[2] Propulsion was by a coal-fired horizontal double-expansion reciprocating steam engine with two cylindrical boilers driving a double screw.

The engines were rated at 614 indicated horsepower (458 kW), and designed to reach a top speed of 10.25 knots (18.98 km/h; 11.80 mph).

Two of the three vessels (Maya and Akagi) were built by the private-contractor, Onohama Shipyards in Kobe (a predecessor of Hitachi Zosen Corporation), and one (Chōkai ) was by built by the private-contractor Ishikawajima-Hirano Shipyards.

Atago was built by the government’s Yokosuka Naval Arsenal All four ships served in the First Sino-Japanese War of 1894-1895.

Maya and Chōkai were removed from the navy list in 1908 and were subsequently broken up in 1913.