NAVYPEDIA

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Pluton 1938

Ships

Name	No	Yard No	Builder	Laid down	Launched	Comp	Fate
Pluton			Arsenal de Lorient	16.4.1928	10.4.1929	1.10.1931	TS 4.1933, internal explosion 18.9.1939

Technical data

Displacement standard, t	4773
Displacement full, t	6500
Length, m	144.0 pp 152.5 oa
Breadth, m	15.6
Draught, m	5.18 full load
No of shafts	2
Machinery	2 sets Bréguet geared steam turbines, 4 small-tube boilers (2 F C de la Gironde, 2 Normand)
Power, h. p.	57000
Max speed, kts	30
Fuel, t	oil 1200
Endurance, nm(kts)	4510(14)
Armour, mm	shileds: 20
Armament	4 x 1 - 139/40 M1927, 2 x 1 - 47/40 M1885, 10 x 1 - 37/50 M1925, 6 x 2 - 8.80, 290 mines
Complement	424

Graphics

Project history

Built under the 1925 programme, was designed on the sample of British Adventure as minelayer for 250 mines and personnel transport for 1000 troops with armament. Armament consisted of 2 single 203mm and 2 single 138mm guns was originally supposed. However in this case ship would be considered as "A" class (heavy) cruiser which number has been limited by agreements.

Ship protection

only guns had light splinter protection.

Modernizations 4.

1933: - 8 x 1 - 37/50, 6 x 2 - 8.80; + 4 x 1 - 75/50 M1927, 6 x 2 - 13.2/76

Naval service

As minelayer Pluton practically was not used. 24.10.1932-27.4.1933 she has passed conversion to gunnery TS. Many rangefinders for training of cadets have been installed. Since June, 1940 ship should become ultimately training ship and been renamed La Tour D`Auvergne. Under this name she, basically, is known, though (contrary to a popular belief) actually has not received it. Pluton was lost at Casablanca on 18.9.1939 as result of internal explosion and followed 18hour fire.