Uu-class destroyer

Uu class destroyer as built

The ***Uu*-class** were a series of ten destroyers authorized by the 2nd Budget in 4AF (1926). Succeeding the troubled preceding *S-class* destroyer type, they introduced numerous new technological improvements and are generally considered as the first "successful" *grecken* destroyer design. It proved the basis of the subsequent *C*-class and *U*-class destroyers.

## Background

Following the *S class* destroyers and *O class* destroyer leaders ordered during the GCK's foundation Year, the naval staff issued recommendations regarding armaments and munitions for all subsequent *grecken* warships; the foundation year ships, for sake of expediency, utilized standardized pre-foundation Laurentin armament calibers and styles. Accordingly, it was specifically recommended that all subsequent destroyer designs utilize a 127mm caliber main gun, as opposed to the 102mm guns utilized by earlier types, which the recently organized *Allkommand* felt was insufficient for further use as a primary weapon; the 102mm caliber would be relegated accordingly in future designs to non-combatant ships and use as a secondary weapon.

Additionally, it recommended the replacement of the 12.7mm caliber for anti-aircraft work, based on experiences from during the Ptero-Greck conflict, instead recommending a caliber increase to 20mm in order to more effectively defend against aircraft at close range. Accordingly, the *Uu* class of 4AF (1926) sought to implement these recommendations.

## Design

### General Machinery

Leaning more heavily on the *O* class destroyer leader than the *S* class destroyers it supplanted, the *Uu* class introduced several technical firsts to the *grecken*; the first use of triple 24 inch torpedo mounts, the first use of the Type 4 1/127mm main guns, and the first destroyer to utilize the new Type 4 4/20mm anti-aircraft gun, which would remain standard on *grecken* warships as their short range AA defense for the next two decades. In terms of design philosophy, it also exemplified the growing disposition of *Allkommand* to build increasingly large and powerful destroyers in the light of the pacifistic uff de Laurent royal family's prohibition on construction of cruisers or larger ships, given their purported offensive nature. Noteworthily, the *Uu* class was the first *grecken* destroyer design to feature a fully enclosed bridge.

The class was subject to minor improvements throughout the course of its service, notably in the mid 10s AF (c. 1930s) when the type were refitted to incorporate surface search radar and ASDIC equipment.

### Armament

The heavier *Uu* class increased the gun caliber from 102mm to 127mm and added a third torpedo tube to each mount, considerably increasing its armament. Furthermore, the design spread the torpedo tubes more evenly across the hull length, benefitting the machinery arrangement of the design by allowing more even distribution of boilers and ventilation systems. Furthermore, the 8/12.7 anti-aircraft guns were replaced with the new 4/20 arrangement, while retaining their relative position in comparison to the preceding class. Twin 1/75mm AA guns, tightly grouped on the aft superstructure, concluded the type's anti-aircraft armament.

The *Uu class* represented a major improvement in destroyer design, but was ultimately eclipsed at the time in terms of technical accomplishment by the introduction of the *Fuyuki* class destroyers with enclosed turrets and armored torpedo positions by the Empire of Wakoku the same year. Generally speaking though, the type outgunned and outran comparable destroyer classes fielded in this era.

## Service History

As was the traditional expenses agreed upon during the early years of the GCK, each state would contribute two destroyers every four years; accordingly, ten of the *Uu* class were ordered in 4AF. The type's superior engineering has allowed it to have a long and healthy life; *SCK Uuulver* lays claim to the last confirmed sinking of a corsair submarine off of the Sutt-Urjou Islands in 11AF.

*SCK Uuarlock* and *SCK Uuereuuolf* both served as escorts to Deputy Admiral Ader's primary landing force in the Pongatar Islands during Operation Adroit in April of 19AF.

During the Four Day War, *SCK Uuendigo* was the GCK's only major casualty of the conflict, being crippled by an aerial torpedo during a "friendly fire" attack by Khal aircraft northeast of Reichenbach on 26 June 19AF. *Uuendigo* was kept afloat until after dark, then abandoned and scuttled by *SCK Expedient*; news of her loss was concealed for several months until the situation had stabilized, with 19 killed and 48 wounded aboard her.

*SCK Uuarlock* and *SCK Uuyvern* participated in The Caesulian Intervention in autumn of 21AF, and both contributed nicely to commerce raiding operations in the region

### Launched Units (TBD)

*SCK Uuarg*

*SCK Uuendigo (lost to Khavetti torpedo bombers, Operation Deliverance, 26 June 19AF)*

*SCK Uuereuuolf (Adroit)*

*SCK Uuraith*

*SCK Uuitch*

*SCK Uuarlock (Adroit, Caesulian Intervention)*

*SCK Uuyvern (Caesulian Intervention)*

*SCK Uuulver*

*SCK Uuaheela*

*SCK Uuyrm*