SMS Arcona was the ninth member of the ten-ship Gazelle class of light cruisers that were built for the German Kaiserliche Marine in the late 1890s and early 1900s. The Gazelle class was the culmination of earlier unprotected cruiser and aviso designs, combining the best aspects of both types in what became the progenitor of all future light cruisers of the Imperial fleet. Built to be able to serve with the main German fleet and as a colonial cruiser, she was armed with a battery of ten 10.5 cm (4.1 in) guns and a top speed of 21.5 knots. Arcona was a modified version of the basic Gazelle design, with improved armor and additional coal storage for a longer cruising range.
Arcona passing under the Levensau High Bridge in the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal
Plan, profile, and cross-section of the Gazelle class
Arcona at her launching ceremony, 22 April 1902
Arcona in Reichsmarine service c. 1921–1923
The Gazelle class was a group of ten light cruisers built for the Imperial German Navy at the turn of the 20th century. They were the first modern light cruiser design of the Imperial Navy, and set the basic pattern for all future light cruisers in Imperial service. The design of the Gazelle class attempted to merge the fleet scout with the colonial cruiser. They were armed with a main battery of ten 10.5 cm (4.1 in) guns and a pair of torpedo tubes, and were capable of a speed of 21.5 knots.
A 1902 lithograph of Gazelle
SMS Geier of the Bussard class, one of the predecessor types that led to the Gazelle design
Plan, profile, and cross-section of the Gazelle class
Medusa passing under the Levensau High Bridge in the Kaiser Wilhelm Canal