 five-barreled 37-mm Hotchkiss revolving cannons with a barrel length of 20 calibers, located side by side on the wings of the bridge. A bundle of five barrels by means of two copper discs was combined into a single whole, and the block of barrels was manually rotated by the gunner. The gun was installed in a copper glass, which was attached to the side or other part of the ship with six bolts. The rate of fire of the gun without correcting the aiming was 32 rds. / min. A grenade weighing 0.5 kg developed an initial speed of 442 m / s and had a firing range at a sea or coastal target at an elevation angle of + 11 ° - up to 2.8 km. The mass of the gun with the lock reached 209 kg.

The ships were built at the Bergsund shipyard in Stockholm (Sivuch) and at the Creighton shipyard in Abo / Turku / (Bobr).

The lead Sivuch entered service with the fleet in 1884.

Tactical and technical data of the gunboat type "Beaver"

In total, ships were built from 1884 to 1885 - 2 units.

A gunboat (gunboat, gunboat) is a maneuverable battleship that features powerful weapons. It is intended to conduct military operations in coastal sea areas, in lakes and rivers. Most often used to guard harbors.

The emergence of gunboats

There are a lot of lakes, long border rivers and shallow coastal waters in Russia. Therefore, the construction of gunboats can be considered traditional, because other warships could not conduct hostilities in such conditions. However, no replenishment was planned before the start of the First World War. In 1917, there were only 11 gunboats, some of which were launched at the end of the 19th century.

For most of these gunboats, the Civil War was their last. Only 2 gunboats - "Brave" and "Khivinets" survived it. Therefore, the designers took them as the basis for the production of more modern artillery ships.

"Brave" is the oldest boat that was part of the royal heritage. She served in the Baltic for 63 years. Initially, it was equipped with three cannons for use (two for 203 mm and one for 152 mm). However, in 1916 it was modernized. There were now five guns.

"Khivinets" was created as a hospital, therefore its firepower was based on only two 120 mm cannons. But on this boat there were more comfortable living conditions.

After 1917, both boats were no longer considered for the production of new ones due to their venerable age.

Models

When the flotilla felt the power and endurance of the gunboats, it was decided to build them "for the needs of the Far East." Moreover, despite the fact that before the war, new copies were not ordered. The first prototypes were "Brave" and "Khivinets".

After the modernization of the drawings, boats of the "Gilyak" type began to be produced. However, they were much weaker, the designers tried to strengthen parameters such as cruising range. But this was not done. Since there was no high-quality weapons, the gunboats did not continue to build, as well as to use.

Then "Ardahan" and "Kare" appear. Distinctive features of these gunboats are the use of diesel power plants... At that time, petroleum products were the most accessible types of fuel, therefore "Ardagan" and "Kare" were economically profitable.

Starting in 1910, the Naval Ministry decided on a large-scale modernization. Moreover, this happens when most of the gunboats are already prepared for launching, conducting hostilities. The decision is made to strengthen the protection and all this affects the draft. Therefore, more than half of the cannon boats went for reconstruction. This type was named "Buryat".

Thus, the models of gunboats were constantly changing, supplemented modern type weapons and defense structures. There is no such warship that would be their prototype from the time of the Russian Empire to the present.

Legendary "Korean"

The gunboat "Koreets" was used on Far East to suppress the "boxer uprising". She was part of an international squadron. During the battles, the gunboat received several serious injuries, there were wounded and killed.

Before the Russo-Japanese War, the gunboat "Koreets" was transferred to the Korean port of Chemulpo. The cruiser of the first rank "Varyag" set off with her. On February 8, the crew of the boat was ordered to go to Port Arthur with a diplomatic report. However, the port was blocked, as a result of which the route to the Koreyets was blocked. The ship's captain decided to turn back, after which the enemy destroyers attacked with torpedoes. Although today the option is being considered that the Japanese squadron only imitated this.

As a result of the torpedo attack, the Koreets fires two shots. They are the first in the Russo-Japanese War.

Many gunboats, which are used in modern times, were built according to the Koreyets project.

"Varyag" and "Korean": combat path

In 1904, at noon, the armored cruiser "Varyag" and the gunboat "Koreets" engaged the Japanese squadron, which lasted about an hour. An entire Japanese squadron opposed the two warships. The gunboat took part in the final phase of the battle, repelling torpedo attacks. An hour after the start of the battle, the cruiser began to retreat, and the gunboat "Koreets" covered its retreat.

During the battle, 52 shells were fired at the enemy. But at the same time, there was absolutely no damage or loss from the gunboat. Since the "Korean" was a warship with powerful artillery weapons, it could not be allowed to be captured. Therefore, it was decided to blow it up on the Chemulpo raid. The crew of the boat moved aboard the French cruiser Pascal. He soon brought the sailors to Russia.

The crews who fought the battle were awarded orders and insignia. A special medal was also instituted in honor of them. So the cruiser and gunboat went down in history.

Young gunboat "Khivinets"

The gunboat "Khivinets" was the youngest representative of artillery ships in tsarist times. She was intended to join the Baltic Fleet. The boat is seaworthy, but it was also used in river conditions. Moreover, she steadfastly withstood the test of adverse conditions.

The gunboat "Khivinets" was ordered in 1904-1914, when the strengthening of the Russian fleet began. However, the model itself was focused on 1898. Unfortunately, after the release of the model, there was no modernization, which became the reason for the narrow functionality.

It is impossible not to note the steadfastness and endurance of the gunboat. The fact is that she withstood such battles where other, younger artillery warships were killed. This is probably why it was used for a long time as a prototype in the construction of ships.

Heroic "Steller"

The gunboat "Sivuch" heroically died in battle with German battleships. That is why every year on September 9th the waves take on a multitude of flowers and wreaths from the citizens of Riga and the Russians.

On August 19, 1915, the imperial fleet entered the battle with the German battleships. It is not known until the end what exactly happened in those distant and long days for the crew. But the battle near Kihnu Island forced the German squadron to abandon further attacks in the Gulf of Riga, as well as bombardment of coastal fortifications. This was the main purpose of the raid of the German fleet.

The gunboat Sivuch then saved Riga from casualties and destruction. The cost of such a feat was the death of the ship, as well as of the entire crew. At that time, the gunboat was even called the Baltic "Varyag", so high was the heroism of the sailors.

Gunboat "Beaver"

The gunboat "Beaver" belongs to the Gilyak type. Such ships were intended to defend the Amur River up to Khabarovsk. In its lower reaches there was a small number of garrisons, and they were supposed to be provided with artillery support. Since there was a small number of objects, the design of the ships was based on a long cruising range, as well as autonomy. However, the seaworthiness during practice turned out to be extremely low.

The value of this type of gunboats was minimal, since little attention was paid to weapons during the design. During the First World War, they were used as a swimming base. Naturally, they did not become designs and prototypes. Future ships took over only combat missions from these boats.

The Beaver was laid down in 1906, and a year later it was launched. In 1908, the gunboat entered the Russian fleet. Throughout the history of its existence, she visited the Germans. She was captured in 1918 and converted into a swimming workshop. In the same year, the boat was transferred to Estonia. Although she was out of whack, she was listed in the squadron of this country.

The gunboat served 21 years, in 1927 it was scrapped.

River (lake) and sea gunboats

Despite their great functionality, virtually all gunboats were used to strike at coastal targets. The purpose of such attacks was to suppress the firepower of the enemy, as well as to reduce manpower. If the boat remained in close proximity to its coast, then its tasks were to protect coastal facilities, to protect against enemy warships.

There are sea and river gunboats. Their main difference is weight. The former reach a mass of 3 thousand tons, the latter - 1500. Of course, based on the name, it is logical to assume in which places the gunboats will be used.

Functionality and use of gunboats

Gunboats are a variant of the most functional artillery ships. The design made it possible to use them in military operations in the coastal zone, on rivers and near archipelagos with small rocky islands.

Gunboats could perform the following functions:

Defense of coasts, ports, estuaries
Landing
Support for troops on the shores
Landing your own and fighting enemy troops
Ancillary tasks such as cargo delivery

Depending on where exactly the artillery ship will be used, its design could change, special buildings were erected. There are unarmored, armored and armored boats. The second option was most often used, since it offered relatively good protection, but at the same time had a low weight, which had a positive effect on maneuverability.

Main characteristics of gunboats

Based on the characteristics, it was determined where the gunboat would be used. There are three main parameters:

Displacement... Ships could be launched to protect and conduct military operations in the seas or on rivers and lakes.
Speed... It is 3-15 knots. The speed depends on what kind of design the gunboat is endowed with. It can be unarmored, armored only in vulnerable spots, or completely. Naturally, its weight increases, which negatively affects the swimming speed.
Armament.

Since the gunboats were fighting, much attention was paid. They could be equipped with 1-4 copies of the main caliber guns (203-356 mm). This design approach was focused on sea gunboats. River boats were most often equipped with medium-caliber guns (76-170).

Also, depending on the purpose on the deck, automatic cannons "Zenith" and machine guns could be installed. The latter were designed extremely rarely due to their short range.

Conclusion

Thus, it is impossible to meet two identical gunboats. Each copy is good in its own way, endowed with its own unique functionality. As history shows, many Russian gunboats could single-handedly oppose entire squadrons. This is the merit of not only the warships themselves and their designers themselves, but also the crew. Often, only his courage tilted the outcome of the battle in his favor.

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