Built as scouts for the battlefleet Brazil had bought from Great Britain, these
two
ships were also built in Southern Africa as typical British cruisers. The Brazilians ships mounted 9.2" guns in triple mounts.
The Brazilian guns and turrets were built from new in Southern Africa. The guns
built for these ships were the same 'Norwegian' 9.2" as fitted originally to the
monitor / coast defence ships being built for Norway. (see
HMSAS Rhinoceros) These were very long ranged guns and would give the ships
an edge when undertaking their scouting duties. (see
Navweaps)
With a secondary armament of 9 x 4" in single AA mounts, the twins that the
Brazilians would have liked to mount on the ship were not available for two more
years. Thought was given to upgrading these weapons as the various refits fell
due. But the cost was always considered more than any advantage the change might
make. Quad 2 pounder and Hispano-Suiza 20mm rounded out the light armament.
Early 1940 and both ships were overdue for their electronics refit at
Simonstown. Until the Argentinian minelayers were neutralised, these ships would
remain part of the Fast Response Force. The Battle of the Uruguayan Shelf ended
the minelaying threat and both ships crossed the Atlantic to Simonstown.
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The Royal Navy had made note of the long range guns aboard these ships and would
request the ships join any task force that was liable to require land fire
support.
| Displacement |
13,500 tons std 16,250 tons full load |
| Length |
627 ft |
| Breadth |
66 ft |
| Draught |
25 ft |
| Machinery |
4 shaft steam turbines, 90,000shp |
| Speed |
33 knots |
| Range |
8500 miles at 16 knots |
| Armour |
4" side, 2.5" deck, 5" turrets |
| Armament |
As Completed 1934
9 x 9.2" (3x3)
9 x 4" (9x1)
16 x 2pd (4x4)
12 x 20mm (12x1) |
| Aircraft |
3 |
| Torpedoes |
8 x 21" (2x4) |
| Complement |
875 |
| Notes |
BNS Tocantins (Comp. 08/1934) BNS Goias
(Comp. 10/1934) |
Twin gun armed ships.
