HMS Dragon was a Doterel-class sloop of the Royal Navy, launched at Devonport Dockyard on 30 May 1878. Built with a composite hull design, she featured wooden planks laid over an iron frame, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern construction techniques. Her dimensions and exact size are not specified, but she carried a crew of approximately 140 to 150 men. Powered by three cylindrical boilers, HMS Dragon's steam engine was a two-cylinder horizontal compound-expansion type, delivering around 1,006 indicated horsepower. This propulsion system enabled her to reach a top speed of approximately 11.5 knots. Her armament included two 7-inch (90 cwt) muzzle-loading rifled guns on pivot mounts and four 64-pounder muzzle-loading rifled guns—two on pivoting mounts and two positioned as broadside guns. Additional weaponry comprised four machine guns and a light gun, providing her with a versatile offensive and defensive capability. HMS Dragon was rigged as a barque, featuring square sails on her foremast and mainmast, with fore-and-aft sails on her mizzen mast, facilitating her operations during the late 19th century. She was ordered from Devonport Dockyard, laid down on 26 April 1877, and commissioned on 19 February 1879, shortly thereafter setting sail for service in the East Indies. Her notable service included participation in the Egyptian War of 1882, where under the command of Edward Grey Hulton, she landed a naval brigade at Suez, aiding in the occupation of the town and preventing its burning. She also contributed to efforts against the slave trade in the Persian Gulf and along the east coast of Africa during 1884 and 1885. After nearly a decade of active service, HMS Dragon returned to Devonport in 1890 and was subsequently sold for breaking in 1892. Her service exemplifies the Royal Navy’s role in regional conflicts and anti-slavery operations during the late 19th century.

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