The River class, later designated as E class, marked the beginning of a new time. They were the first true ocean-going torpedo boat destroyers with a raised forecastle for increase seaworthiness and a balanced armament with artillery and torpedoes. Despite their top speed of only 25 knots, they were able to keep up that speed on the high seas, which their predecessors had not been able to manage. Most of them still feature a triple-expansion engine, but a few were already fitted with Parsons turbines. A major weakness, however, is their very short range.