Spica-class torpedo boat
Country of origin
Kingdom of Italy
Manufacturer3. Maj, Ansaldo, Sestri Ponente shipyard, Cantieri del Mediterraneo
The Spica class was a class of torpedo boats of the Regia Marina (Royal Italian Navy) during World War II. These ships were built as a result of a clause in the Washington Naval Treaty, that ships of less than 600 long tons (610 t) could be built in unlimited numbers. Thirty-two ships were built between 1934 and 1937, thirty of which entered service with Italy.
Called torpedo boats due to their smaller displacement, the Spica class had armament similar to destroyers (influenced by the Maestrale-class destroyer) and were intended for anti-submarine operations but also had to fight aircraft and surface ships. Twenty-three vessels were lost during the war, two were sold to the Swedish Navy in 1940. The class was called destroyers until 1953 and then renamed corvettes.
Called torpedo boats due to their smaller displacement, the Spica class had armament similar to destroyers (influenced by the Maestrale-class destroyer) and were intended for anti-submarine operations but also had to fight aircraft and surface ships. Twenty-three vessels were lost during the war, two were sold to the Swedish Navy in 1940. The class was called destroyers until 1953 and then renamed corvettes.
