40.6 cm SK C/34's on the Bismarck class

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Paul L
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Re: 40.6 cm SK C/34's on the Bismarck class

Post by Paul L »

Dave Saxton wrote:The twin's turrets also had much heavier armour.
Could some of that armor be removed to lighten the overall mass?

It might just be easier to replace the Bow and stern to make the ship more seaworthy- even with the heavier turrets.
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Dave Saxton
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Re: 40.6 cm SK C/34's on the Bismarck class

Post by Dave Saxton »

Not if the IZ requirement is to be meant.
Entering a night sea battle is an awesome business.The enveloping darkness, hiding the enemy's.. seems a living thing, malignant and oppressive.Swishing water at the bow and stern mark an inexorable advance toward an unknown destiny.
Paul L
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Re: 40.6 cm SK C/34's on the Bismarck class

Post by Paul L »

Dave Saxton wrote:Not if the IZ requirement is to be meant.

I was thinking in terms of back fitting these surplus triple 11"C34 turrets to the PBS or just the guns themselves [if that was possible]. Any armor level IZ would have to remain at the PBS level; so no need for the heavier armor on the Twins turrets. If it has to stay there so be it, but the hull bow and Stern would have to be lengthened to compensate the increased mass of these bigger - heavier turrets.
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Re: 40.6 cm SK C/34's on the Bismarck class

Post by Steve Crandell »

Paul L wrote:
Dave Saxton wrote:Not if the IZ requirement is to be meant.

I was thinking in terms of back fitting these surplus triple 11"C34 turrets to the PBS or just the guns themselves [if that was possible]. Any armor level IZ would have to remain at the PBS level; so no need for the heavier armor on the Twins turrets. If it has to stay there so be it, but the hull bow and Stern would have to be lengthened to compensate the increased mass of these bigger - heavier turrets.
I'm confused. Why would one want to do this? When you say backfit them to "PBS" does that mean the Panzerschiffe? If so, why go to all that expense when they already have functional 11" guns? The only ship they would be expected to be able to defeat was a cruiser or smaller, so what do you gain with more powerful 11" guns except expense and trouble?
Paul L
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Re: 40.6 cm SK C/34's on the Bismarck class

Post by Paul L »

Steve Crandell wrote:
Paul L wrote:
Dave Saxton wrote:Not if the IZ requirement is to be meant.

I was thinking in terms of back fitting these surplus triple 11"C34 turrets to the PBS or just the guns themselves [if that was possible]. Any armor level IZ would have to remain at the PBS level; so no need for the heavier armor on the Twins turrets. If it has to stay there so be it, but the hull bow and Stern would have to be lengthened to compensate the increased mass of these bigger - heavier turrets.
I'm confused. Why would one want to do this? When you say backfit them to "PBS" does that mean the Panzerschiffe? If so, why go to all that expense when they already have functional 11" guns? The only ship they would be expected to be able to defeat was a cruiser or smaller, so what do you gain with more powerful 11" guns except expense and trouble?
Supposedly those guns can shoot faster and would be more of a threat against possible enemy heavy cruiser attacks.

From NAVWEAPONS site the triple 11"C28 can put out 2.5 rounds per minute or 15 rounds per minute, while the Triple 11"C34 turrets could manage 3.5 rounds per minute or 21 rounds per minute. If they need a new Bow and Stern that would require more work...about 1000t removal work plus another 2000 tons of rebuilding to balance the hull and add an Atlantic Bow plus a GHG sensor. The guns and turret are already paid for and are not cheap...1/4 of the cost of the Twins [6 x 12 million RM].

This work could add up to over 5000 tons work and rebuilding for each PBS ;which might cost about 18 million RM each plus take a year or two depending on the priority .
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