Spanish Battleship Alfonso XIII - Technical Characteristics

Technical Characteristics

Construction of Alfonso XIII was authorized by the Navy Law of 7 January 1908. She was laid down on 23 February 1910, launched on 7 May 1913, and completed on 16 August 1915.

In order to avoid rebuilding existing docks, she was constructed with a shorter hull than a purely rational design required, and her class were the smallest dreadnought-type battleships ever built. Amidships freeboard was only 15 feet (4.6 m), and the main battery guns were 24 feet 6 inches (7.5 m) above the waterline.

With a single stack amidships, two tripod masts, and small superstructure, the Alfonso XIII had a broadside of eight 12-inch (305-mm) guns, each weighing 67.1 tons, firing an 850-pound (385-kg) shell at a muzzle velocity of 2950fps (902 m/s) with a maximum range of 23,500 yards (21500 meters, or 11.6 nautical miles), at a rate of fire of one round per minute. The four twin turrets were arranged with "A" and "Y" on the centerline, and the other two turrets in the wings ("B" to starboard, "Q" to port). This was done in preference to superfiring turrets, as was done in the South Carolinas, to save weight and cost. Alfonso XIII was able to fire a full broadside, and employ six guns in pursuit or retirement. The secondary battery was poorly laid out in casemates along the hull too close to the waterline.

Alfonso XIII was held up somewhat by a lack of materials from the United Kingdom as a result of the outbreak of World War I.)

Built for coastal defense and national pride, more than combat, the Alfonso XIII and her sisters provided Spain with formidable ships at reasonable cost. Unfortunately, due to rapid technological change at the time and the lengthy construction time of the class, Alfonso XIII was obsolescent before completion.