The class comprised Äran, Wasa, Tapperheten and Manligheten.

The ships were equipped with 2 shaft reciprocating engines, which were rated at 6,500 indicated horsepower (4,800 kW) and produced a top speed of 17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph).

The main armament of the ships where two 8.2 in (21 cm) single turret guns.

Tapperheten and Manligheten were both laid down at Kockums Shipyard in Malmö and were launched in 1904.

The vessel was refloated in July by blasting the rocks out from under her, repaired and returned to service by the end of 1915.