Swiftsure-class ironclad

HMS Swiftsure sometime after she was converted to barque rig during an 1879-1881 refit.
Class overview
BuildersPalmers Shipbuilding and Iron Company, Jarrow
Operators Royal Navy
Preceded byAudacious-class
Built1868–1873
In commission1872–1921
Planned2
Completed2
General characteristics
TypeIronclad warship
Displacement6,910 long tons (7,020 t)
Length280 ft (85 m)
Beam55 ft (17 m)
Draught
  • 24 ft 5 in (7.44 m) light
  • 26 ft 1 in (7.95 m) deep load
Propulsion
  • One-shaft Maudslay 2-cylinder HRCR
  • 6 boilers
  • 4,910 ihp
Sail planShip-rigged, sail area 41,900 sq ft (3,890 m2)
Speed14 knots (16 mph; 26 km/h) under power
Complement450
Armament
  • 10 × 9-inch (230 mm) muzzle-loading rifles
  • 4 × 6-inch (150 mm) muzzle-loading rifles
  • 6 × 20-pounder saluting cannon
Armour
  • Belt: 6–8 inches (150–200 mm)
  • Battery: 4–6 inches (100–150 mm)
  • Bulkheads: 4–5 inches (100–130 mm)

The Swiftsure class battleships of the late Victorian era were broadside ironclads designed and built specifically for service as Flagships on the Pacific station.