3-074-887 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

H.M.S. Leander, 1883. 'This new ship...under construction by Messrs. Napier and Sons, of Glasgow, is an example of a class in which some provision has been made to compensate for the absence of armour-plating by water-tight subdivisions, and by placing the coal so as to protect the vital parts of the ship; but she is also fitted with a defence against vertical shell-fire, in the form of a steel protective deck 1½ in. thick, extending over the engines, boilers, and magazines. The armoured deck is to be slightly below the level of the water at the middle line, and curved down so as to be considerably below it at the sides...The engines, also by Messrs. Napier, are to be twin-screw, horizontal, surface-condensing, with high pressure, and with all the latest improvements, to develop collectively 5000 indicated horse power. With this, however, a speed of sixteen knots is anticipated; but it is possible that hereafter arrangements may be made for working with a closed stokehole and forced blast, in which case a speed equal to that of the Iris and Mercury may be obtained...The armament will consist of eight 6-inch breech-loading rifle guns, and two revolving guns of the same calibre. The Leander is also well supplied with machine-guns'. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.