Marinha do Brasil: 3 Destroyers built 1937-43, service until 1972 The Marcilio Dias or “M class” were the first modern destroyers built in Brazil, at Ilha das Cobras shipyard, Rio de Janeiro, and based on the US Mahan class. They were completed after many delays in 1943, after seven years in construction but they did … Read more
Bahia, Rio Grande do Sul (1911) service 1911-1945 The Bahia class were scout cruisers built for Brazil by British yard Armstrong Whitworth on a modified Adventure-class scout cruisers. Three were initially ordered as part of the largest Brazilian naval plan so far (along with the Rio de Janeiro Battleships, destroyers and a support ship). Bahia, … Read more
Marinha do Brasil: Riachuelo, Aquidabã The first Brazilian modern Battleship: The ironclad Riachuelo was one of the main reasons which pushed the Congress, at the insistence of the USN admiralty, to built battleships, notably the USS Texas. At that time indeed, a naval rivalry between south American countries pushed Brazil, Argentina and Chile to order … Read more
Almirante Tamandaré (1890) Brazil (1890) The first modern Brazilian Cruiser – The Almirante Tamandare is certainly not world famous not change history but it was certainy a brave leap forward for the only Navy in South America which produced its own warships, at least when they were still manageable. The Tamandare, started in 1885 was … Read more
Minas Geraes, São Paulo (1911) The first South American dreadnought – The Minas Geraes class caused an immense sensation when it was revealed to the press worldwide. It was a bold move from the ageing Brazilian Navy, weakened by years of neglect whereas Argentina and Chile competing among themselves, modernized their fleet. In 1904 Both … Read more
