The Guépard-class destroyers (contre-torpilleurs) were six ships of the French Navy, laid down in 1927 and commissioned in 1930. They were similar to the previous Chacal class, with a larger hull and with a slightly improved speed and gun armament with 138 mm guns of a new design. The first three ships bore 'animal' names like the Chacals, while the remaining three were given names starting with V, for two battles and a field-marshal. The class saw action in World War II.
Guépard class destroyer
The Chacal-class destroyer, sometimes known as the Jaguar class, were a group of six large destroyers (contre-torpilleurs) built for the French Navy during the 1920s. Their primary role was scouting for the battleline. All were named for predators: Chacal means jackal, and the other five were named for big cats.
Chacal before 1940
Forward 130 mm guns in superfiring single mounts 130 mm (5.1 in) Mle 1919 guns, main telemeter and searchlights on top of the bridge
Forward triple torpedo tube behind the funnel
Mid-section, with the middle 130mm gun, two anti-air canons de 75 mm modèle 1924, and rear torpedo tubes