In 1904 Brazil adopted an ambitious plan to renovate and modernize its Navy. The Naval Renovation Program was negotiated and enacted in December 1904 and envisioned acquisition of large number of vessels, including a dozen destroyers. In 1906 the program was modified reducing the total number of destroyers to ten.[5] These ships became known as Pará-class destroyers.
The ship had an overall length of 240 feet (73.2 m), a beam of 23.5 feet (7.2 m) and a draught of 7+5⁄6 feet (2.4 m). She was powered by 2 triple expansion reciprocating steam engines, driving two shafts, which developed a total of 7,014 indicated horsepower (5,230 kW) and gave a maximum design speed of 27 knots (50 km/h; 31 mph). During the trials the contract speed was exceeded, and the vessel was clocked at 27.25 knots (50.47 km/h; 31.36 mph).[3] Steam for the turbines was provided by two double-ended Yarrow boilers. During the trials Pará ran 26.337 nautical miles (48.776 km; 30.308 mi) to the ton of coal.[6] The vessel carried a maximum of 140 long tons (140 t) of coal that gave her a range of about 3,692 nautical miles (6,838 km; 4,249 mi) at 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph).[6]
The ship mounted two 4 in (102 mm) guns in single mounts. In addition, four 47 mm (3pdr) cannons in single mounts were deployed at the time of launching.
The official full speed trial for Pará took place on September 16, 1908 in the Firth of the Clyde. During a continuous three hour run with a 100 ton load, the ship exceeded her contract speed of 27 knots.[7]
Her first commander was Captain Felinto Perry.
Incidents during construction
On November 19, 1908, while leaving the Yarrow yard for GreenockPará collided with a hopper barge. The destroyer sustained only minor damage and proceeded to her destination.[8]
^"Disasters and Marine Notes". London Standard. 20 November 1908. p. 3.
Bibliography
Gardiner, Robert and Randal Gray, eds. Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press, 1985. ISBN0-87021-907-3. OCLC12119866.
"CT Pará - CT 2." Navios De Guerra Brasileiros. Accessed 27 August 2017.
"Pará IV." Serviço de Documentação da Marinha — Histórico de Navios. Diretoria do Patrimônio Histórico e Documentação da Marinha, Departamento de História Marítima. Accessed 19 August 2017.
