However, the early designs lacked the range and speed to keep up with the fleet they were supposed to protect.

In 1892, the Third Sea Lord, Rear Admiral Jackie Fisher ordered the development of a new type of ships equipped with the then novel water-tube boilers and quick-firing small-calibre guns.

Six ships to the specifications circulated by the Admiralty were ordered initially, comprising three slightly different designs each produced by a different shipbuilder: These boats all featured a turtleback (i.e. rounded) forecastle that was characteristic of early British TBDs.

They produced 4,200 hp (3,100 kW) from a pair of Thornycroft water-tube boilers, giving them a top speed of 27 knots.

In common with subsequent early Thornycroft boats, they had sloping sterns and double rudders.