| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | Alecto-class sloop |
| Builders | |
| Operators |  Royal Navy |
| Preceded by | Stromboli class |
| Succeeded by | Driver class |
| Built | 1838–1842 |
| In commission | 1840–1865 |
| Completed | 4 |
| Lost | 1 |
| Retired | 3 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type |
|
| Displacement | 1,283 tons |
| Tons burthen | 800+58⁄94 bm |
| Length |
|
| Beam |
|
| Depth of hold | 18 ft 7 in (5.7 m) |
| Installed power | 200 nominal horsepower |
| Propulsion |
|
| Armament |
|
The Alecto-class steam vessels (SV3) later reclassed as Third Class Sloops, were designed by Sir William Symonds, the Surveyor of the Navy. The design was approved on 12 April 1839.[1] Initially four vessels were ordered and completed. A fifth unit was ordered (Rattler), but was reordered as a screw propelled vessel. And a sixth unit had been ordered but was requested to be reordered to a different design. The screw driven Rattler participated in the first of three 'tug o- wars with the Alecto. The vessels all participated during the Russian War. All had gone to the breakers by the mid-1860s.
Alecto was the second named vessel since it was used for a 12-gun fireship, launched by King of Dover on 26 May 1781 and sold in 1802.[2]
Ardent was the fifth named vessel since it was used for a 64-gun third rate, launched at Blaydes of Hull on 13 August 1764, captured by the French off Plymouth on 17 August 1779, recaptured in April 1782 and renamed Tiger then sold in June 1794.[3]
Prometheus was the second named vessel since it was used for an 18-gun fireship, Launched by Thompson of Southampton on 27 March 1807, assigned to harbour service in May 1819, then renamed Veteran on 2 May 1839 and broken in August 1852.[4]
Polyphemus was the second named vessel since it was used for a 64-gun third rate, launched at Sheerness Dockyard on 27 April 1782, converted to a powder hulk in September 1813 and her breaking was completed at Chatham on 15 September 1827.[5]