Almirante Latorre Class

(some parts taken from Shipbucket.com)

Ship Characteristics

Dimensions	Length	665 ft
	Beam	63 ft
	Draft	22.5 ft
	Displacement (Standard)	16,830 tons
	Displacement (Full Load)	18,340 tons
Performance	Speed (max)	32.5 knots
	Speed (Cruising)	15 knots
	Endurance	8,000 nm. at 15 knots
Armament	Medium Guns	12 6.1 inch L55
	AA Guns	16 3.9 inch L65
	Light guns	36 25mm L75
Armor	Belt	4.75 inches
	Deck	3.25 inches

Background

In 1955 the Chilean Navy decided on a major fleet upgrade that would see a rebuild of its naval strength. The primary objective was to establish a new surface combatants squadron that would replace the old mix of pre-WW2 destroyers and cruisers. Therefore, tenders were issued for the supply of two cruisers and six destroyers. In a curious decision that appears driven by a desire to diversify sources of supply, the two cruisers were ordered from Japan while the destroyers were ordered from the UK.

Class Members

Name	Ordered	Laid Down	Launched	Commissioned	Fate
Almirante Latorre	1956	1957	1960	1962	Still in service
Almirante Cochrane	1956	1957	1961	1963	Still in service