Spica Class Torpedo Boat
The Spica-class were a class of torpedo boats of the Regia Marina (Royal Italian Navy) during World War II. These ships were built as a result of a clause in the Washington Naval Treaty, which stated that ships with a tonnage of less than 600 tons could be built in unlimited numbers. Thirty-two ships were built in total, between 1934 and 1937, thirty of which entered service with Italy and two which were transferred to the Swedish Navy in 1940. Although commonly referred to as torpedo boats, the Spica-class were similar in design to destroyer escorts (their design was influenced by the Maestrale destroyer class then in development) and were intended for anti-submarine duties, although they often had to battle aircraft and surface forces as well. The two units in Swedish service were classed as jagare (destroyers) until 1953, when re-classified as fregatter (frigates).
Twenty-three units were lost during World War II.
Read more about Spica Class Torpedo Boat: Design, Ships, See Also
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