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Spica-Class Torpedo Boat

Page Created
January 17th, 2025
Last Updated
January 17th, 2025
Italy
Italian Flag
Length
83.5 metres
Wide
8.1 metres
Draught
2.55 metres
Tonnage
808
Propulsion
2 boilers and steam turbines
Armour
Armament
  • three 100-millimetre/47-calibre dual-purpose guns
  • four twin 13.2-millimetre machine guns
  • or six to eleven 20-millimetre Breda 20/65 Modello 35
  • four 450-millimetre torpedo tubes in two twin mounts
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Sella-Class Destroyers
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Spica-Class Torpedo Boat
Spica-Class Torpedo Boat
Spica Class Torpedo Boat

The Spica-class torpedo boats of the Regia Marina are designed and built between 1934 and 1937 in response to a clause in the Washington Naval Treaty. This clause permits the construction of vessels with a displacement under 600 tonnes without numerical restrictions. Thirty-two Spica-class vessels are built, with thirty entering Italian service, while two are sold to the Swedish Navy in 1940.

Despite being classified as torpedo boats due to their smaller size, the Spica-class is heavily armed, resembling destroyers in firepower, influenced by the design of the Maestrale-class destroyers. These ships are intended primarily for anti-submarine warfare but are also equipped to combat aircraft and surface vessels. The class suffers significant losses during World War II, with 23 vessels destroyed. The two sold to Sweden are designated as destroyers until 1953, when they are reclassified as corvettes.

Design work on the Spica-class begins in 1932 under the supervision of General Engineer Gustavo Bozzoni. The prototypes, Spica and Astore, are completed in 1935 and sold to the Swedish Navy. The hull lengths range from 81.4 metres to 65.72 metres, with displacements between 789 and 1,054 tonnes under standard load, exceeding the 600-tonne limit specified by the Washington Treaty. Propulsion consists of a two-shaft, geared turbine system powered by two Yarrow-type boilers.

The gun armament includes three 100-millimetre/47 caliber dual-purpose guns mounted in single turrets at the bow (“A” position) and stern (“X” and “Y” positions). Anti-aircraft weaponry evolves during the war, with the original three or four twin 13.2 mm (0.52-inch) machine guns being replaced by six to eleven Breda 20/65 Modello 35 20 mm cannons in various configurations. For instance, by 1941, Lupo has replaced her eight original machine guns with three twin 20 mm guns, positioned near the bridge and abaft the funnel.

The torpedo armament consists of four 450-millimetre tubes. Initial designs feature two tubes on each side, but later groups transition to configurations such as one centreline twin mount and two single-beam mounts, eventually standardizing with two centreline twin mounts. Some earlier vessels are retrofitted with the final all-centreline arrangement during the war. The smaller torpedoes used in the Spica-class have shorter ranges and smaller warheads compared to the 533-millimetre torpedoes employed by destroyers.

During World War II, the Spica-class operates in various roles, including convoy escort, anti-submarine patrols, and direct combat engagements. The class suffers heavy losses, with 21 ships lost during the conflict. Three are destroyed by mines laid by the British submarine minelayer H.M.S. Rorqual, three are sunk by submarines, seven by aircraft, seven by surface ships, and one is lost in a collision.

Xa Flottiglia MAS

In July 1940, Admiral De Courten emphasized the importance of disrupting British naval dominance in the Mediterranean, focusing on innovative methods like the Siluri a Lenta Corsa. These devices, despite their potential, faced technical limitations, requiring specialized transport and deployment systems.

The Spica-Class torpedo boat Calipso plays a central role in Operazione Golfo di Alessandria. Departing La Spezia on August 17th, 1940, Calipso carried the Siluri a Lenta Corsa’s, diving suits, breathing apparatus, and other equipment. After refueling stops in Trapani and Benghazi, it reached the Gulf of Bomba on August 21st, 1940. There, it coordinated with the submarine Iride and the motorship Monte Gargano to prepare for the mission targeting the British naval base at Alexandria.

During preparations, Iride conducts a test dive with the Siluri a Lenta Corsa’s. British torpedo bombers launch a surprise attack, striking Iride and causing it to sink. Calipso’s crew quickly responds, assisting in the rescue efforts. Divers use improvised methods to save several crew members trapped in Iride, despite hazardous conditions and limited resources.

The mission ultimately failed, resulting in the loss of Iride, 31 crew members, and the sinking of Monte Gargano.

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