The Doterel class were a development of the Osprey-class sloops and were of composite construction, with wooden hulls over an iron frame.The original 1874 design by the Chief Constructor, William Henry White was revised in 1877 by Sir Nathaniel Barnaby and nine were ordered.Of 1,130 tons displacement and approximately 1,100 indicated horsepower, they were capable of approximately 11 knots and were armed with two 7-inch muzzle loading rifled guns on pivoting mounts, and four 64-pound guns (two on pivoting mounts, and two broadside).Kingfisher was laid down at Sheerness Royal Dockyard in 1878 and launched on 16 December 1879.The primary purpose of ships of the Kingfisher's class was to maintain British naval dominance through trade protection, anti-slavery, and long-term surveying.