Russian cruiser Rurik (1906)

The Rurik (Рюрик) was an armoured cruiser built for the Imperial Russian Navy in 1906. She is unusual in that she was built by Vickers in Barrow in Furness, England. The Russian Navy was not usually a customer of British shipyards. She is named in honour of Rurik, the semi-legendary founder of ancient Russia. Unlike her previous namesake, Rurik (1892), she has been described as one of the best armoured cruisers built with advanced sprinkler protection for the magazines. She was designed by KA Tennison and AP Titov and the contract was arranged by Basil Zaharoff. The ship had a prolonged work up while defects were rectified. She was the flagship of the Baltic Fleet during World War I and saw much action, being damaged by mines on several occasions. Worn out by 1918 she was hulked and sold for scrapping in 1930.

• Built by Vickers , Laid down August 1905, Launched 4 November 1906, Completed July 1909

General Characteristics

• Displacement: 15170 tons
• Length: 490 ft
• Beam: 75 ft
• Draught: 26 ft
• Machinery: 2 shaft Vertical Triple expansion steam engines, 28 Bellville coal fired boilers 20675 hp
• Speed: 21 knots
• Armament:
  • 4 - 10 inch guns (2x2)
  • 8 - 8 inch guns (4x2)
  • 20 x 120mm (20x1)
  • 4 - 47mm guns,
  • 2 x 18 inch torpedo tubes
• Armour: Krupp armour
  • Belt 6 inch max,
  • 8-7 inch turrets,
  • 8-6 inch barbettes,
  • 1.5 inch deck,
  • 3 inch casemates,
  • 8 inch conning tower
• Crew: 899

References

• Stephen McLaughlin, From Ruirik to Ruirik Russia's Armoured Cruisers in Warship 1999-2000. Conway Maritime Press
• http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/rurik1.htm
• http://web.ukonline.co.uk/aj.cashmore/russia/cruisers/ryurik2/ryurik.html

• See also Rurik (1892) - predecessor ship sunk at the Battle of Ulsan