OTO’s 1942 AS 450 Destroyer Escort project

This 1942 project was drawn by Cantieri Odero Terni Orlando (OTO), Lenghorn.

Aimed to act as a AA and AS vessel for all the operational conditions where a fleet destroyer would be a waste of precious resources, as in convoy escort duties.

According to the available documentation the purpose is to get a better design starting from the “Ape” (or “Gabbiano”) Corvette class via:

1. weaponry “almost equivalent” to a Destroyer;
2. AS capabilities equivalent to a AS corvette;
3. Minesweeping ability;
4. Very good seagoing ability;
5. Good autonomy via fuel saving;
6. Hull structure and facilities thought for heavy, continuous duty;
7. Very good maneuverability;

Specs:

1046 t., 1120-1160 standard load, 1450 full load, 1550 deep load;

• length 87.90, 82,80 (wl) * 10.83 * 3.13 (standard load);
• 4 diesel, 4 shafts, 10800 HP;
• 24 k;
• 15000 m. @ 16k;
• 3 – 135/45 aa (1*3);
• 6 37/54 (1*6);
• 2 450mm TT (1*2);
• 6+2 depth-charge thrower;
• Capacity for 46 Mines;Radar;
• Complement: 134 (8 Officers)The project was well advanced, up to the hull trials in the Froude’s tank.

(Source: “Il progetto “A.S. 450”, Storia Militare, April 1994 by Erminio Bagnasco)

 

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