NRP Gonçalo Velho
 | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Portuguese NavyPortugal | |
| Name: | NRP Gonçalo Velho |
| Builder: | Hawthorn-Leslie (UK) |
| Launched: | 1932 |
| Decommissioned: | 1964 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type: | Gonçalo Velho class |
| Displacement: | 1,785 t |
| Length: | 81.5 m (267 ft) |
| Beam: | 10.8 m (35 ft) |
| Draught: | 3.5 m (11 ft) |
| Propulsion: | 2 turbines; 2,000 hp |
| Speed: | 16.5 knots (30.6 km/h) |
| Complement: | 140 |
| Armament: |
|
The NRP Gonçalo Velho was a 2nd class sloop (aviso de 2ª classe) of the Portuguese Navy. She was designed to operate in the overseas territories of Portugal.
Construction and design
In 1930, Portugal set up a 10-year plan to modernise its Navy. As part of this programme, a contract was placed with the British shipbuilder Hawthorn Leslie for two sloops, to be named Gonçalo Velho and Gonçalves Zarco. They were based on the Royal Navy's Bridgewater-class sloops, but with a heavier armament and omitting the minesweeping equipment of the British ships.[1]
Gonçalo Velho's hull was 81.69 metres (268 ft 0 in) long overall and 76.20 metres (250 ft 0 in) between perpendiculars, with a beam of 10.82 metres (35 ft 6 in) and a draught of 3.43 metres (11 ft 3 in). Two Yarrow boilers fed Parsons geared steam turbines, giving 2,000 shaft horsepower (1,500 kW) and driving two propeller shafts, with a design speed of 16.5 knots (30.6 km/h; 19.0 mph). 470 tons of oil were carried giving a range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,000 km; 6,900 mi) at 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph).[2]
Armament consisted of three 120 mm (4.7 in) guns in single mounts on the ship's centreline, with two forward and one aft. Four 2-pounder (40 mm) pom-pom anti aircraft guns were fitted, while four depth charge throwers provided an anti-submarine armament.[2]
Gonçalo Velho was laid down on 9 October 1931, and launched on 3 August 1932.[3]
References
- Blackman, Raymond V. B. (1960). Jane's Fighting Ships 1960–61. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Co., Ltd.
- Gardiner, Robert; Chesneau, Roger (1980). Conway's All The World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946. London: Conway Maritime Press. ISBN 0-85177-146-7.