Ariete class Torpedo Boat (1943)

Regia Marina: 16 Torpedo Boats: Alabarda, Ariete, Arturo, Auriga, Balestra, Daga, Dragone, Eridano, Fionda, Gladio, Lancia, Pugnale, Rigel, Spada, Spica, Stella Polare 1943-44.

The Ariete-class torpedo boats were the last of their type built in Italy ever. This group of sixteen ships classed as “Torpediniere da costa” and were a return to the more versatile and faster Spica, but as a larger, treaty-free, much improved variant, still designed for convoy escort and ASW operations. However they were laid down late and most were launched in 1943, some even in 1944 and thus almost all fell under german control. Most were pressed into service with the #Kriegsmarine following the Italian armistice in September 1943 (apart Ariete, commissioned before). They made the bulk of its operations in the Mediterranean until V-Day. https://navistory.com/ww2/italy/ariete-class-torpedo-boat.php #regiamarina #ariete #arieteclass #torpediniere #torpedoboat

Development

The Ariete (not for the battering ram but for the star Aries here) class was the last of all torpediniere in service with the Italian Navy, about thirteen when counting WW1 vessels classes as such. Since 1933 four modern class had been built:

The Spica class

They were the first, derived from ships like the sub-chaser Albatros and designed as scaled down destroyers such as the Folgore, they made the largest class until Italy entered the war in 1940 with 32 ships in three sub-classes, the last completed in 1939. They were criticized for trying to stick with the Washington/London treaties 600 tonnes (standard) limit when designed in 1933, that was “tonnage-free”. But they ended unstable and lacking strenght. All were named after stars.

The Pegaso class

Comprised only four ships, pre-series for a new type of “destroyer escort”, specialized ASW vessels that decreased speed for a larger, stable hull and better armament. Once the concept was validated in 1939, a new class was planned, the Ciclone.

The Ciclone class

It was the large scale adaptation of the Pegaso design. Larger, slower, more stable and strongly built ships that completely ignored treaty limits like their predecessors to find a realistic balance. Pure escort ships, they proved their worth in action albeit like the latter, losses were very heavy.
So for the fourth and last class of purpose-built torpodo boats, albeit still called “destroyer escorts” a succession, treaty-free also, to the Spica class, which losses were amounting, was designed in 1941.
They were essentially larger versions of the Spica-class for extra stability and strenght, yet still designed for escort convoys to North Africa, with a better ASW and AA armament. Of the 42 units planned, sixteen were eventually ordered and just one completed by the time of the armistice, Ariete, the class leader. Built at Sestri Ponente shipyards she commissioned on 5 August 1943… And she was also the only one to survive the war becoming the Yugoslav Durmitor from 1949…
To reach the desired objective of keeping a good speed, ideally as much as the Spica, but with larger dimensions and betetr ASW/AA armament, compromises had to be made, notably she had to have one of her three 100 mm (4 in)/47 caliber dual-purpose guns removed to just two. However the torpedo armament grew from four to six 450 mm (18 in) torpedo tubes, in two triple mountings on the centreline, like a fully grown destroyer. The anti-aircraft suite was also considerably enhanced, up to ten 20 mm cannons compared to the four to six 13mm Breda Heavy Machine Guns of the first Spica design.

Construction

Construction was also simplified to allowed faster production:
The bridge was no longer streamlined but 3-faceted, the lower hull portholes were omitted, the hull shapes and plating angles were somewhat simplified although they kept nice lines and flare, the stern was semi-transom with rounded edges, some equipments were omitted, but they kept all the essentials of the Spica. When the design was approved in 1942, some forty-two of this new class of “Improved Spica” were ordered in 1942 for compensation of heavy losses while escorting convoys to Africa for Rommel corps and the Italian army in Tripolitania. To keep speed with enlarged hulls, they also had more powerful machinery for 31 knots, but lower endurance. Less 100mm guns for less weight and extra stability free an extra two torpedo tubes t keept their A/S capability. But they had a significantly strengthened antiaircraft armament with each ship planned to have no less than fourteen AA cannons, with one twin German 37mm/54 FLAK, two twin and eight single Breda 20mm/65. However because of shortage of the 37mm they were never fitted, but later by the Germans when available.
Ansaldo shipyards, which had probably the largest and best design bureau of Italy, worked on the master plans. Supermarina gave them instructions for this redesign of the “Spica” class aiming to rectify certain shortcomings observed in service, and to modify them to feature increased propulsion power for greater operational range, maintaining a high speed, reinforcin torpedo armament, and providing the best anti-aircraft armament for their mission, as in 1942 allied air attacks on convoys multiplied.

Ariete as completed in August 1943

Construction was awarded to three yards: CRDA in Trieste, Ansaldo in Genoa and CNQ in Fiume. The ships werte laid down between March 1942 and February 1943, they were launched from March 1943 to May 1944 for the last, one was even only launched postwar in 1947. As for completions, all but one was completed by the Italians as seen above. It was hoped to deliver at least a dozen for the summer of 1943 but the industrial situation was dire by that stage, with the allies taking North Africa, resources dwinding, and the bombing campaign. She were both material and labour shortages, many delays and bottlenecks. The net result was that all but Ariete were captured at berth and some on their slipways, still fitting out at various levels of progress. Ariete was the only one commissioned in late August 1943, so a week before the armistice.
All the others were integrated into the Kriegsmarine, part of the long line of “TA” ships (Torpedoboote Ausland), then complmeted from January to November 1944, put to German standards, a process that delayed their entry into service. They had varied fates, see below.

Design of the class

Hull and general design

In short, the Ariete were a simplified, improved version of the Spica class, that looked at matching the impossible 600 tonnes standard limit for surface combatants. Being planned in wartime, these ships could be designed without anything but requirements and engineering limits. Despite this, they were 150 tonnes above the 600 tonnes limit, which was remarkably low, to be exact 745 long tons (757 metric tonnes) standard and 1,100 long tons (1,118 t) full load, for an overall length of 83.5 m (273 ft 11 in), a beam of 8.62 m (28 ft 3 in) and a draught of 3.15 m (10 ft 4 in). The hull ratio was 1/10.5 instead of 1/11 which enabled extra stability. Internal framing also used closer sections, with longitudinal reinforcements.

The general outlook was close to what existed already on ships of that era, with a single funnel, short bridge, forecastle provided with a raised bow, about 1/3 of the lenght, two 450 mm triple banks amidship with a flying bridge above, and a quartedeck house supporting AA. Both single gun mounts were on deck fore and aft. They had a crew of c150 officers, NCOs and sailors, and for these, two cutters amidship, plus life rafts, notably stacked close to the bridge and funnel. They also kept two paravanes aft. The AA mounts were mostly placed around the bridge for the best fire arcs. The open bridge atop the enclosed one protruded much ahead for space, as immediately above the enclosed bridge was the fire control tower. To spare topweight, engineers tried to shorten the bridge as much as possible, like on the Spicas.

Powerplant

The Ariete class were beamier and deeper to install larger steam turbines and boilers. They had 2 shaft 3èbladed bronze fitxed pitch propellers with geared steam turbines depending on the yards (licenced Parsons) like the Belluzo models, and they were fed by two 3-drum models boilers of the Yarrow type, also licenced, for a total output of 22,000 hp (16,400 kW) up to 22,300 hp in other sources, making for a contracted speed of 30 knots. On trials, they were however capable of reaching 31.5 knots, which was noted as their best speed, but in service, fully loaded, it was down to 28-29 knots. Service top speed was noted officially as 31 knots (57,41 km/h). The fuel capacity was also reinforced, partly due to the beamier and deeper hull and larger fuel tanks for 210-214 tonnes, making for 1,500 nautical miles at 16 knots, however that depends on sources. Others states 600 nm at 30 knots.

Armament

The ships lost the aft twin mount for two single ones, but gained to torpedo tubes, located amidship in triple banks as seen above, and a considerable AA artillery made of only 20 mm Breda twin and single mounts after the idea of a 37mm twin mount was dropped due to shortages. In complement theyr retained two Depht charge throwers for a total of perhaps 36-40 depth charges albeit there are certain sources on these. For the main guns, the ships had a fire control tower above the bridge.

OTO 100mm/47 Mod. 1937

The gun armament consisted of two 100 mm (4 in)/47 caliber dual-purpose guns in single mountings in ‘A’ and ‘X’ positions. These OTO 100/47 Mod. 1937 in single mounts and shielded (light 6 mm one) More.

⚙ Specs

Gun Length 196.3 in (4.985 m), bore 185.0 in (4.700 m), mass 6.2 tons (6.3 mt)
elevation of 45° (No AA fire possible).
Shell: HE: 31.3 lbs. (14.2 kg).
Muzzle velocity 2,953 fps (900 mps)*
Range: 31.3 lbs. (14.2 kg) HE shell/45° 16,840 yards (15,400 m).
Rate of fire: 8 rounds per minute.
Storage: c250 rounds and 60 starshell (by analogy to the Gabbiano)
*reduced later to 2,805 fps (855 mps) for dispersion.

Breda 20 mm

Instead of 13.2 mm twins it was decided to go for a full complement of twin Breda and single 20/65 Mod. 1935 guns. Ubiquitous piece of ordnance present on virtually all Regia Marina ships. Some ships were rearmed under German control. In all, the ships, by default of the twin 37 mm/54 AA planned and never installed, the Ariete class had a total of fourteen AA guns, with the 37 mm replaced by an extra twin 20 mm and eight single 20mm/65 Breda. The twins had the perculiar stagerred mounted barrels of this type, located around the funnel, in a triangle: Two abaft it, one behind, with enough fire arc to fire forward as well. Two of the single mounts were located either side of the bridge on deck sponsons, as the pair aft, abaft the “X” main gun on the quartedeck.

⚙ specifications Breda 20 mm AA

Weight: 330 kg twin, 72 kg single barrel mount
Dimensions: 1,87 m oa, 1.3 m barrel
Traverse/elevation: 360°, -10° a +80° (Mod. 39)
Powder charge 38 g
Round 20 × 138 mm B 0,34 kg, gas-operation, 12 rds clips
rate of fire: 240 rpm cyclic max, 150-120 rpm practical
Muzzle Velocity 840 m/s, crew 2-4.

450 mm Torpedoes

These Naples (Silurificio Italiano) torpedoes, were a MAS compatible 450 mm or 17.7 inches model. It might be either the Si 200 or W 200. Configuration two triple mounts amidship. The small warhead was 110 kg, so sinking a warship remained the exception, especially against cruisers. A torpedo hit on a destroyer could be fatal however, if well placed.

⚙ Specs Si 200/450 x 5.36

Weight 2,050 lbs. (930 kg) for 17 ft. 7 in. (5.750 m)
Explosive Charge 441 lbs. (200 kg).
Range/Speed 2,200 yards (2,000 m)/44 knots vy Wet-heater

⚙ Specs W 200/450 x 5.25

Weight 1,896 lbs. (860 kg) for 17 ft. 2.5 in. (5.250 m)
Explosive Charge 441 lbs. (200 kg).
Range/Speed 4,400 yards (4,000 m)/46 knots with Wet-heater.

Depth Charge Racks and Throwers

There were modello Modelo 1934/37 pneumatic launchers (from 1941 Mod. G throwers). Types possibly used:
B TG Monc. 50/1936: 141 lbs. (64 kg), 110 lbs. (50 kg) charge. Unknown sink Rate or Terminal Velocity or Settings. Designed and fired by the 30 cm (11.8 in) DC Throwers.
The B TG Scot. 100: larger model weighting 282 lbs. (128 kg) with a 220 lbs. (100 kg) intended for 43 cm (16.9 in) DC Throwers.
B TG Monc. 50/1917: 110 lbs. (50 kg), single setting
B TG Monc. 50/1927 4 Reg.: 110 lbs. (50 kg), 20, 40, 70 and 100 m (65, 130, 230 and 330 feet) settings
B TG Monc. 100/1927 4 Reg.: 220 lbs. (100 kg), 25, 50, 75 and 100 m (80, 165, 250 and 330 feet) settings
One illustration showing Ariete in 1944 sports no less than four launchers aft per side (8) and two rack at the poop, however further forward close to the TT positions, 8 more on simple cradles to be dropped like on MAS-Boats. So that would make a final dotation of 26 in 1944.

Sensors

Hydrophones

All ships had a baseline Italian hydrophone but in 1944, it’s well possible these ships received German sonars, S-Gerät if available.

Radars

Likely the German Fu.Mo. 21/40 radar if available.

Ariete in the co-belligerence, 1944

Drawing of TA-36 by Manlio Gay

Career of the Ariete class

Under the pennant AB she was built at CRDA, Trieste, laid down 3.1943, launched 7.5.1944 and completed by 11.1944. She was captured by the Germans while on the slipway in September 1943, completed and designated TA 42, sunk in the port of Venice on March 21, 1945, following an air raid.

Ariete was laid down at Ansaldo, Cantieri di Sestri Ponente, on 15 August 1942, launched on 6 March 1943 and completed on 5 August 1943. Only ship commissioned before the armistice. She was commissioned the same day she was officially completed, however, still not yet operational when the armistice was proclaimed on September 8, 1943. She was commanded then by Carlantonio De Grossi Mazzorin manned by an inexperienced crew consisting largely of recruits and “Maridepo”, degraded/rejected personnel, in La Spezia for sea trials. She was anchored in the roadstead at La Spezia when the announcement was made. She was the last to depart upon orders, joining Animoso. On the evening of September 9, she arrived at Portoferraio, as a gethring point for many ships from Tyrrhenian ports. On the morning of September 11, she left Portoferraio with six other torpedo boats for Palermo, controlled by the Allies and they arrived at 10:00 AM on September 12. She remained at anchor until the 18th was supplied by the US and on September 20, she left for Malta, sharing supplies with other Italian ships present. On October 5, Ariete departed with Orione, the destroyer Riboty, six submarines, back to the Mainland.

She was the only one in her class to take part in the co-belligerence (1943–1945), commanded by De Grossi Mazzorin (reassigned on July 26, 1944) and deployed for many Allied convoy escort missions until V-Day. Her hull was repainted in the standard allied dark hull scheme but she was not modernized. Post-war she was mothballed, waiting to the terms of the peace treaty. She was eventally attributed to Yugoslavia. In 1949, she was stricken from the Italian naval register, redesignated Y8 when handed over to the Yugoslav Navy on April 30, 1949. Reclassified as an escort destroyer, she was renamed “Durmitor” (pennant PE 53).
Under this name, she served until January 1, 1967, when stricken from the register and sold for scrapping.

Arturo was ordered from Ansaldo, Genoa, laid down on 15 July 1942, launched on 27 March 1943 and seized by Germany September 1943. Renamed TA24 and put to German standards, she was commissoned eventually likely in 1944, and like the other Italian torpedo boats on the West coast she joined the 10th Torpedo Boat Flotilla based at Genoa for escort and minelaying. On 22–23 December 1943, TA24, TA23 and the minelayer Niedersachsen laid a minefield off the north coast of Corsica. Both TBs could also carry mines.

In February 1944, the 10th TBF carried out four minelaying operations and bombardment operations (Operation Nussknacker) against Bastia in Corsica. TA24 madr five nights raids, notably on 1 March. In May 1944, the 10th Flotilla made four minelaying and two reconnaissance sorties, the four minelaying operations in June. On the night of 17/18 June 1944, TA24 and TA29 fell on five allied motor torpedo boats but survived the clash. TA24 continued on minelaying and reconnaissance missions by July 1944 with other chance encounters with the allies. On the night of 1/2 October 1944, TA24, TA29 and TA32 (former Dubrovnik) were about to lay mines off Sanremo when they fell on USS Gleaves while on patrol. Gleaves engaged them and the mission was aborted. TA29 collided with TA24 and they made for Genoa at max speed. The commander of Gleaves believed he sank two merchant ships. TA24 believed Gleaves was a French cruiser, and was hit. In fact they only had minor damage from the collision.

On the night of 17/18 March 1945, TA24, TA29 and TA32, last three remaining operational 10th Torpedo Boat Flotilla ships, carried out a minelaying operation off Corsica. While back they were spotted Allied shore-based radar at Livorno. HMS Lookout and Meteor rushed on intercept, making for the last major surface battle with German warships of the war. The two British destroyers took separate intercept courses to create a pincer. Lookout engaged first, hit both TA24 and TA29, immobilising TA29. Lookout concentrated on finishing off TA29. She took 40 hits. Meteor sank TA24 with shellfire and torpedoes. TA32 managed to escape but was later a write-off. About 30 of TA24’s crew were killed, the remainder rescued by Meteor.

The torpedo boat Auriga was laid down at Ansaldo NyD on 15 july 1942, launched on 1st april 1943 and completed on 28 december 1943. She was captured by the Germans on September 9, 1943, while in an advanced stage of fitting-out. She was completed and designated TA 27. She entered the 10th Torpedo Boat Flotilla of the Kriegsmarine, based in either Genoa and La Spezia, for missions of minelaying, shore bombardment, convoy escort and patrolling. She made several night shalling raids on Bastia, Corsica. On 18 February, TA27 left La Spezia with TA24 and TA28 to lay mines south of the Tiber estuary. They clashed with Allied naval forces near Civitavecchia (battle of the same name) and quickly retreated, TA28 being hit by a dud. They were forced to abandon the operation when TA 24 had a boiler problem forcing her to slow to 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph). They were later ambushed by Allied motor torpedo boats near Giglio island. They claimed two sunk. On 25 February, TA27, TA24 and TA25, were returning from a minelaying operation when mistaking in the night German Marinefährprahm (landing crafts) for allied vessels and a firce “blue on blue” firefight broke out. They drove the attention of nearby Allied motor torpedo boats. No ship was sunkk but all vessels were more or less damaged with dozens killed or wounded.
On 9 June 1944, TA27 was bombed while at anchor by three P-47 fighter-bombers in Portoferraio. Damage was heavy: She lost her AA, ws on fire from stem to stern by remained afloat. After 90 minutes, eight more P47 attacked, blowing off her stern. Without power or pumps, flooding went on until she capsized. Two men were killed. The wreck was partly blown up on 14 June and scrapped postwar.

Balestra was laid down at Quarnaro Fiume on 9 may 1942, not launched on completed. Captured by the Germans, while on the slipway in September 1943, redesignated TA 47, severely damaged on February 20, 1945, by Allied raidq. Postwar, she was claimed by Yugoslavia as a war prize. She was completed for Yugoslavia and renamed Ucka, recommissioned into the Yugoslav Navy in 1950 as an escort torpedo boat and active until decommissioned in 1967.

Daga was laid down at CRDA, Trieste on January 1943, lunched on 14 August 1943. Not ready in September 9, 1943 when she was captired by the Germans. Completed on March 1944 she became TA 39. No full logs but along with Spada she took part in the sinking of British motor boat ML-1227 on 5 October 1944. She was sunk 16 October 1944, scuttled after hitting a mine off Thessaloniki.

Dragone was laid down at Ansaldo, Genoa on 7.1942, launched on 14.8.1943. She was captured incomplete by Germany while still being fitted out and renamed TA 30. Completed in April 1944. Saw no action, she was only training and sunk near La Spezia on June 15, 1944, by British motor torpedo boats.

Eridano was laid down at Ansaldo, Genoa on 7.1942, launched on 12.7.1943 and completed in Marc 1944 after she was captured incomplete by Germany 9.1943 and renamed TA 29. No Logs. In research. She was lost on March 18, 1945, in the Gulf of Genoa while fighting against British ships.

Fionda was laid down at CNQ, Fiume on 8.1942, launched on 31.1.1943. She was captured incomplete by Germany in September 1943, standarized for the Kriesgmarine as TA 46. No logs, in research. She was sunk following an Allied air raid on February 20, 1945. Taken as a Yugoslav war prize, she was raised in August 1947 but neither repaired nor incorporated into the Yugoslav Navy and scrapped instead.

Gladio was laid down at CRDA, Trieste in January 1943, launched on 15.6.1943 and completed on 8 January 1944. She had been captured incomplete by Germany 9.1943 and renamed TA 37. She had an interesting career:
TA37 and sister ship TA36 were the first two Arietes of the Adriatic coast to be completed by Germany. They were used to escort convoys from Pola to the Aegean. On the night of 28/29 February 1944, TA37 and TA36, and the Gabbiano class corvettes UJ 201 and UJ 202 plus three R boats (Italian minesweepers) were escorting the transport Käpitan Diederichsen when attacked by the large French destroyers Le Malin and Le Terrible (Fantasque class) off the island of Ist. Le Terrible wrecked Käpitan Diederichsen with gunfire and a torpedo. Le Malin sank UJ 201 and hit TA37. Her engine room was flooded and she went dead. The French however broke off the action, mistaking the R boats for motor German S-boats. TA 37 survived and was towed back to Pola. Käpitan Diederichsen sank under tow.

TA 37 was repaired and returned to service. By September 1944, the still occupied islands in the Aegean were about to be evacuated when the RN attacked on 20 September when TA37, TA38 and TA39, assisted with the evacuation. On 22 September, they were caught by the destroyers HMS Belvoir and Whaddon in the Strait of Otranto. Speeding up at 30 knots they managed to escape unharmed. They continued east via the Gulf of Patras and Corinth Canal but on 7 October, TA37, UJ210 and patrol boat GK32 escorting the minelayer Zeus (carrying 1125 troops) were intercepted by the the destroyers HMS Termagant and Tuscan in the Gulf of Salonica. This time, the British directed fire on the TBs first, flooded their machinery space before finishing them off sunk by gunfire. TA 37 sank with 103 killed. But by focusing on the escort, the transport Zeus escaped. So it was a pyrric success for the axis as the soldiers landed to reinforced local Aegean defences of Kos and Leros.

Lancia was aid down at CRDA, Trieste on March 1943, launched on 7 May 1944. She was indeed captured on slip by German troops in September 1943. Renamed TA 41 she was allegedly completed in September 1944. Likely operational and used for some missions, she was destroyed in Trieste following an air raid on February 17, 1945.

Pugnale was laid down at CRDA, Trieste in January 1943, launched on 1st August 1943 and captured incomplete in September by the Germans. They completed her as TA 40 on August 1944. Severely damaged in an air attack on Trieste on February 20, 1945. Never repaired. Scuttled in the port of Monfalcone on May 4, 1945.

Rigel was laid down at Ansaldo, Genoa on 7.1942, launched on 22 May 1943. Captured incomplete by Germany in 9.1943, renamed TA28, completed (presumably) in January 1944. She was destroyed in dry dock in Genoa on September 4, 1944, following an aerial bombardment.

Spada was laid down at CRDA, Trieste in January 1943, launched on 1 July 1943. Captured incomplete by Germany 9.1943 (TA38). Presumably completed in February 1944. She was scuttled off Volos on October 13, 1944, after sustaining severe damage from an air raid.

Spica, named after the original Spica of the 1933 class, was laid down at CNQ, Fiume in January 1943, but not launched beforte 30 January 1944 and completed in September. She had been captured incomplete by Germany in september 1943 and renamed TA45. Mission logs unknown. She was sunk on April 13, 1945, by British motor torpedo boats in the Morlacca Channel.

Stella Polare was laid down at CNQ, Fiume in April 1942, launched on 11 July 1943, captured incomplete by Germany in September 1943. Completed as TA36 in early 1944, logs unknown. After she was captured by the Germans while in an advanced stage of fitting-out, sabotage preventing completion and she was repaired, completed for good, as 36. She sunk in the northern Adriatic on March 18, 1944, after striking a mine.

Read More/Src

Links

navypedia.org/ ariete.htm
en.wikipedia.org Ariete-class_torpedo_boat
gue.com plumbing-mysteries-adriatic
it.wikipedia.org Classe_Ariete
betasom.it regia-torpediniera-ariete/
navyworld.narod.ru Ariete2
marina.difesa.it/
en.wikipedia.org Torpedoboot_Ausland
german-navy.de/ captured torpedoboats
web.archive.org regiamarina.net/
web.archive.org/ warshipsww2.eu
piombino-storia.blogspot.com/
regiamarina.net/

Model Kits

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3D

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