Diana

Ballistics

Armor Model

Overview

A competition for the design of an armored cruiser—a commerce raider—was announced by the Marine Technical Committee in 1894. In 1896, the project of a 6,000-ton cruiser was approved, and in May 1897, three ships were laid down. The lead ship, 'Diana,' was built on Galerny Island and launched in October 1899. At the end of 1902—early 1903, 'Diana' made the transition to the Far East, where it joined the Pacific Squadron. In July 1904, the cruiser participated in the Battle of the Yellow Sea, after which it broke through to Saigon, where it was interned. After the Russo-Japanese War, it underwent a major overhaul at the Baltic Plant. During World War I, the cruiser participated in operations on enemy communications, served on patrol duty, covered the actions of the Baltic Fleet's light forces, and took part in the defense of the Gulf of Riga and the Battle of Moon Sound. In January 1918, it participated in the Ice Cruise to Kronstadt.