Nautilus-class minelayer

The Nautilus class was a pair of light cruisers designed for minelaying operations. Nautilus was laid down in 1905 and completed by 1907, and SMS Albatross (1907) was laid down in 1907, and completed the same year. Both ships were built by the AG Weser shipyard in Bremen.

Design
The Nautilus class ships were equipped with eight 3.45 in (8.8 cm) SK L/45 guns. The guns fired 22lb shells at a muzzle velocity of 2133 feet per second. The guns could elevate to 25 degrees, for a maximum range of 10,500 yards. The ships also carried 200 mines.