primary component of an integrated coastal defense system proposed by Stosch. He designated the ships Ausfallkorvetten (sortie corvettes), denoting their intended use. In the event of war with a superior naval power and the imposition of a naval blockade, the Sachsen-class ships would sortie from fortified bases to attack the blockaders. They also had the task of breaking up landing attempts. The German railway network linked the bases so ground forces could be transferred to the sites of enemy landings. Stosch envisioned using the smaller of armored gunboats to support them, though these proved to be disappointments in service. Their roles imposed several design limitations on the vessels. The vessels were designed to operate in coastal areas, which required a shallow draft in order for them to be able to enter any port on the Baltic seaboard. They also required a heavy armament, in order for them to be able to engage any hostile ironclad on equal terms. Because Stosch envisioned only local deployments for the vessels, they had limited coal stowage, as they could easily replenish their supply. They nevertheless introduced two developments to the German fleet: they were the first capital ships built with a two-propeller arrangement and the first without a sailing rig. General characteristics and machinery The ships of the Sachsen class were long overall. They had a beam of and a draft of forward and aft. At the designed displacement, the vessels displaced . When the vessels were fully loaded, they displaced between and . Their hulls were built with transverse bulkheads and double longitudinal iron frames; iron plating covered teak backing. The ships had sixteen watertight compartments and a double bottom that ran for 60 percent of the length of the hull. The German navy regarded the ships as poor sea boats, with severe rolling, and a tendency to take on water. The ships had a very small turning radius, however, and were quick to answer commands from the helm. Their standard complement consisted of 32 officers and 285 enlisted men, and while serving as a division flagship, this could be augmented by an additional seven officers and thirty-four sailors. After their reconstruction in the 1890s, the ships' crews were significantly increased, to 33 officers and 344 enlisted men, and later to 35 officers and 401 enlisted men. The ships carried a number of smaller boats, including one picket boat, one launch, one pinnace,