WesWorld

So Hood and I have been batting a few ideas about, and while we're not yet done with our discussions, I thought it might be time to post a few designs to invite opinions.

I'll let Hood post the ones he put together.

Rocky inspired me to create this one.

Quoted

[SIZE=3]NAH-1, Brazilian River Hospital Ship laid down 1943[/SIZE]

Displacement:
250 t light; 256 t standard; 289 t normal; 316 t full load

Dimensions: Length overall / water x beam x draught
173.21 ft / 170.60 ft x 21.33 ft x 4.59 ft (normal load)
52.79 m / 52.00 m x 6.50 m x 1.40 m

Machinery:
Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
Geared drive, 2 shafts, 353 ihp / 263 Kw = 12.00 kts
Range 2,000nm at 12.00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 60 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
34 - 45

Cost:
£0.077 million / $0.307 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 0 tons, 0.0 %
Machinery: 21 tons, 7.3 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 99 tons, 34.2 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 39 tons, 13.5 %
Miscellaneous weights: 130 tons, 45.0 %

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
538 lbs / 244 Kg = 5.0 x 6 " / 152 mm shells or 0.6 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.14
Metacentric height 0.6 ft / 0.2 m
Roll period: 11.3 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 58 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.00
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1.70

Hull form characteristics:
Hull has raised forecastle
Block coefficient: 0.605
Length to Beam Ratio: 8.00 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 13.06 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 38 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 34
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 10.00 degrees
Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
Freeboard (% = measuring location as a percentage of overall length):
- Stem: 14.76 ft / 4.50 m
- Forecastle (20 %): 13.78 ft / 4.20 m (5.91 ft / 1.80 m aft of break)
- Mid (50 %): 5.91 ft / 1.80 m
- Quarterdeck (15 %): 5.91 ft / 1.80 m
- Stern: 5.91 ft / 1.80 m
- Average freeboard: 7.56 ft / 2.30 m

Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 73.4 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 88.5 %
Waterplane Area: 2,674 Square feet or 248 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 168 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 25 lbs/sq ft or 121 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0.98
- Longitudinal: 1.59
- Overall: 1.03
Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
Room for accommodation and workspaces is cramped
Excellent seaboat, comfortable, rides out heavy weather easily

Notes:
- NAH = Navio de Assistência Hospitalar
- The vessel is equipped with two 12t boats (based on landing craft) intended to operate independently of the hospital ship, going up rivers not accessible to the main ship, or carrying medical parties and equipment.

Breakdown of Miscellaneous Weights:
- 24 tons: two 12t flat-bottom transport craft (based on landing craft)
- 6 tons: air conditioning
- 20 tons: dentistry office
- 20 tons: optometrist office
- 40 tons: operating ward
- 20 tons: supplies

This ship is designed to redress the shortage (non-existence) of replenishment ships in the Brazilian Navy. A bit slow, but still within the boundaries.

Quoted

[SIZE=3]Almirante Gastão Motta, Brazilian Underway Replenishment Ship laid down 1943[/SIZE]

Displacement:
6,120 t light; 6,492 t standard; 17,915 t normal; 27,052 t full load

Dimensions: Length overall / water x beam x draught
536.01 ft / 524.93 ft x 63.65 ft x 28.87 ft (normal load)
163.38 m / 160.00 m x 19.40 m x 8.80 m

Armament:
4 - 1.46" / 37.0 mm guns (2x2 guns), 1.55lbs / 0.70kg shells, 1943 Model
Anti-aircraft guns in deck mounts
on centreline ends, evenly spread
4 - 0.79" / 20.0 mm guns (2x2 guns), 0.24lbs / 0.11kg shells, 1943 Model
Machine guns in deck mounts
on side, all amidships
Weight of broadside 7 lbs / 3 kg
Shells per gun, main battery: 3,000

Machinery:
Oil fired boilers, steam turbines,
Geared drive, 1 shaft, 7,654 shp / 5,710 Kw = 15.00 kts
Range 124,500nm at 12.00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 20,560 tons

Complement:
773 - 1,006

Cost:
£1.588 million / $6.352 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 1 tons, 0.0 %
Machinery: 198 tons, 1.1 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 3,421 tons, 19.1 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 11,795 tons, 65.8 %
Miscellaneous weights: 2,500 tons, 14.0 %

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
79,598 lbs / 36,105 Kg = 51,502.6 x 1.5 " / 37 mm shells or 11.8 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.44
Metacentric height 4.8 ft / 1.5 m
Roll period: 12.2 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 75 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.00
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1.79

Hull form characteristics:
Hull has raised forecastle, raised quarterdeck
Block coefficient: 0.650
Length to Beam Ratio: 8.25 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 22.91 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 28 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 42
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 10.00 degrees
Stern overhang: 6.56 ft / 2.00 m
Freeboard (% = measuring location as a percentage of overall length):
- Stem: 25.59 ft / 7.80 m
- Forecastle (15 %): 24.93 ft / 7.60 m (13.12 ft / 4.00 m aft of break)
- Mid (50 %): 13.12 ft / 4.00 m
- Quarterdeck (25 %): 22.31 ft / 6.80 m (13.12 ft / 4.00 m before break)
- Stern: 22.97 ft / 7.00 m
- Average freeboard: 17.31 ft / 5.28 m

Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 20.6 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 81.6 %
Waterplane Area: 25,236 Square feet or 2,345 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 617 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 84 lbs/sq ft or 412 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0.97
- Longitudinal: 1.26
- Overall: 1.00
Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
Room for accommodation and workspaces is cramped
Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

A coastal patrol boat capable of riverine work might be handy. Basically, a subchaser with the potential for other duties.

Quoted

[SIZE=3]108-ton Class, Brazilian Light Patrol Craft laid down 1943[/SIZE]

Displacement:
108 t light; 115 t standard; 137 t normal; 154 t full load

Dimensions: Length overall / water x beam x draught
116.91 ft / 114.83 ft x 18.04 ft x 5.25 ft (normal load)
35.63 m / 35.00 m x 5.50 m x 1.60 m

Armament:
1 - 2.95" / 75.0 mm guns in single mounts, 12.87lbs / 5.84kg shells, 1943 Model
Dual purpose gun in deck mount
on centreline forward
2 - 1.46" / 37.0 mm guns in single mounts, 1.55lbs / 0.70kg shells, 1943 Model
Anti-aircraft guns in deck mounts
on side, all amidships
4 - 0.79" / 20.0 mm guns in single mounts, 0.24lbs / 0.11kg shells, 1943 Model
Machine guns in deck mounts
on side, evenly spread
Weight of broadside 17 lbs / 8 kg
Shells per gun, main battery: 350

Armour:
- Gun armour: Face (max) Other gunhouse (avg) Barbette/hoist (max)
Main: 0.79" / 20 mm - -

Machinery:
Diesel Internal combustion motors,
Geared drive, 2 shafts, 971 shp / 725 Kw = 18.00 kts
Range 2,300nm at 15.00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 40 tons

Complement:
19 - 25

Cost:
£0.059 million / $0.237 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 2 tons, 1.5 %
Armour: 1 tons, 0.9 %
- Belts: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Torpedo bulkhead: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Armament: 1 tons, 0.9 %
- Armour Deck: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Conning Tower: 0 tons, 0.0 %
Machinery: 25 tons, 18.3 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 63 tons, 45.8 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 29 tons, 21.0 %
Miscellaneous weights: 17 tons, 12.4 %

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
271 lbs / 123 Kg = 21.0 x 3.0 " / 75 mm shells or 0.4 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.12
Metacentric height 0.5 ft / 0.1 m
Roll period: 11.0 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 53 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.13
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1.24

Hull form characteristics:
Hull has a flush deck
and transom stern
Block coefficient: 0.440
Length to Beam Ratio: 6.36 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 12.84 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 70 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 43
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 10.00 degrees
Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
Freeboard (% = measuring location as a percentage of overall length):
- Stem: 11.81 ft / 3.60 m
- Forecastle (25 %): 9.84 ft / 3.00 m
- Mid (50 %): 7.55 ft / 2.30 m
- Quarterdeck (15 %): 7.55 ft / 2.30 m
- Stern: 7.55 ft / 2.30 m
- Average freeboard: 8.60 ft / 2.62 m

Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 87.5 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 109.5 %
Waterplane Area: 1,362 Square feet or 127 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 160 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 23 lbs/sq ft or 112 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0.78
- Longitudinal: 9.10
- Overall: 1.00
Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is adequate
Room for accommodation and workspaces is adequate
Good seaboat, rides out heavy weather easily

Considering the dangers in the river, I would think that the NAH-1 needs a few anti piranha torpedoes.

And finally, I designed a real warship.

Quoted

[SIZE=3]Araguaia-class, Brazilian Destroyer laid down 1943[/SIZE]

Displacement:
2,200 t light; 2,361 t standard; 2,728 t normal; 3,022 t full load

Dimensions: Length overall / water x beam x draught
402.06 ft / 393.70 ft x 41.01 ft x 13.12 ft (normal load)
122.55 m / 120.00 m x 12.50 m x 4.00 m

Armament:
6 - 4.72" / 120 mm guns (3x2 guns), 52.91lbs / 24.00kg shells, 1943 Model
Automatic rapid fire guns in deck mounts with hoists
on centreline ends, majority forward, 1 raised mount - superfiring
8 - 1.46" / 37.0 mm guns (4x2 guns), 1.55lbs / 0.70kg shells, 1943 Model
Anti-aircraft guns in deck mounts with hoists
on side, evenly spread, all raised mounts
2 - 1.46" / 37.0 mm guns (1x2 guns), 1.55lbs / 0.70kg shells, 1943 Model
Anti-aircraft guns in deck mount
on centreline aft, all raised guns - superfiring
8 - 0.79" / 20.0 mm guns in single mounts, 0.24lbs / 0.11kg shells, 1943 Model
Machine guns in deck mounts
on side, evenly spread, all raised mounts
Weight of broadside 335 lbs / 152 kg
Shells per gun, main battery: 550
10 - 21.0" / 533.4 mm above water torpedoes

Armour:
- Gun armour: Face (max) Other gunhouse (avg) Barbette/hoist (max)
Main: 0.98" / 25 mm 0.59" / 15 mm 0.59" / 15 mm
2nd: 0.59" / 15 mm 0.20" / 5 mm 0.20" / 5 mm
3rd: 0.59" / 15 mm - -

- Conning tower: 0.98" / 25 mm

Machinery:
Oil fired boilers, steam turbines,
Geared drive, 2 shafts, 48,166 shp / 35,932 Kw = 34.00 kts
Range 7,500nm at 15.00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 661 tons

Complement:
188 - 245

Cost:
£1.865 million / $7.461 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 50 tons, 1.8 %
Armour: 21 tons, 0.8 %
- Belts: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Torpedo bulkhead: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Armament: 17 tons, 0.6 %
- Armour Deck: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Conning Tower: 4 tons, 0.2 %
Machinery: 1,188 tons, 43.5 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 827 tons, 30.3 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 528 tons, 19.3 %
Miscellaneous weights: 115 tons, 4.2 %

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
975 lbs / 442 Kg = 18.5 x 4.7 " / 120 mm shells or 0.4 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.18
Metacentric height 1.8 ft / 0.5 m
Roll period: 12.9 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 75 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.44
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1.13

Hull form characteristics:
Hull has rise forward of midbreak
and transom stern
Block coefficient: 0.451
Length to Beam Ratio: 9.60 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 22.86 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 67 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 66
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 20.00 degrees
Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
Freeboard (% = measuring location as a percentage of overall length):
- Stem: 22.97 ft / 7.00 m
- Forecastle (30 %): 22.15 ft / 6.75 m
- Mid (60 %): 21.33 ft / 6.50 m (13.12 ft / 4.00 m aft of break)
- Quarterdeck (15 %): 13.12 ft / 4.00 m
- Stern: 13.12 ft / 4.00 m
- Average freeboard: 18.51 ft / 5.64 m

Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 162.1 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 110.8 %
Waterplane Area: 10,704 Square feet or 994 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 90 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 40 lbs/sq ft or 195 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0.50
- Longitudinal: 2.21
- Overall: 0.58
Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is cramped
Room for accommodation and workspaces is adequate
Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform

Coal smoke may prove detrimental to keeping the hospital ship as sterile as possible (for the era), perhaps diesel engines?

As to the destroyer, she looks nice, but I must admit I feel it odd that Brazil would have an Automatic rapid fire gun. Wasn't the proliferation of said automatic guns a topic of discussion recently? Seems that perhaps standard issue DP may be more inline with the current state of technologic affairs in Brazil. I could he very wrong of course.

The guns of the Araguaia could easily be changed to the current 120mm DP model.

Here is my design, a small gunboat for the Amazon.

Paranaiba Class, Brazil River Gunboat laid down 1944

Displacement:
333 t light; 370 t standard; 492 t normal; 590 t full load

Dimensions: Length overall / water x beam x draught
183.34 ft / 180.45 ft x 34.78 ft x 4.99 ft (normal load)
55.88 m / 55.00 m x 10.60 m x 1.52 m

Armament:
2 - 4.72" / 120 mm guns in single mounts, 52.72lbs / 23.91kg shells, 1944 Model
Quick firing guns in deck mounts
on centreline ends, evenly spread
4 - 1.46" / 37.0 mm guns (2x2 guns), 1.54lbs / 0.70kg shells, 1944 Model
Anti-aircraft guns in deck mounts
on centreline ends, evenly spread, all raised mounts
6 - 0.79" / 20.0 mm guns in single mounts, 0.24lbs / 0.11kg shells, 1944 Model
Anti-aircraft guns in deck mounts
on side, evenly spread, all raised mounts
Weight of broadside 113 lbs / 51 kg
Shells per gun, main battery: 400

Armour:
- Gun armour: Face (max) Other gunhouse (avg) Barbette/hoist (max)
Main: 1.97" / 50 mm 0.98" / 25 mm -
2nd: 0.39" / 10 mm - -
3rd: 0.39" / 10 mm - -

- Conning tower: 1.97" / 50 mm

Machinery:
Coal fired boilers, complex reciprocating steam engines,
Geared drive, 2 shafts, 685 ihp / 511 Kw = 13.00 kts
Range 8,500nm at 10.00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 220 tons (100% coal)

Complement:
51 - 67

Cost:
£0.197 million / $0.788 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 14 tons, 2.9 %
Armour: 13 tons, 2.6 %
- Belts: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Torpedo bulkhead: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Armament: 10 tons, 2.1 %
- Armour Deck: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Conning Tower: 3 tons, 0.5 %
Machinery: 41 tons, 8.3 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 225 tons, 45.8 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 159 tons, 32.2 %
Miscellaneous weights: 40 tons, 8.1 %

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
1,693 lbs / 768 Kg = 32.1 x 4.7 " / 120 mm shells or 1.0 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.54
Metacentric height 2.1 ft / 0.7 m
Roll period: 10.0 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.08
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1.89

Hull form characteristics:
Hull has rise forward of midbreak
Block coefficient: 0.550
Length to Beam Ratio: 5.19 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 13.43 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 44 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 37
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 10.00 degrees
Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
Freeboard (% = measuring location as a percentage of overall length):
- Stem: 16.40 ft / 5.00 m
- Forecastle (20 %): 14.76 ft / 4.50 m
- Mid (40 %): 14.76 ft / 4.50 m (7.55 ft / 2.30 m aft of break)
- Quarterdeck (15 %): 7.55 ft / 2.30 m
- Stern: 7.55 ft / 2.30 m
- Average freeboard: 10.56 ft / 3.22 m

Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 62.7 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 159.8 %
Waterplane Area: 4,380 Square feet or 407 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 198 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 38 lbs/sq ft or 187 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0.89
- Longitudinal: 2.89
- Overall: 1.00
Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
Room for accommodation and workspaces is excellent
Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

Misc Weight
10 tons air conditioning
10 tons crew comforts
20 tons for accommodation for 10 Marines

Quoted

Originally posted by Sachmle
As to the destroyer, she looks nice, but I must admit I feel it odd that Brazil would have an Automatic rapid fire gun.

Actually, it's based on the semi-automatic 130mm mounting used by Chile. (Brazilian 120mm barrels, liners, etc are manufactured locally, while Chile makes the gunhouse and hoists; that's been the case since about 1937, IIRC.)

[SIZE=4]Analysis of the MIB, 1943 Onward[/SIZE]

[SIZE=3]Industry[/SIZE]
Shipbuilding
Brazil has three main shipyards, located at Rio de Janeiro, Macapa, and Manaus. The facilities at Rio de Janeiro (Arsenal de Marinha do Rio de Janeiro or AMRJ) comprise the most technologically capable of the MIB's facilities, with a 245m and 220m drydock, one 220m slip, and four 120m slips. Macapa (Arsenal de Marinha do Macapa or ARM) is a yard of secondary importance, with six 120m slips and one 70m drydock. Manaus, located in the Amazon River basin, is a minor shipbuilding center, with two 70m construction slips and two 70m drydocks. Due to the distribution of infrastructure, Rio de Janeiro is responsible for construction and repair of the largest warships, while Macapa constructs vessels of destroyer size or smaller, undertaking only overflow repair work of light craft. Manaus undertakes construction of riverine craft and seagoing craft which can reach the ocean via the river system.

Overall, Brazilian industry is technologically capable but depends upon foreign supply for many specialized systems. The Brazilian shipbuilding industry purchases foreign equipment primarily for reasons of cost, avoiding research and development costs when possible as a cost-saving factor. Brazil sources the large majority of steam turbines used in local construction from either Parsons in Britain or Blohm und Voss of Germany. Some coal-fired triple-expansion steam engines are still used in riverine warships in order to resolve fuel stockpile concerns. Diesel engines are sourced from Burmeister & Wain via Austral Obras Marítimas, B&W's South American distributor and manufacturer.

Most design work takes place in Brazil at the Marinha Imperial's NSDO (Naval Shipbuilding Design Office). The NSDO is divided into three major and two minor design teams, each of which is assigned their own design projects. Occasionally, outside assistance will be arranged for technically challenging designs, such as when the NSDO partnered with Chile's ASMAR to acquire the B-class submarine for local production.

Armaments
Brazilian naval artillery comes from a variety of local and domestic sources. The primary Brazilian intermediate caliber artillery system is the 120mm dual-purpose twin mount, used as a secondary gun on ships cruiser-sized and larger, and as the main battery on destroyers. The 120mm barrels are manufactured in Brazil by the firm of Companhia Brasileira de Cartuchos (CBC), while the turrets are manufactured by the Pacific Ordnance Works of Chile, which provided technical assistance to CBC in the creation of their barrel-forging system. CBC also constructs the Brazilian 37mm anti-aircraft guns in conjunction with Arsenal de Marinha do Rio de Janeiro. Prior to 1933 all 37mm guns were purchased from Nordmark, however deliveries ended with the start of the South American War. Brazil developed an indigenous equivalent to the Bofors 37mm mounting, and in 1943 began manufacture of a stabilized twin mount.

The local firm of Bernardini S/A Industria e Comercio manufactures 533mm (21") torpedoes to an Atlantean-developed export design.

[SIZE=3]The Fleet[/SIZE]
Over the past few years the MIB has invested heavily in carriers, acquiring three used vessels from Greece and one new-built vessel via Great Britain. Brazil has equipped them with EN-01 Vingador naval bombers from Chile and Milan fighters from France.

The MIB includes three capital ships: two BCs of German design and construction (and half-sisters of Argentine vessels of the same origin), and one ex-British "R" class vessel. The "R" has not yet been refitted in Brazilian service.

Thirteen cruisers consist of the majority of the force and fall into three broad categories. First are the four 15x15cm (6") armed ships of the Almirante Barroso and Almirante Saldanha classes, which have a good blend of firepower and protection. The same may be said for the 9x15cm-armed quartet of ships belonging to the Sagiterio class. The third category is composed of four ex-British cruisers of more dubious vintage (the Bahia and Amazonas classes), and the ex-Philippine Biliran.

At the end of 1942 the MIB fielded twenty-three DDs, although most of these ships are of modern construction. Three ships of the Margay II class, constructed in 1937, carry eight 120mm guns. The nine smaller Arara class ships, of Atlantean design, carry six 120mm. However, these ships lack hoist mounts, and their firing rate is lower as a result. This issue was corrected on the related Santos de Espar class, of which there are 5 ships. Both the Arara and Santos de Espar possess electronic radio-locating sets.

The MIB ended 1942 with thirty-six SS, including four under construction. Of these, the best vessels by far are the eight "B"-class fleet boats. These vessels were designed in Chile by ASMAR. The much smaller "A"-class coastal boats, designed in Brazil during the South American War, are of lower quality, lacking the size necessary to be effective in oceanic operations. This same holds true for the eighteen "C" class submarines purchased from Greece. Although refitted prior to sale, their performance is barely acceptable due to their small size and advanced age.

Few light craft or auxiliaries exist in the MIB at the present time. This heavily restricts the force's port and coastal security, as well as long-distance operations.

[SIZE=3]Analysis[/SIZE]
Strengths
The Brazilian Navy has a strong interest in submarine warfare, having developed both indigenous designs and licensed-built foreign designs. However, this practice was temporarily suspended in order to buy the C-class submarines. Brazil also has a strong cruiser and battlecruiser force composed of mostly modern ships. The carrier arm is also growing in strength, with the acquisition of the three secondhand Greek carriers.

Weaknesses
The quantity of destroyers is insufficient to adequately safeguard the security of Brazils carriers and capital ships. Similarly, coastal operations are hindered by a general lack of light combatants. A lack of auxiliaries, such as oilers and other support ships, also weakens the MIBs ability to operate at sea for longer durations or over longer distances.

An interesting set of designs...

I would agree with Sam that the river hospital ship would be better if powered by diesel engines. If a switch was made to diesels, I'd suggest electric drive - this would allow use of the main engines to provide emergency power to installations ashore in emergency or primitive situations - such as one might find in the Amazon region.

The replenishment ship is interesting, and the Brazilian Navy certain needs a few. I recall that Snip has posited a smaller support tanker design. Were any of them actually laid down? If so, the larger vessel is a good match. If not, perhaps more but smaller vessels would be in order. Depends in large measure on fleet doctrine.

The light patrol craft is workmanlike; handy and capable of adaptation. It certainly would be useful in a riverine situation as well.

I like the destroyer design - it is far more seaworthy than previous Brazilian designs and capable of keeping up with the aircraft carriers it is obviously designed to escort.

I see that coal-fired engines were adopted for the river gunboat design; given the fact that Brazil's coal reserves are minimal at best (most of the OTL coal reserves are in Gran Uruguay) I think that for logistics reasons diesel engines would be a better choice. Other than that, I like the design - reasonably handy size-wise, more than adequate armament for its role, economical to construct.

My two cents...

The idea of using coal is probably because he would be able to stuff trees in there as fuel and as you know, there are lots and lots of trees in the rain forrest that can be used for fuel.

Quoted

Originally posted by Rooijen10
The idea of using coal is probably because he would be able to stuff trees in there as fuel and as you know, there are lots and lots of trees in the rain forrest that can be used for fuel.

That was the idea. But I do rather prefer diesels...

You COULD have diesel AND coal fired. Won't really effect the sim to much, and the IC story could be an emergency boiler that provides enough power to run at cruising speed incase you run out of fuel, or the diesel's are damaged somehow.

Yes that would make sense. You could have two shafts for the diesel and the third shaft for the coal-powered engine if that arrangement works.

I've no probs switching to diesel, I just thought these vessels should be able to run on a range of stuff and have engines that are pretty solid and easy to repair.
Saying that, if Brazil has dumps of diesel oil along the river in strategic places then its not a problem.

Revised;

Quoted

Paranaiba Class, Brazil River Gunboat laid down 1944

Displacement:
303 t light; 338 t standard; 403 t normal; 456 t full load

Dimensions: Length overall / water x beam x draught
183.34 ft / 180.45 ft x 34.78 ft x 4.99 ft (normal load)
55.88 m / 55.00 m x 10.60 m x 1.52 m

Armament:
2 - 4.72" / 120 mm guns in single mounts, 52.72lbs / 23.91kg shells, 1944 Model
Quick firing guns in deck mounts
on centreline ends, evenly spread
4 - 1.46" / 37.0 mm guns (2x2 guns), 1.54lbs / 0.70kg shells, 1944 Model
Anti-aircraft guns in deck mounts
on centreline ends, evenly spread, all raised mounts
6 - 0.79" / 20.0 mm guns in single mounts, 0.24lbs / 0.11kg shells, 1944 Model
Anti-aircraft guns in deck mounts
on side, evenly spread, all raised mounts
Weight of broadside 113 lbs / 51 kg
Shells per gun, main battery: 400

Armour:
- Gun armour: Face (max) Other gunhouse (avg) Barbette/hoist (max)
Main: 1.97" / 50 mm 0.98" / 25 mm -
2nd: 0.39" / 10 mm - -
3rd: 0.39" / 10 mm - -

- Conning tower: 1.97" / 50 mm

Machinery:
Diesel Internal combustion motors,
Geared drive, 2 shafts, 600 shp / 448 Kw = 13.15 kts
Range 9,500nm at 10.00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 118 tons

Complement:
44 - 58

Cost:
£0.166 million / $0.663 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 14 tons, 3.5 %
Armour: 13 tons, 3.1 %
- Belts: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Torpedo bulkhead: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Armament: 10 tons, 2.6 %
- Armour Deck: 0 tons, 0.0 %
- Conning Tower: 2 tons, 0.6 %
Machinery: 15 tons, 3.8 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 211 tons, 52.3 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 100 tons, 24.8 %
Miscellaneous weights: 50 tons, 12.4 %

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
1,545 lbs / 701 Kg = 29.3 x 4.7 " / 120 mm shells or 1.1 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.40
Metacentric height 1.9 ft / 0.6 m
Roll period: 10.7 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 70 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.09
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1.86

Hull form characteristics:
Hull has rise forward of midbreak
Block coefficient: 0.451
Length to Beam Ratio: 5.19 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 13.43 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 42 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 38
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 10.00 degrees
Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
Freeboard (% = measuring location as a percentage of overall length):
- Stem: 16.40 ft / 5.00 m
- Forecastle (20 %): 14.76 ft / 4.50 m
- Mid (40 %): 14.76 ft / 4.50 m (7.55 ft / 2.30 m aft of break)
- Quarterdeck (15 %): 7.55 ft / 2.30 m
- Stern: 7.55 ft / 2.30 m
- Average freeboard: 10.56 ft / 3.22 m

Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 58.3 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 169.4 %
Waterplane Area: 4,006 Square feet or 372 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 195 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 39 lbs/sq ft or 190 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0.88
- Longitudinal: 3.30
- Overall: 1.00
Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
Room for accommodation and workspaces is excellent
Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather

Misc Weight
10 tons air conditioning
10 tons crew comforts
20 tons for accommodation for 10 Marines
10 tons future growth

Quoted

Originally posted by Brockpaine

Quoted

Originally posted by Rooijen10
The idea of using coal is probably because he would be able to stuff trees in there as fuel and as you know, there are lots and lots of trees in the rain forrest that can be used for fuel.

That was the idea. But I do rather prefer diesels...

The voyage of the Erlangen proves that you can run a coal-burner on timber, but it's not really efficient. No one in their right mind would design a ship that way at this point in time.

Doesn't matter if it is inefficient. As long as it works and with the millions of trees in the Amazone rainforrest, it can get the boat back to a refueling spot.

With diesels - and a bit more beam and miscellaneous weight.

Quoted

[SIZE=3]NAH-1, Brazilian River Hospital Ship laid down 1943[/SIZE]

Displacement:
250 t light; 256 t standard; 274 t normal; 289 t full load

Dimensions: Length overall / water x beam x draught
179.77 ft / 177.17 ft x 22.97 ft x 4.27 ft (normal load)
54.79 m / 54.00 m x 7.00 m x 1.30 m

Machinery:
Diesel Internal combustion generators,
Electric motors, 2 shafts, 339 shp / 253 Kw = 12.00 kts
Range 2,000nm at 12.00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 33 tons

Complement:
33 - 43

Cost:
£0.065 million / $0.261 million

Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 0 tons, 0.0 %
Machinery: 9 tons, 3.2 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 101 tons, 37.0 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 24 tons, 8.7 %
Miscellaneous weights: 140 tons, 51.1 %

Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
605 lbs / 274 Kg = 5.6 x 6 " / 152 mm shells or 0.6 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1.14
Metacentric height 0.7 ft / 0.2 m
Roll period: 11.5 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 50 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0.00
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1.46

Hull form characteristics:
Hull has raised forecastle
Block coefficient: 0.553
Length to Beam Ratio: 7.71 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 13.31 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 36 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 34
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 10.00 degrees
Stern overhang: 0.00 ft / 0.00 m
Freeboard (% = measuring location as a percentage of overall length):
- Stem: 14.76 ft / 4.50 m
- Forecastle (20 %): 13.78 ft / 4.20 m (5.91 ft / 1.80 m aft of break)
- Mid (50 %): 5.91 ft / 1.80 m
- Quarterdeck (15 %): 5.91 ft / 1.80 m
- Stern: 5.91 ft / 1.80 m
- Average freeboard: 7.56 ft / 2.30 m

Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 66.7 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 97.0 %
Waterplane Area: 2,847 Square feet or 264 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 174 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 25 lbs/sq ft or 122 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0.97
- Longitudinal: 1.40
- Overall: 1.01
Hull space for machinery, storage, compartmentation is excellent
Room for accommodation and workspaces is adequate
Good seaboat, rides out heavy weather easily

Looks good to me.