Beaver gunboat. Gunboats: description, characteristics, types and history. Functionality and use of gunboats

In addition, the boat was used to patrol the economic zone. Participated in the suppression of the Yihetuan uprising and in the Russo-Japanese War.

Construction

Drawings of the gunboat were developed by Russian engineers and approved by the MTK on April 2, 1883. Steam engines with boilers had already been developed earlier at the Creighton and Co. plant. On May 28, 1883, an agreement was concluded between the Marine Technical Committee of the Russian Empire and the Creighton and Co. plant in Abo for the construction of a gunboat. According to this agreement, everything was made at the plant except the spar, rigging, chain steering ropes, sails, anchors with chain ropes, galleys, water desalination apparatus, copper shoulder straps for guns, compasses and navigation devices, lanterns and lighting accessories. The cost of building the gunboat was 580,125 rubles, of which 420,375 rubles were for the hull, 159,750 rubles were for the steam engine with boilers. The deadline is no later than May 31, 1885. The gunboat was named "Beaver". The ship's engineer, staff captain I. E. Fedorov, was appointed to supervise the construction.

Construction began in January 1884. The steel used for construction was tested in the workshops of the Kronstadt port for compliance with the requirements of the Ministry of Transport and Labor Code, and only after that was allowed to work. The Beaver was launched on April 10, 1885. During descent, the total displacement was 1230 tons.

On October 16, 1886, the gunboat arrived in Kronstadt, where sea trials continued. On October 30, "Beaver" developed at a measured mile highest speed at 12.14 knots. Also, weapons and spars were installed in Kronstadt.

Service

In 1886, "Beaver" was enlisted in the Baltic Fleet; in August 1886, under the command of Captain 2nd Rank A. Menshikov, it began its transition to the Pacific Ocean.

The Beaver arrived in Vladivostok. On July 11, 1887, the ship was officially listed as part of the Siberian naval crew.

End of 1887 - Carried out stationary service in Chemulpo.

In 1890, hydrographic research and survey work in the Gulf of America (now Nakhodka) under the command of captain 2nd rank P. S. Pavlovsky. During this expedition, the following were mapped: Bakhirev Rock (after the name of midshipman M. K. Bakhirev who discovered it) . . A.), Cape Musatov (named after the ship's inspector, midshipman A. A.), Cape Pavlovsky, (named after P. S. Pavlovsky), Cape Shvedov (named after the ship's junior engineer I. S. Shvedov) .

In 1891, the gunboat became part of the squadron of Nicholas II, who visited the Far East, and then cruised for security purposes near the Commander Islands and under the flag of the squadron commander Pacific Ocean Tyrtova Pavel Petrovich cruised off the coast of China and Japan. In 1891-1892, the crew under the leadership of the head of the Separate Survey Eastern Ocean captain of the KFS Stenin A.S. was examined and named after the commander, captain 2nd rank Boyle A.R., one of the entrance capes of Tsezyvay Bay (now Veselkin Bay) of the Ussuri Bay. On May 27, Enquist Oskar Adolfovich was appointed commander.

By order of the port commander dated March 14, 1892, the following Lieutenants were appointed to the Beaver boat: Mayet and Tyrkov as watch commanders, midshipman Lagoda as acting auditor, Stepanov as a mine officer, Lieutenant Shelting as a senior artillery officer, Lieutenant Chikhachev as a senior staff officer.

In the early 1890s, the boat was engaged in hydrographic work off the coast of Korea.

In the mid-1890s, on the northern coast of the Peschany Peninsula, Cape Chikhachev was named after the surname of the senior navigator of the gunboat “Beaver”, lieutenant of the KFS Chikhachev S.S.

In 1897, Cape Bobr was named in the Semenovsky Bucket (now Sportivnaya Harbor) of the Amur Bay - in honor of the gunboat "Beaver", at the beginning of the 20th century the name was changed to Cape Bobrov. Next, Vasily Arsenievich Boysman (previously, from 1892 to 1895, a senior officer) was appointed commander.

Yihetuan Rebellion

May 29, 1900 - As part of a detachment of ships under the command of Rear Admiral Veselago, she participated in the transportation from Port Arthur through Taku to Tianjin and Beijing of a land detachment under the command of Colonel K. A. Anisimov.

Years for shelling the forts in Taku from the international coalition were allocated: from the Russian squadron - gunboats"Beaver", "Korean", "Gilyak", destroyers No. 204 and 207; from the English - the gunboat "Algerin", the counter-destroyers "Fame" and "Whiting"; from the French - the gunboat "Lyon", from the Germans - the gunboat "Iltis", from the Japanese - the gunboat "Akagi" and the counter-destroyer "Kagero". Overall command, as the senior flagship, was entrusted to the commander of the gunboat "Beaver", Captain 1st Rank Dobrovolsky K.R. At Dagu they were opposed by 4 forts and four destroyers: "Hai Hua", "Hai Long", "Hai Qing", "High Si"; The cruiser Hai-Tien was also in the outer roadstead. In the evening of the same day, a meeting of ship commanders took place on board the Beaver. Then the ships went up the river, and, dividing into two detachments, took up positions: the Russians and the British at the North-Western Fort; Germans, French and Japanese at Tangu. At 0:50 a.m. on June 17, the batteries opened fire on coalition ships. A little later, return fire was opened on the fort from the ships "Beaver", "Gilyak", "Korean" and "Algerin". Next, the ships were joined by the Iltis and Lyon. "Gilyak", "Fame" and "Whiting" attacked the Chinese destroyers, captured them and took them to Tang. The Beaver blew up the fort's powder magazine with a successful shot. Later, Dobrovolsky K.R. published his book “The Capture of the Taku Forts.”

Russo-Japanese War

Since 1904, captain 2nd rank Mikhail Vladimirovich Bubnov was appointed commander; upon arrival in Port Arthur, M. V. Bubnov was appointed commander of the 2nd destroyer detachment. Captain 2nd rank Shelting Vladimir Vladimirovich was appointed instead.

Under the flag of Admiral Makarov, she participated in repelling the attack of Japanese fire ships on the Port Arthur roadstead.

On August 8, Russia, consisting of the cruiser “Novik”, gunboats “Beaver” and “Gremyashchy”, reinforced by destroyers during shelling of Japanese ground units, entered into battle with the Japanese OBK as part of the cruisers “Matsushima”, “Itsukushima”.

On October 20, 1904, she received severe damage from Japanese siege artillery fire, after which it was decided to remove the guns from the gunboat and transfer the crew to the coastal defense of the fortress. For military operations during the war, the commander of the boat V.V. Shelting was awarded the Order of St. George, IV degree, St. Stanislav, II degree with swords, and St. Anne, II degree with swords.

On December 2, 1904, Nikolai Fedorovich Misnikov, on a 10-oar boat from the Beaver, delivered dispatches from Port Arthur to Chief to Commander-in-Chief General Kuropatkin and Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Skrydlov.

On December 13 (26), 1904, the gunboat sank when hit by a Japanese 280-mm shell in the Port Arthur roadstead. In 1905, it was raised by Japanese divers and scrapped.

Commanders of MKL "Beaver"

• captain 2nd rank Menshikov A. - until 1897
• captain 2nd rank P. S. Pavlovsky - since 1890
• Captain 2nd Rank Boyle Alexander Romanovich - s?? to May 27, 1891
• Captain 2nd Rank Enquist Oscar Adolfovich - from May 27, 1891 to September 21, 1893
• captain 2nd rank Aleksandrovsky - 1894
• captain 2nd rank Molas Mikhail Pavlovich - from 1896 to 1897
• captain 2nd rank Boisman Vasily Arsenievich - from 1897 to 1898
• captain 2nd rank, captain 1st rank Dobrovolsky Kirill (Karl) Romanovich - from 1900 to 1901
• captain 2nd rank Liven Alexander Alexandrovich - from 1902 to 1902
• captain 2nd rank Bubnov, Mikhail Vladimirovich - from 1904 to 1904
• captain 3rd rank Shelting Vladimir Vladimirovich - from 1904 to 1904

In 1646, maneuverable combat ships with powerful weapons were used for the first time in France. These are gunboats that had several powerful cannons on the bow, usually from one to three. The vessel was a fairly large sailing-rowing boat. In most cases, boats were used to guard harbors, fight in lakes and rivers, and in the coastal zone.

Appearance in the Russian fleet

Since in Rus' at that time it was great amount long rivers and water areas, as well as lakes, then the construction of gunboats can be called traditional. This is due to the fact that no other ship could fight in such conditions. The first boats of this type appeared during the war with Sweden (1788-1790). Not only was it the basis of the rowing fleet, but the gunboats were a great success and became the most effective tool for firing on rivers and skerries.

It was essentially a gunship that was used for both defense and attack and support of Allied forces. The presence of falconets and large-caliber guns on board provided excellent fire support. Later, the so-called poles appeared, which were already equipped with a steam engine. They were used during the Crimean War.

Main models

After the warboats showed themselves with the best side, the decision was made to mass produce. In particular, gunboats were delivered to the Far East, where they were needed most. The first and most famous models were called "Brave" and also "Khivinets". Over time, engineers began to make improvements and produce Gilyak-type boats, but this did not bring success. The design had many shortcomings and did not allow for effective combat. Due to the lack of normal weapons, such gunboats did not receive further distribution.

But new models “Ardagan”, “Kare” and others appeared. A distinctive feature was that they were equipped with powerful diesel engines. Although this significantly increased the weight and complexity of the design, it made it possible to achieve high power, and therefore speed, which often became the determining factor during a naval battle. But soon they decided to improve the economically profitable "Ardagan" and "Kare". Moreover, this happened already during their launching. For this reason, almost half of the fleet went for modernization. A new type of gunboat has appeared - "Buryat".

Gunboat "Korean"

This warship was immediately sent to the Far East after construction, where it, in fact, served. "Korean" took an active part in the hostilities of 1900-1905. Thus, he was used against the Ihetuan uprising, better known as the Boxer Rebellion, and in addition, he took part in the shelling of Fort Taku. During the Russo-Japanese War, "Varyag" and "Koreets" were in the port of Chemulpo and defended Russian interests there.

So, in February 1904, “Varyag” and “Koreets” opposed an entire Japanese squadron of ships. There were no losses as a result of the battle, since it was fought at a long distance. The gunboat "Korean" did not reach the enemy, but the Japanese shells for the most part flew over. Since the boat was a combat boat, it could not be allowed to be captured by the enemy. When the crew transferred to the French "Pascal", the "Korean" was blown up and, consequently, scuttled.

Combat path traveled

During the battle, the Korean was hit by a single Japanese shell. A fire started in the bow, which was extinguished within 15 minutes. There were no casualties among personnel. When the crew arrived in St. Petersburg, the officers and command were awarded the Order of St. George, 4th degree, and the sailors were awarded the corresponding insignia.

In 1905, the Koreans raised the gunboat from the bottom and sold it for scrap. But we can say that the battle path did not end there, since in 1906 the “Koreets-2” was launched. The modernized version was equipped with more powerful weapons and had at least some protection. In 1915, this boat was also blown up to prevent the possibility of capture by enemies. This happened during the battles for the Gulf of Riga.

"Khininets" and "Sivuch"

In tsarist times, the Baltic Fleet included the youngest gunboat, the Khivinets. It passed preliminary tests successfully. During operation, it withstood various adverse conditions. "Khivinets" was built in 1904-1914, during the strengthening of the Russian fleet. But the design was developed back in 1898. Since no modification was provided, such gunboats, the drawings of which you can see in this article, had a very narrow functionality and were not used everywhere. But for quite a long time it served as a base for the construction of other warships. This is due to the fact that she survived in battles in which other boats sank to the bottom.

"Sivuch" is famous for its battle in Gulf of Riga, where in an unequal battle she was destroyed by German battleships. This happened in 1915 near the island of Kihnu. Although the German ships destroyed the Sivuch, they were forced to abandon further hostilities in the Gulf and retreated. The heroism of the personnel saved Riga from the German invaders. The gunboat was called the Baltic “Varyag” for her feat.

History of the ship "Borb"

If the cruiser "Varyag" and the gunboat "Koreets" were intended more for attack, then "Borb" was created exclusively for defensive purposes. This ship had the Gilyak base and left the shipyard in 1907, and the development project began in 1906. For the most part, it was used to protect the Amur River almost all the way to Khabarovsk. The designers put emphasis on autonomy and cruising range. But during operation, seaworthiness turned out to be at a fairly low level.

The Varyag and the gunboat Koreets were of great value to the country. These ships had high firepower, which cannot be said about the Beaver boat. There were no special weapons on board, so it was often used as a swimming base. After 21 years of service, she was scrapped. No prototypes were created for this project.

"Varyag" and gunboat "Koreets": functionality and features

These warships were among the most versatile during combat operations. The design was quite competent, which ensured a high degree of buoyancy even with damage to the hull. The functionality of the cruiser and gunboat was very extensive, but they were most often used:

• for the defense of coasts and ports;
• support of ground forces;
• landings;
• combating enemy infantry and navy;
• performing transport functions.

We can safely say that these were unique ships.

Ships of this type could be reconstructed depending on the purpose of use. Thus, there are unarmored variants, boats with an armored deck and armadillos. It is quite logical that they were used for various purposes. Armored-deck gunboats became the most widespread. With a small mass, they had sufficient protection. "Varyag" (cruiser) and the gunboat "Koreets" were significantly different from each other. The second was more maneuverable and mobile, ensuring the rapid transfer of troops if necessary. The second one was equipped with serious weapons and protection, which made it possible to enter into battle even with several opponents.

About the main characteristics

The designers paid the greatest attention to such indicators as speed and firepower. The larger the caliber of the gun and the number of guns, the more effective the use of the vessel was considered. As for speed, it has always been an important characteristic. Usually ranged from 8 to 15 knots. Depending on the purpose of use, the gunboat could be unarmored, which ensured maximum mobility. Protecting the most vulnerable places with armor plates is the most acceptable option. It was possible to achieve optimal speed and survivability. The battleship was protected on all sides, but swam rather slowly. On the one hand, it could survive many direct hits, but on the other, it became an easy target for more mobile warships.

Most often, gunboats were equipped with main caliber guns from 200 to 350 mm and auxiliary guns. The latter were often used 76-150 mm, but this was more typical of river gunboats. Automatic guns such as Zenit were installed. They tried to use machine guns as rarely as possible due to their low firing range.

Unique design solutions

At a time when artillery ships, that is, gunboats, dominated the sea, it was extremely important to constantly develop them specifications. That is why there are a huge number of models. The designers tried to constantly make any changes in terms of weapons or protection. The improvement of power units significantly influenced the cruising range and autonomy of the vessel.

For example, they tried to make river gunboats as light as possible. This significantly reduced the displacement and allowed the ship to be in shallow water areas. At the same time, naval warships were more massive and powerful. No special attention was paid to displacement; it was more important to ensure a high cruising range and impressive firepower.

Finally

Russian-made gunboats were famous for engaging in unequal battles with the enemy and often emerging victorious. This is a merit not only of the ship’s designers, but also of the crew, who bravely fought for their Motherland. In such cases, the Americans or Germans immediately retreated, not wanting to lose equipment and manpower. The Russians stood until the end. It was thanks to this that more than one naval battle was won. Plus, ours often used outdated weapons, which sometimes did not even allow us to penetrate the enemy’s armor. But all this did not stop us from fighting to the last. Vivid examples of this are “Korean” and “Varyag”.

Designed in Russia "For the needs of the Far East". The project was developed according to the tactical and technical specifications of the Marine Technical Committee (MTK), which provided for a displacement of 1100 tons, a speed of about 12 knots, an armored deck and reinforced artillery weapons. The ships were intended for stationary service and artillery support for their troops in the coastal theater of military operations.

The ship's hull was riveted from Siemens-Martin steel with a flat bottom and had a floor, upper and armored decks. The stem protruded forward under water, forming a spyron (ram). A stern 152-mm gun and four deck portholes were placed on the poop deck for additional natural lighting and ventilation for the commander's cabin and the officers' wardroom. Along the side sections of the upper deck, and along the length of the ship - from the bow 229-mm gun to the end of the stern, there were high box-shaped bulwarks, in which, along the sides, the suspended crew berths were stored. The armored deck consisted of 12.7 mm thick plates, which were located slightly above the waterline. Additional protection for the hull was provided by coal pits located under the cut of the armored deck. Heating of the premises was provided by steam heating. The ship was equipped with an armored conning tower. The main caliber bow gun was located in the bow semi-casemate and had a firing angle of 36° on board from the centreline, which was a characteristic feature of ships of this type. The cabins of the officers and the ship's commander were located in the stern, and the crew's quarters were located in the bow of the gunboat. The gunboat silhouette had one straight smokestack and two masts with a brig rig (the rig was later changed to three light masts).

The ship's unsinkability was ensured by dividing the hull into 7 compartments by waterproof bulkheads:

1. Capstan machine compartment, ram compartment, chain box, forepeak;
2. Crew quarters, skipper's storeroom, sail storeroom;
3. Team quarters, storerooms, crew chamber and bomb cellar for a 229 mm gun;
4. Boiler room, coal pits;
5. Engine room, coal pits;
6. Officers' cabins, aft crew chambers and bomb magazines;
7. The commander's cabin and officers' wardroom, tiller compartment, propeller shaft corridor.

The steering device included a steering machine, which was controlled from the steering wheels through a transmission system. The car was controlled by 1 semi-balanced steering wheel.

The anchor device included 2 permanent Hall anchors, 1 spare Hall anchor, stop anchor and rope, as well as a steam windlass for retrieving anchor chains. The windlass, if necessary, could be rotated manually using knockouts.

The means of survival included 1 longboat, 1 steam launch, 1 rowing boat, 1 whaleboat and 1 six-oared yawl.

The power plant is mechanical, two-shaft with two horizontal double expansion steam engines with a capacity of 570 hp each. With. each and 4 boilers located in one engine room and one boiler room. The steam engine is three-cylinder with one low-pressure, one medium-pressure, and one high-pressure cylinder. The machines operated on two onboard bronze three-blade propellers. The gunboat's full speed was 11.7 knots.

The ship's armament consisted of:

1. Of 1 single-barreled 229 mm Musselius cannon with a barrel length of 30 calibers, located in the bow of the upper deck. The gun was located on the central Pestich rotary machine in an armored semi-casemate and had a vertical barrel pointing angle from -5° to +11.5°, and a horizontal pointing angle of 72°. The barrel was rifled and equipped with a wedge lock weighing 606 kg. The time to rotate through a full angle using three calculation numbers was 1 minute. The firing range at a sea or coastal target at an inclination angle of +11.2° and an initial projectile speed of 597 m/s reached 5.5 km. Firing control was carried out visually. Weight artillery installation with the machine was 31.8 tons.
2. From 1 single-barreled 152-mm cannon from the Obukhov plant with a barrel length of 28 calibers, located aft on the poop deck. The gun was mounted on a rotary machine with a friction compressor and did not have an armor shield. The barrel was rifled and equipped with a wedge lock weighing 172 kg. The barrel is air-cooled, the ammunition supply is single unitary with manual loading. The installation calculation included 12 people. The vertical guidance angle of the barrel ranged from -6° to +12°, and the horizontal guidance angle - up to 130°. A cast iron projectile weighing 37.26 kg developed an initial speed of 535 m/s and had a firing range at a sea or coastal target at an elevation angle of +6° - up to 3.9 km, and at an elevation angle of +12° - up to 5.7 km. Firing control was carried out visually. The weight of the artillery mount with the machine was 8.5 tons.
3. Of 6 single-barreled 107-mm Krupp cannons with a barrel length of 20 calibers, located on the sides on the upper deck. The gun was mounted on a Baranovsky rotary metal machine with a hydraulic compressor and a spring knurl and did not have an armor shield. The barrel was rifled and equipped with a wedge lock weighing 56.5 kg. The installation calculation included 9 people. A cast iron grenade weighing 12.4 kg developed an initial speed of 373 m/s and had a firing range at a sea or coastal target at an elevation angle of +27.3° - up to 5.5 km. The weight of the installation with the machine reached 1.46 tons.
4. Of 4 five-barreled 37-mm Hotchkiss revolver guns with a barrel length of 20 calibers, located on the sides on the wings of the bridge. A bundle of five barrels was combined into one using two copper disks, and the barrel block was manually rotated by the gunner. The gun was installed in a copper glass, which was attached to the side or other part of the ship with six bolts. The rate of fire of the gun without aiming correction was 32 rounds. /min. A grenade weighing 0.5 kg developed an initial speed of 442 m/s and had a firing range at a sea or coastal target at an elevation angle of + 11 ° - up to 2.8 km. The weight of the gun with the lock reached 209 kg.

The ships were built at the Bergsund shipyard in Stockholm ("Sivuch") and at the Creighton shipyard in Abo/Turku/ ("Beaver").

The lead "Sivuch" entered service with the fleet in 1884.

In total, 2 ships were built from 1884 to 1885.

A gunboat (gunboat, gunboat) is a maneuverable warship, which is distinguished by powerful weapons. It is intended to conduct combat operations in coastal sea areas, in lakes and rivers. Most often used to guard harbors.

The appearance of gunboats

There are a lot of lakes, long border rivers and shallow coastal waters in Russia. Therefore, the construction of gunboats can be considered traditional, because other warships could not conduct combat operations in such conditions. However, before the outbreak of the First World War, no reinforcements were planned. In 1917, there were only 11 gunboats, some of which were launched at the end of the 19th century.

For most of these gunboats Civil War turned out to be the last. Only 2 gunboats survived it - “Brave” and “Khivinets”. Therefore, designers took them as the basis for the production of more modern artillery ships.

“Brave” is the oldest boat that was part of the royal heritage. She served in the Baltic for 63 years. Initially, for use, it was equipped with three guns (two 203 mm and one 152 mm). However, in 1916 it was modernized. There were now five guns.

“Khivinets” was created as a stationary weapon, so its firepower was based on only two 120 mm guns. But this boat had more comfortable living conditions.

After 1917, both boats were no longer considered for new production due to their advanced age.

Models

When the flotilla felt the power and endurance of the gunboats, it was decided to build them “for the needs of the Far East.” Moreover, despite the fact that before the war no new copies were ordered. The first prototypes were “Brave” and “Khivinets”.

After the modernization of the drawings, Gilyak-type boats began to be produced. However, they were much weaker; the designers tried to strengthen parameters such as cruising range. But it was not possible to do this. Since there were no high-quality weapons, gunboats did not continue to be built or used.

Then “Ardagan” and “Kare” appear. The distinctive features of these gunboats are the use of diesel power plants. Petroleum products at that time were the most affordable types of fuel, so Ardagan and Kare were economically profitable.

Beginning in 1910, the Navy Ministry decided to undertake large-scale modernization. Moreover, this happens when most of the gunboats are already prepared for launching and conducting combat operations. A decision is made to strengthen protection and all this affects the sediment. Therefore, more than half of the gunboats went for reconstruction. This type was called “Buryat”.

Thus, the models of gunboats were constantly changing, supplemented with modern types of weapons and defense structures. There is no such warship that would be their prototype since the time Russian Empire and up to modern times.

The legendary "Korean"

The gunboat "Korean" was used in the Far East to suppress the "Boxer Rebellion". She was part of the international squadron. During the battles, the gunboat received several serious damages, there were wounded and killed.

Before Russo-Japanese War The gunboat "Korean" was transferred to the Korean port of Chemulpo. The first-rank cruiser Varyag went with her. On February 8, the crew of the boat received the task of going to Port Arthur with a diplomatic report. However, the port was blocked, as a result of which the Korean's path was blocked. The ship's captain decided to turn back, after which the enemy destroyers attacked with torpedoes. Although today the option is being considered that the Japanese squadron only imitated this.

Due to the torpedo attack, the "Korean" fires two shots. They were the first in the Russo-Japanese War.

Based on the Korean project, many gunboats were built that are used today.

“Varyag” and “Korean”: the battle path

In 1904, at noon, the armored cruiser Varyag and the gunboat Koreets entered into battle with the Japanese squadron, which lasted about an hour. An entire Japanese squadron opposed the two warships. The gunboat took part in the final phase of the battle, repelling torpedo attacks. An hour after the start of the battle, the cruiser began to retreat, and the gunboat "Korean" covered its retreat.

During the battle, 52 shells were fired at the enemy. But at the same time, absolutely no damage or losses were observed on the part of the gunboat. Since the "Korean" was a warship with powerful artillery weapons, it could not be allowed to be captured. Therefore, at the Chemulpo raid, it was decided to blow it up. The crew of the boat moved aboard the French cruiser Pascal. He soon delivered the sailors to Russia.

The crews who fought the battle were awarded orders and insignia. A special medal was also established in their honor. This is how the cruiser and gunboat went down in history.

Young gunboat "Khivinets"

The gunboat "Khivinets" was the youngest representative of artillery ships in tsarist times. It was intended to be part of the Baltic Fleet. The boat is seaworthy, but it has also been used in river conditions. Moreover, it steadfastly withstood the tests of unfavorable conditions.

The gunboat “Khivinets” was ordered in 1904-1914, when the strengthening of the Russian fleet began. However, the model itself was focused on 1898. Unfortunately, after the release of the model there was no modernization, which became the reason for the narrow functionality.

It is impossible not to note the stamina and endurance of the gunboat. The fact is that she withstood battles where other, younger artillery warships were killed. This is probably why it was used for a long time as a prototype in the construction of ships.

Heroic "Sivuch"

The gunboat "Sivuch" died heroically in a battle with German battleships. That is why every year on September 9, the waves receive many flowers and wreaths from Riga residents and Russians.

On August 19, 1915, the Imperial Navy entered into battle with German battleships. It is not completely known what exactly happened in those distant and long days for the crew. But the battle near the island of Kihnu forced the German squadron to abandon further attacks in the Gulf of Riga, as well as bombardment of coastal fortifications. This was the main purpose of the German fleet's raid.

The gunboat "Sivuch" then saved Riga from casualties and destruction. The price of such a feat was the death of the ship, as well as the entire crew. At that time, the gunboat was even called the Baltic “Varyag”, so high was the heroism of the sailors.

Gunboat "Beaver"

The gunboat "Beaver" belongs to the Gilyak type. Such ships were intended to protect the Amur River all the way to Khabarovsk. In her downstream There were a small number of garrisons, and they should have been provided with artillery support. Since there were few objects, the design of the ships was based on a long cruising range, as well as autonomy. However, seaworthiness during practice turned out to be extremely low.

The value of gunboats of this type was minimal, since little attention was paid to armament during the design. During the First World War they were used as a swimming base. Naturally, they did not become designs and prototypes. Future ships took over only combat missions from these boats.

The Beaver was laid down in 1906, and a year later it was launched. In 1908, the gunboat joined the Russian fleet. Throughout the history of its existence, it also visited the Germans. It was captured in 1918 and converted into a swimming workshop. In the same year, the boat was transferred to Estonia. Although she was out of order, she was listed in the squadron of this country.

The gunboat served for 21 years, and in 1927 it was scrapped.

River (lake) and sea gunboats

Despite their great functionality, virtually all gunboats were used to attack coastal targets. The purpose of such attacks was to suppress the enemy's firepower, as well as reduce manpower. If the boat remained in close proximity from its shore, then its tasks were to protect coastal facilities and protect against enemy warships.

There are sea and river gunboats. Their main difference is weight. The former reach a mass of 3 thousand tons, the latter - 1500. Of course, based on the name, it is logical to assume in what places the gunboats will be used.

Functionality and use of gunboats

Gunboats are a variant of the most functional artillery ships. The design made it possible to use them in military operations in the coastal zone, on rivers and near archipelagos with small rocky islands.

Gunboats could perform the following functions:

1. Defense of coasts, ports, estuaries
2. Landing
3. Support for troops on the shores
4. Landing one's own and fighting enemy troops
5. Ancillary tasks, such as delivering goods

Depending on where exactly the artillery ship would be used, its design could change, and special buildings were erected. There are unarmored, armored and armored boats. The second option was most often used, since it offered relatively good protection, but was light in weight, which had a positive effect on maneuverability.

Main characteristics of gunboats

Based on the characteristics, it was determined where the gunboat would be used. There are three main parameters:

1. Displacement. Ships could be launched for protection and military operations in the seas or on rivers and lakes.
2. Speed. It is 3-15 knots. The speed depends on what kind of design the gunboat is endowed with. It can be unarmored, armored only in vulnerable places, or completely armored. Naturally, its weight increases, which negatively affects its swimming speed.
3. Armament.

Since the gunboats were combat, much attention was paid. They could be equipped with 1-4 copies of main caliber guns (203-356 mm). This design approach was focused on naval gunboats. River boats were most often equipped with medium-caliber guns (76-170).

Also, depending on the purpose, Zenit automatic cannons and machine guns could be installed on the deck. The latter were designed extremely rarely due to their short range.

Conclusion

Thus, it is impossible to meet two identical gunboats. Each copy is good in its own way, endowed with its own unique functionality. As history shows, many Russian gunboats could act alone against entire squadrons. This is a merit not only of the warships themselves and their designers, but also of the crew. Often, only his courage tilted the outcome of the battle in his favor.