The “PNs”, designed by the Pattison firm following a competition organized by the ministry, were built in large series, as well as by the Pattison shipyards, also by other national shipyards; the distinctive symbols of the units represented the progressive number of the torpedo boats, the constructor's initials and the place of construction.
The first 39 units constituted a first series built between the 1911 and the 1913; between the 1916 and the 1919 units were built from 40 to 69 which formed the second series; the last two units of the class, the "OLTs", formed a separate group with markedly different characteristics. They were solid units, of displacement between the 100 t (first series) and the 200 t (last series), equipped with good armament which went diversifying in the three basic and high speed series (27 knots) together with good autonomy.
Over the course of their long career, they provided excellent performances during the First World War. Not very visible at night due to their contained superstructures and dimensions, they were very suitable for night use; very maneuverable and quite marine; of easy and reliable exercise were without doubt the best coastal torpedo boats that made part of the Italian Navy.
Source: Military Navy
