The Bisson class were enlarged versions of the preceding built to a more standardized design. The ships had a length between perpendiculars of 78.1m (256.2feet), a beam of 8.6m (28.2feet), and a draft of 3.1m (10.2feet). Designed to displace 850-,[1] they displaced at normal load. Their crew numbered 80–83 men.[2]
The ships were powered by a pair of steam turbines, each driving one propeller shaft using steam provided by four Indret water-tube boilers. The engines were designed to produce 15000shp which was intended to give the ships a speed of 30kn. The ships carried 164t of fuel oil which gave them a range of 1450nmi at cruising speeds of .[2]
The primary armament of the Bisson-class ships consisted of two 100mm Modèle 1893 guns in single mounts, one each fore and aft of the superstructure, and four 65adj=onNaNadj=on Modèle 1902 guns distributed amidships. They were also fitted with two twin mounts for 450mm torpedo tubes amidships.[1]
The class is named in tribute to the French Admiral Hippolyte Bisson who sacrificed himself aboard the ship Panayoti in 1827 during the Greek War of Independence.
| Name | Builder | Fate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 September 1912 | Struck, June 1933 | ||
| 20 March 1913 | Torpedoed and sunk by off Durazzo, 18 March 1916 | ||
| 11 July 1914 | Struck, June 1933 | ||
| 15 October 1913 | Struck, 1933 | ||
| 31 March 1913 | Struck, 1934 | ||
| 19 April 1913 | Struck, 16 February 1926 | ||
The class served primarily in the Mediterranean Sea during the First World War, with Bisson sinking the Austrian submarine on 13 August 1915 and Renaudin being sunk by in return.[2]