Novik-class destroyers are a living legend of the Russian and Soviet fleet. By the beginning of the First World War, the fleet of the Russian Empire had qualitatively approached world shipbuilding standards. And one of the outstanding achievements of Russian technologists, engineers and shipbuilders was the Novik-class destroyers, excellent for their time. Thanks to their high seaworthiness and maneuverability, great autonomy, strong artillery armament and adaptability to mine laying, they solved a wide variety of tasks: reconnaissance, patrol service, disruption of enemy communications, raid operations on home ports, guarding their own convoys and transports. We can confidently say that Novik has become an analogue of Dreadnought among destroyer ships. The Novik itself was such a successful ship that design modifications to the project led to mass construction and the emergence of six “series” of this type. But we must not forget that the project was based on the experience of German shipbuilders. However, if Novik was a “blind copy of German designs,” then why were there no such excellent ships in the German fleet? And the battle between Novik and German destroyers in the Gulf of Riga on August 17, 1915 – isn’t this the “ultimate truth”? "Noviki" were simply the best in their class.