| Page Created |
| January 17th, 2025 |
| Last Updated |
| January 17th, 2025 |
| Italy |
 |
| Length |
| 96.15 metres |
| Wide |
| 9.75 metres |
| Draught |
| 3.15 metres |
| Tonnage |
| 1,225 |
| Propulsion |
| two Parsons geared steam turbines |
| Armour |
| – |
| Armament |
- four 120-millimetre (4.7-inch) guns
- two single-mounted 40-millimetre guns
- two twin-mounted 13.2-millimetre machine guns.
- two triple mounts 533-millimetre torpedo tubes
| Freccia-Class Destroyers |
 |
Built under the 1928 naval programme, the Freccia-Class destroyers are designed to operate in coordination with the Zara-Class cruisers. As such, they are subjected to enhanced requirements for speed and endurance. The design is an evolution of the earlier Turbine-class destroyers but features significant upgrades, including more powerful machinery, new 120-millimetre guns, and additional side fuel tanks. These modifications result in larger ship dimensions, particularly an increase in beam.
The Freccia-Class is a class of four destroyers constructed for the Regia Marina in the early 1930’s. Completed in 1931, They participate in World War II and earlier conflicts, showcasing advancements in naval design and capability.
The Freccia-class destroyers are developed as enlarged and enhanced versions of the preceding Turbine class. These vessels have an overall length of 96.15 metres, a beam of 9.75 metres, and an average draught of 3.15 metres. They displace 1,225 metric tonnes under standard load and up to 2,150 metric tonnes at full load. During wartime, the crew complement is 185 officers and enlisted personnel.
Propulsion consists of two Parsons geared steam turbines, each driving a single propeller shaft. Steam is supplied by three Thornycroft boilers. The turbines are designed to produce 44,000 shaft horsepower, enabling a service speed of 30 knots. However, during sea trials under light load, the Freccia-Class ships achieve speeds of 38–39 knots. With a fuel capacity allowing a range of 8,500 kilometres at a cruising speed of 22 kilometres/hour, these ships balance speed with endurance.
The primary armament of the Freccia-Class includes four 120-millimetre guns housed in two twin-gun turrets, positioned fore and aft of the superstructure. For anti-aircraft defense, the ship is equipped with two single-mounted 40-millimetre guns amidships and two twin-mounted 13.2-millimetre machine guns. Torpedo armament comprises six 533-millimetre torpedo tubes in two triple mounts amidships.
Although the class lacks sonar for anti-submarine warfare, the ships are fitted with two depth charge throwers, enhancing their versatility. In addition, they can carry up to 54 naval mines, enabling roles in offensive and defensive mine-laying operations.
By August 1942, the Freccia-Class is equipped with a Metox radar warning device, improving her ability to detect enemy radar signals and enhance situational awareness.
The Freccia-Class destroyers endured significant challenges during World War II, with all four ships meeting different fates. On June 21st, 1942, Strale ran aground on the Tunisian coast while repelling an aircraft attack. Immobilised, the vessel became a target and was finished off by the British submarine H.M.S. Turbulent on August 6th, 1942.
On February 3rd, 1943, Saetta sank after striking mines laid by the British minelayer Abdiel in the central Mediterranean. The incident resulted in substantial loss of life.
On August 8th, 1943, Freccia was sunk during an air raid by British bombers while docked in Genoa.
In September 1943, following the Italian armistice, Dardo was captured by German forces in Genoa and renamed TA31. The ship served briefly under the Kriegsmarine before being scuttled in Genoa on April 24th, 1945 to prevent its capture by advancing Allied forces.
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