Hector class battleship

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The Hector class battleships, HMS Hector and HMS Valiant, were the class which immediately followed the Defence class into service with the Royal Navy.

These two ships were classified at the time of their building as armoured frigates, and were essentially a repeat of the Defence class with somewhat greater speed, armament and armour protection. At the time of their design the Warrior class were still building, and the concept of the iron hull as opposed to the wooden had not been as yet universally accepted as necessary; or, indeed, as practical. The Board of Admiralty went so far as to issue a directive requesting a report on the suitability of the ships for use as transports with their armour stripped away.

Both ships on completion were found to be seriously overweight, with a draught a foot greater than had been anticipated. It was therefore found necessary to limit their supply of coal, which in turn limited their effective range under engine power, and confined them to service in home waters. Because of this extra weight they were the only broadside ironclads not to be equipped with either a forecastle or a poop.