The ships displaced 775 long tons (787 t) at deep load and their crew numbered 70 officers and ratings.

The engines developed a total of 16,000 shaft horsepower (12,000 kW) and were designed for a speed of 28 knots (52 km/h; 32 mph).

[4] The Acherons had a range of 1,620 nautical miles (3,000 km; 1,860 mi) at a cruising speed of 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph).

[3] The primary armament of the ships consisted of a pair of BL 4-inch (102 mm) Mk VIII guns in single, unprotected pivot mounts fore and aft of the superstructure.

[5] Archer, the fourth ship of the name to serve in the Royal Navy,[6] was ordered under the 1910–1911 Naval Programme from Yarrow & Company.