Graudenz class light cruiser
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| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders: | Kiel Navy Yard, AG Weser |
| Operators: | German Imperial Navy |
| Preceded by: | Karlsruhe class |
| Succeeded by: | Pllau class |
| Built: | 1912-1915 |
| In commission: | 1914-1944 |
| Planned: | 2 |
| Completed: | 2 |
| Active: | 0 |
| Retired: | 2 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type: | Graudenz class light cruiser |
| Displacement: | 4,900 tonnes normal load 6,191 tonnes full load |
| Length: | 142.2 m |
| Beam: | 13.7 m |
| Draft: | 5.79 m |
| Propulsion: | 2 shaft Navy turbines, 26,000 shp |
| Speed: | 27.5 knots (50.9 km/h) |
| Crew: | 385 |
| Armament: |
As constructed: 12 x 105mm (4.1in) SKL/ 45cal (12 x 1), 2 x 500mm (19.7in) TT |
| Armor: | Belt= .5 - 2.5 inches Deck=1 - 2.5 inches |
The Graudenz class of light cruisers was a class of two ships built for the German Imperial Navy. The ships were laid down in 1912, and completed within the first few months of World War I.
Contents |
[edit] Design
[edit] Dimensions and machinery
The ships of the Graudenz class were 139 m at the waterline, and 142.2 m overall. The ships had a beam of 13.7 m, a draught of 5.79 m, and displaced 4,900 tonnes with a normal load, and 6,191 tonnes at full load. The ships had the typical propulsion system for German light cruisers at the time: 2 shaft Navy turbines, which delivered 26,000 shp, and a top speed of 27.5 knots. [1]
[edit] Armament
The Graudenz class cruisers had a primary armament of twelve 105mm (4.1in) SKL/45 Cal. guns mounted singly. The ships also carried two 500mm (19.7in) torpedo tubes. During the First World War, the ships' 105mm guns were replaced with seven 150mm (5.9in) guns and two 88mm (3.4in) anti-aircraft guns. During the rearmament, the ships were also given the capability to carry and deploy 120 mines. [1]
[edit] Armor
The ships had an armored belt that ranged in thickness from a half inch to 2.5 inches thick. The thicker portions of the belt protected important areas of the ship, such as the ammunition magazines, while less critical areas, such as the bow and stern, received much less armor protection. The deck was protected by armor ranging in thickness from 1 inch to 2.5 inches.
[edit] Service history
The two ships of the Graudenz class participated in two of the major battles of the First World War. Graudenz took part in the Battle of Dogger Bank on 24 January 1915, part of the support squadron for Admiral Hipper's battlecruiser unit. Regensburg took part in the Battle of Jutland on 31 May to 1 June 1916. Both ships survived the war, Graudenz being handed over to Italy, and Regensburg being taken over by France.
[edit] References
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