USS Concord (PG-3) Ship Profile and Technical Overview

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Arizona Memorial in Honolulu
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The USS Concord (PG-3) was a patrol gunboat that served in the United States Navy during World War I.

It was launched on 17 January 1917, from the New York Navy Yard.

The USS Concord measured 165 feet 8 inches in length, and its beam was 35 feet 6 inches.

The ship had a draft of 9 feet 6 inches and displaced 560 tons when fully loaded.

Design and Construction

The USS Concord was designed and constructed to be a compact ship with good sea-keeping abilities. Its design was influenced by the layout of its sister ship, Yorktown.

The construction of Concord began in May 1888, when its keel was laid down. The mechanical design was based on the layout of Yorktown, developed by William Cramp & Sons.

The contract for Concord's construction was awarded to N. F. Palmer & Co. of Chester, Pennsylvania. The hull was sublet to the Delaware River Iron Shipbuilding & Engine Works.

Concord was launched on 8 March 1890, sponsored by Minnie Darlington Coates.

Armament and Specifications

A naval patrol boat sails through the deep blue water with a desert landscape in the background.
Credit: pexels.com, A naval patrol boat sails through the deep blue water with a desert landscape in the background.

The USS Concord's main battery consisted of six 6-inch guns, each weighing over 11,000 pounds. These guns were mounted in various locations on the ship, including the forecastle, poop, and gun decks.

The main guns fired 105-pound armor-piercing projectiles at 1,950 feet per second, with a propellant charge of 18.8 pounds. They had a range of 18,000 yards at an elevation of 30.2°.

The secondary battery included smaller guns, such as the 6-pounder, 3-pounder, and 1-pounder, all designed by the French arms company Hotchkiss.

Armament

The main battery of Concord consisted of six 6-inch (152 mm)/30 caliber Mark 3 guns, each weighing over 11,000 pounds (5,000 kg).

These guns were mounted in various locations on the ship, with two on the forecastle deck, two on the poop deck, and the other pair amidships on the gun deck.

The guns on the gun deck were 10 feet (3.0 m) above the waterline, while the other four were 18 feet (5.5 m) above.

Gigantic Warship Vessel
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Each gun fired 105-pound (48 kg) armor-piercing projectiles at 1,950 feet per second (590 m/s).

At an elevation of 30.2°, the guns had a range of 18,000 yards (16,000 m).

The guns were shielded with steel plating 3 inches (76 mm) thick for added protection.

Concord's secondary battery consisted of smaller guns, including two 6-pounder (57 mm (2.24 in)) guns, two 3-pounder (47 mm (1.85 in)) guns, and two 1-pounder (37 mm (1.46 in)) guns.

These guns were all based on designs from the French arms company Hotchkiss.

Specifications

The specifications of this particular model are quite impressive. The length of the barrel is 30 inches, allowing for a stable and accurate shot.

The weight of the gun is 12 pounds, making it manageable for most users. This is a significant consideration for those who plan to use the gun for extended periods.

The caliber of the gun is .45, which provides a good balance between power and control. This caliber is often preferred by those who value accuracy over raw power.

People observe US Navy ship behind an exclusion fence in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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The gun has a single-action trigger, which requires manual cocking before each shot. This can be a bit more labor-intensive, but it also allows for a more precise shot.

The magazine capacity is 6 rounds, providing a decent amount of firepower for self-defense. However, this can be a limitation in prolonged combat situations.

The gun is made of durable steel, which provides excellent resistance to wear and tear. This is a testament to the manufacturer's focus on quality and durability.

Technotes

The tech behind the armament is just as fascinating as the specs. The system relies on a high-speed data link to transmit targeting information to the missile.

The missile has a range of 100 km, which is impressive, but the real magic happens at speeds of up to Mach 2.5.

The system's fire control radar has a pulse repetition frequency of 1 kHz, providing a high degree of accuracy.

Each missile weighs about 50 kg, which is relatively light considering its capabilities.

The system's computer processes targeting data in real-time, ensuring a quick and accurate response.

The missile's propulsion system uses a solid-fuel rocket motor, providing a high thrust-to-weight ratio.

The system's operator interface is designed for ease of use, with a simple and intuitive layout.

Legacy and History

Military patrol boat cruising through ocean waters.
Credit: pexels.com, Military patrol boat cruising through ocean waters.

The USS Concord (PG-3) has a fascinating legacy that's still remembered today. In August 1915, two of its six-inch guns were placed in the War Garden of Woodland Park, Seattle, WA.

These guns were transferred from the ship after it saw active service at the battle of Manila. The Seattle Times reported that the guns were valued at $18,000 and were given to the United Spanish War Veterans Club of Seattle.

The guns were later known as Battery Dewey, and they're now on display at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, Washington.

Legacy

The Concord's legacy is a fascinating story. In August 1915, two of its six-inch guns were placed in the War Garden of Woodland Park, Seattle, WA.

These guns were previously used at the battle of Manila. They were brought to Seattle from Bremerton under the direction of the United Spanish War Veterans.

The guns were valued at $18,000, a significant amount at the time. The local veterans gained practical possession of the pieces when W. S. F. Quick signed a receipt for the government property.

Today, these guns are on display at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis, Washington.

Ex-Gunboat No. 3

Credit: youtube.com, Civil War Gunboats | Daily Bellringer

Ex-Gunboat No. 3 was a ship that served in the United States Navy from 1865 to 1889.

Built in 1864, it was originally designed for Civil War-era riverine operations.

The ship played a significant role in the early years of the US Navy's presence in the Pacific.

Ex-Gunboat No. 3 was decommissioned in 1889 and eventually sold for scrap.

Gretchen Gerhold

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Gretchen Gerhold has established herself as a prolific writer, covering a diverse range of topics including logistics, trade, and economic development. Her articles on container terminals and the logistics sector in India provide deep insights into the complexities of modern supply chain management. Focusing on the state of Kerala, her work on the economy and transport in Kochi highlights the region's significant contributions to India's economic landscape.

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