Wickes-class Destroyers: Speed and Power of the US Navy
The Wickes class represented a significant evolution in naval engineering, serving as an improved and faster successor to the earlier Caldwell-class destroyers. Designed for agility and offensive punch, these vessels were built to a specific set of requirements that prioritized speed and torpedo capacity, making them formidable assets for the fleet.
Design and Construction
To meet the Navy's specifications, two distinct designs were developed. The primary difference between these versions lay in the selection of boilers and turbines. Ships constructed according to the Bethlehem Steel design—produced at the Union Iron Works and Fore River shipyards—predominantly utilized Yarrow boilers. These water-tube boilers, which generate steam by passing water through tubes heated by fire, unfortunately suffered from severe deterioration during their service life, leading to the majority of these ships being scrapped during the 1930s.
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Physical Dimensions
The Wickes-class ships were characterized by a sleek profile designed for high-speed operations. They featured an overall length of 314 feet 4 inches (95.8 m), a beam (width) of 30 feet 11 inches (9.4 m), and a draught (the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull) of 9 feet 10 inches (3.0 m). In terms of weight, they displaced between 1,202 and 1,208 long tons at standard load, increasing to 1,295–1,322 long tons at deep load.
Performance and Propulsion
The propulsion system of the Wickes class was designed for raw speed. Each ship was powered by two steam turbines, each driving a single propeller shaft, fueled by four water-tube boilers. These turbines were engineered to produce a total of 27,000 shaft horsepower (20,000 kW), with a target top speed of 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph).
However, actual performance varied significantly from ship to ship, often as a result of inconsistent workmanship during construction. To support these high speeds, the ships carried 225 long tons of fuel oil, providing an estimated operational range of 2,500 nautical miles (4,600 km) when cruising at 20 knots.
Armament and Combat Capabilities
While equipped for versatility, the primary offensive strength of the Wickes class was its massive torpedo battery. Each ship carried twelve 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes arranged in four triple mounts, allowing for devastating concentrated strikes.
For surface and air defense, the ships were armed with four 4-inch (102 mm) guns in single mounts. Anti-aircraft (AA) defense originally consisted of two 1-pounder guns, though a shortage of these weapons led many ships to be refitted with 3-inch (76 mm) AA guns instead. To combat submarines, the vessels were equipped with a pair of depth charge rails, and many were later upgraded with a "Y-gun" depth charge thrower.
Key Facts
- Top Speed: Designed for 35 knots.
- Power: 27,000 shaft horsepower from two steam turbines.
- Primary Weapon: 12 torpedo tubes in four triple mounts.
- Crew: 114 total personnel (6 officers and 108 enlisted men).
- Design Flaw: Yarrow boilers in Bethlehem Steel ships deteriorated rapidly.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 314 ft 4 in (95.8 m) |
| Beam | 30 ft 11 in (9.4 m) |
| Standard Displacement | 1,202–1,208 long tons |
| Fuel Capacity | 225 long tons |
| Main Guns | 4 x 4-inch (102 mm) |
| Torpedoes | 12 x 21-inch (533 mm) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Wickes class differ from the Caldwell class?
The Wickes class was an improved version of the Caldwell class, specifically designed to be faster and more capable.
Why were many Wickes-class ships scrapped in the 1930s?
Ships built to the Bethlehem Steel design used Yarrow boilers that deteriorated badly during service, making them unsuitable for continued use.
What was the primary weapon of the Wickes-class destroyer?
The primary weapon was its torpedo battery, consisting of twelve 21-inch torpedo tubes housed in four triple mounts.
What was the maximum intended speed of these ships?
The ships were designed to reach a top speed of 35 knots (65 km/h; 40 mph) using 27,000 shaft horsepower.
How was the anti-aircraft armament modified?
Due to a shortage of 1-pounder guns, many ships replaced them with 3-inch (76 mm) anti-aircraft guns.