IRN Mustango (DDL-1936)
One of the first collaborations with the Germanic States shipyards which were trying to bring the Iberians into their sphere of influence. The latest Kriegsmarine destroyer design was given to the Iberian Navy whose designers altered the design from the 5-6x5.1" it was originally armed with to an armament that they could provide themselves, namely eight of the 4.5" guns in four twin turrets. This gave a very good large destroyer able to compete on an even field with the big French and Italian 'Destroyer/Cruiser' designs of the Mogador/Romani types.
With a heavy light AA armament of 2 pounder and 20mm cannons the ships could also be fitted for minelaying. These were the Iberian offensive minelayers. If a minefield was to be laid in enemy waters then this was the class of ships that did the work. Though smaller than the Almirante Cervera class AA cruiser conversion, these ships were better armed. Laid down in pairs the last pair completed during 1939 which meant the the whole class was available when Iberia entered WW2 in 1940.
| Displacement | 2,650 tons std, 3,350 tons full load |
| Length | 415 ft |
| Breadth | 39.5 ft |
| Draught | 16 ft |
| Machinery | 2 shaft geared turbines, 70,000shp |
| Speed | 37 knots |
| Range | 4500 at 15 knots |
| Armour | 1.5" turrets |
| Armament | 8 x 4.5" (4x2) 12 x 2pd" (3x4) 10 x 20mm (4x2 2x1) |
| Torpedoes | 8 x 21" (2x4) |
| Mines | Up to 40 mines could be carried |
| Complement | 330 |
| Notes | IRN
Mustango IRN Andalusian IRN Palomino IRN Apaloosa IRN Jennet IRN Asturcon IRN Pinto IRN Palafren |
Mustango class with modified bridge structure late 1943 early 1944.