The German destroyer Z4 Richard Beitzen was a Type 1934 class vessel built for the Kriegsmarine during the mid-1930s. Laid down at Deutsche Werke in Kiel on January 7, 1935, she was launched on November 30, 1936, and completed on May 13, 1937. The ship measured approximately 119 meters (390 ft 5 in) in overall length, with a waterline length of 114 meters (374 ft). She had a beam of 11.30 meters (37 ft 1 in) and a maximum draft of 4.23 meters (13 ft 11 in). Displacing around 2,223 long tons at standard load and up to 3,156 long tons at deep load, she was powered by two Wagner geared steam turbines, each driving a shaft and producing a combined 70,000 PS, enabling a maximum speed of 38.7 knots (71.7 km/h). Her range was initially projected at 4,400 nautical miles at 19 knots, though actual operational range proved to be significantly less due to top-heaviness and fuel retention issues. Armament included five 12.7 cm SK C/34 guns in single mounts, with a secondary anti-aircraft suite of four 3.7 cm and six 2 cm guns. She was equipped with eight 53.3 cm torpedo tubes and could carry up to 60 mines on her rails. The ship also featured anti-submarine equipment such as hydrophones and depth charge launchers, with later upgrades adding radar systems. Richard Beitzen saw extensive service during World War II, participating in mine-laying operations, convoy escorts, and naval engagements across the North Atlantic and Arctic. Notable events include laying minefields off Britain, involvement in the Channel Dash as an escort, and participation in the Battle of the Barents Sea. She endured multiple groundings and damage from air attacks and was repaired several times throughout her wartime career. After the war, she was allocated to Britain, used as a target, and ultimately scrapped in 1949. Her service record highlights her role in the Kriegsmarine’s efforts to disrupt Allied shipping and her importance as a representative of the early German destroyer design during the wartime naval campaigns.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.