CUS McLean (DDL-1938+)

 

Back to Commonwealth Union of America ship list:

 

The advent of the large German, French and Italian destroyers started a trend where no navy wanted to be left behind or be so outclassed. Everybody built a large destroyer, most classing them as Destroyer Leaders to give them a purpose other than just being big. The CUA Navy was no different and its McLean class was a good blend of attack and defensive weapons with a decent torpedo armament for use on larger targets.

Even with the advent of WW2 the class was kept in production to act as leaders to the smaller 5/6 gun destroyers. The eight 4.5" guns gave a large volume of fire, which when coupled with the advances made in RADAR made these ships formidable opponents.

 

Displacement 2,600 tons std 3,300 tons full load
Length 384 ft
Breadth 39 ft
Draught 13 ft
Machinery 2 shaft steam turbines, 50,000shp
Speed 36 knots
Range 7000 miles at 15 knots (900 nm at 35 knots)
Armour Nil
Armament As built

8 x 4.5" (4x2)

6 x 40mm (3x2)

8 x 20mm (8x1)

Torpedoes 10 x 21" (2x5)
Complement 235
Notes CUS McLean

 

Depth charge thrower and what happens when the depth charge explodes.

 

Back to Commonwealth Union of America ship list: