Difference between revisions of "LS 3"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_ls_class}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=germ_ls_class
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship’s creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot. If a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them understand which ship is being discussed.''-->
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<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German motor torpedo boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] as part of the fleet closed beta test.
{{break}}
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a reserve rank {{Specs|rank}} German destroyer {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] as part of the fleet closed beta test.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armament separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Tips for preserving survivability should be saved for the "Use in battle" section.''
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
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<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' -->
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The LS 3 has no proper armour to speak of, any shell will pierce the hull like a knife through butter. However, the boat's interior is quite spaced and despite the crew of 7 is all located at the front, the bridge can soak a good amount of frontal damage and protect the crew and modules from machine gun-calibre rounds (that are very common in its BR). With an ace crew, it can still remain afloat even with only 3 crews left.
  
''If necessary, use a graphic template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''
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Still, the paper-thin armour of the LS 3 made it incredibly vulnerable against larger calibre rounds that only a nearby blast from these big guns can deal serious or even fatal damage.
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Survivability is taking advantage of its small size and manoeuvrability, and being extremely tactical in attack vectors. Avoid engagement as long as possible then strike fast and hard. While it can take a good deal of damage from rounds up to 40 mm, it is big guns with HE rounds found at BR 2.0 that are your greatest threat. The vulnerability in this unarmoured tub is the side, limit exposure as much as possible. Hits on the bow or stern are manageable, minimal crew loss, giving you more time to press your attack. Damage is repaired fast and dries out faster. Again, avoid exposing your side to big cannons as they are often a 1 shot fatality!
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
''Write about the ship’s mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward speed and reverse speed.''
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{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
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<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' -->
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The LS 3 is an exceedingly capable boat, it can accelerate and decelerate very quickly and turn sharply. Top speed is very good, in the top 10 of fastest boats in-game (excluding hydrofoils). Those qualities will offer a distinct advantage in tiny island maps were one can quickly duck between islands and pounce on targets when they don't expect you. In open water it can do well by evasive weaving and use of smoke screens. Its turret is 360° azimuth by 90° elevation freeing you to manoeuvre any way you need for perfect attack.
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{{NavalMobility}}
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=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>.''
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{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
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<!-- ''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.'' -->
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{{main|MG 151 (15 mm)}}
  
''Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''
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* 1 x 15 mm MG 151 cannon (2 x 600 rounds)
  
=== Torpedo armament ===
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The 15 mm MG 151 is the same gun found on the rank IV [[VS-10]] and it is one of the deadliest weapon in the game. It has an insane fire rate of 750 rounds per minute, which means it can take small boats and aircraft at its BR in seconds. On top of that, the 15 mm gun is loaded with an impressive API shell that can penetrate up to 33 mm at point blank and 17 mm at optimal range (~1,750 m) and is capable of setting fire when scoring a hit, and HEF shell that can deal a good amount of damage against lightly armoured ship and aircraft, as well as gun being mounted on a 360° turret with no blind spot. This made the tiny LS 3 capable to put up a good fight against enemy boats from much higher BR with an exception of armoured boats and barges
''Many ships are armed with torpedo launchers, and for some vessels such as boats, torpedoes are an extremely important means of defeating an opponent. Evaluate the position of the torpedo launchers, discuss the ammunition available, firing specifics such as dead zones, features of the torpedoes themselves, etc.''
 
  
''If there is no torpedo armament, remove this section.''
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There are three ammunition types available:
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* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}
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* '''15 mm APIT belts:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}
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* '''15 mm HEIT belts:''' {{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
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{{:MG 151 (15 mm)/Ammunition|HEF naval, API-T naval, HEFI-T* naval}}
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Like the AN/M2 MG, this gun has large belt capacity of 600 rounds, and long reloading time. However, this cannon overheats easily, and it has very limited overall ammo stock of 1,200 rounds, so trigger discipline is a key to effectively use this weapon.
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=== Additional armament ===
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{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}
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<!-- ''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.'' -->
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{{main|LT 1A/1 (450 mm)}}
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* 2 x 450 mm LT 1A/1 torpedoes
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The LS 3 can carry two 450 mm torpedoes, housed inside the vessel. These torpedoes are highly adequate against any large, slow vessels the LS 3 might face at its BR. However, the torpedoes are extremely short-ranged when stock, with a range of just two kilometres. Their speed of 74 km/h is also relatively average for a torpedo of its size. The "Torpedo Mode" modification should be considered as it increases the range to six kilometres at the cost of speed; this will allow the LS 3's torpedoes to hit far-away targets. With a decent 250 kg warhead, the torpedoes will be able to destroy most destroyer-sized vessels with a single hit.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
The LS3 is one of the better reserve vessels, with a fairly flexible main armament, providing a 360 degree firing arc without any elevation limitations owing to its elevated position. While it only possess a single gun, it is capable of hitting well above its weight class when used correctly. Because of its small size and similarly small crew complement, it is recommended to not engage in direct confrontations against large surface combatants, especially at range. Its single autocannon is difficult to land hits at moving targets at range, and its small size makes medium caliber AA guns incredibly deadly against the LS 3. Vessels like the 80 ft Nasty and later R-boats are to be avoided due to the presence of a large autocannon.  
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<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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The LS 3 is arguably the best overall reserve unit in-game. While it only possesses a single 15 mm cannon it is also one of the best weapons in-game (as it was the same gun mounted on the rank IV [[VS-10]]) mounted high on a full 360° rotation turret with a gracious 90° elevation and whopping 30° depression with no blind spots or dead zone. In short, the gun has better coverage than 2, or even 3 guns on other boats, and the bonus is the best AP round of its class. Combine its high top speed, two 450 mm torpedoes, and artillery strike call it is capable of hitting well above its BR.
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Success in-game is using the MG 151 correctly. Trigger discipline is absolutely necessary as the gun can overheat very fast and ruin your sortie right there; use 1/2 second bursts unless point blank kill strike. As the MG heats up its precision falls. Up to 1/4 hot is pin point, as it gets 1/2 hot round the rounds start spreading and over that you can see rounds fly everywhere. Range wise one can hit targets at 1,750 m with cold barrel and deal a considerable damage. Best is to be less than 800 m were the accuracy and power rip your targets apart.
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While default Universal ammo is perfectly fine, the API-T belt is 25% better against most naval targets you will face (only swaps one HEF for API-T) , while the HEIT belt is very deadly against air targets and some paper-thin targets, but had somewhat less potental against naval targets at range. You will be paying for reloads often, so best is to always have Default as one of your game loads and API-T as other in case you forgot to restock ammo. Again, keep the MG cool, short bursts unless point blank.
  
What it lacks in protection it makes up in mobility. The LS 3 is second to only the G-5 in terms of speed. This in tandem with its incredibly tight turning circle and slim profile, makes the LS 3 very well suited for flanking capture points. Use its speed to sneak into capture points and rush at vessels that may be occupying it. Its high top speed also makes it useful to rush cap points at the beginning of a match. That being said, be careful not to overextend, or you will find yourself overwhelmed very quickly. Instead, use its superior speed to be the first to reach a capture point, and hide behind an island, selectively engaging enemies that come into line of sight or attempt to contest the point.
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What it lacks in the protection area it makes up in mobility. The LS 3 is second to only the [[G-5]] in terms of speed. This in tandem with its incredibly tight turning circle and slim profile, makes the LS 3 very well suited for cover hopping and flanking capture points. Use its speed to sneak in to capture points and rush at vessels not paying attention. Its high top speed also makes it useful to rush cap points at the beginning of a match. That being said, be careful not to overextend, or you will find yourself overwhelmed very quickly. Instead, use its superior speed to be the first to reach a capture point then hide behind an island, selectively engaging enemies that come into the line of sight.
  
Trigger discipline is absolutely necessary when sailing the LS 3, as the gun can overheat to offset its high ammo capacity. Avoid firing in more than 2 second bursts when engaging at range, and be sure to watch the gun heat when engaging at close range. In the event of an overheat, you will have to load the gun again, costing time which is crucial in the knife fights this vessel is best suited for. To maximize the chance of a kill in a single burst, be sure to rake up and down the entire length of an enemy vessel if it shows its broadside. This is advisable in any PT boat, but especially to the LS 3 due to the gun overheating. Use universal belts for the high explosive rounds.
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Don't forget your smoke and artillery! Both are incredibly useful to prevent enemies from hitting you. Although a really small target, large cannon (50 mm+) ships have a good chance at hitting you well outside your guns range. Significant threats are the Japanese dual [[40 mm/62 Vickers (40 mm)|40 mm Type 91 AA]] and [[Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)|Bofors 40 mm]], and at closer range a battery of 20 mm cannons, like on a [[PC-451]] or [[S-100]]. The sides of the LS are the most vulnerable, so facing directly at the enemy as much as possible.
  
To take advantage of the vessel’s short beam, engage head on when possible, and tack to port and starboard erratically to throw off aim. This also helps aim, as you no longer have to worry about having to compensate for the movement of your own vessel. Avoid firing while broadside, as this unnecessarily exposes the entire side of the vessel and your crew, and the lack of additional guns makes such a maneuver pointless.
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====Enemies worth noting:====
  
 
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* [[MPK-163]], [[SC-497]], [[HMCS Brantford]]: These submarine chasers are commonly found in basic uptier match (this means you can still face them outside of mixed battle with bluewater fleets). While these ship are quite large and lack any armour to shield off LS 3's guns, their large profile acts as a bullet sponge that is capable of soaking hundreds of rounds with relatively survivable crew loss and allowing them to fight back. These sub-chasers were also carried with large-calibre autocannons that is almost always lethal when being hit. Always make sure to have someone cover your back to cripple them with your gun before get close enough to finish them off with torpedoes.
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->'''Pros:'''
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* [[Pr.1124 late]], [[SF40 Light]]: These armoured boats and barges are commonly found in mixed battles with bluewater fleets. Unlike the aforementioned sub-chaser, most of them were impervious to your 15 mm gun and nearly impossible to destroy without torpedoes and/or artillery strikes. However, these platforms were tend to be very slow, thus making them very vulnerable against your torpedoes. Still, they are still able to execute tight turns to evade your torpedoes from up to 800 m away. The best way to kill them is sneaking from outside of their line of sight or using "weaving" method to avoid their incoming fire before launching torpedoes at point blank range (250-300 m).
  
* Decently powerful MG 151 cannon.
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=== Pros and cons ===
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
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'''Pros:'''
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 +
* Powerful 15 mm MG 151 cannon, which is hilariously effective even against rank III and some rank IV boats
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* 360° turret with 90° elevation arc.
 
* High top speed can make it difficult to lead and destroy
 
* High top speed can make it difficult to lead and destroy
* Very good maneuverability, can change direction quicky
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* Very good manoeuvrability, can change direction quickly
 
* High ammo capacity, able to outlast contemporaries in a firefight with good trigger discipline
 
* High ammo capacity, able to outlast contemporaries in a firefight with good trigger discipline
 
* Relatively high rate of fire
 
* Relatively high rate of fire
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* With careful manoeuvring, it can sneak towards and destroy larger vessel with torpedoes
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* Due to its reserve status, many will underestimate your damage potential and will not realize until they got destroyed
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Gun is capable of overheating, limits usefulness of high ammo capacity
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* Gun is capable of overheating, limits the usefulness of high ammo capacity
* Very fragile, incredibly vulnerable to 37mm and 40mm fire.
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* Very fragile, incredibly vulnerable to 37 mm and 40 mm fire
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* Very low crew count of 7, albeit somewhat tricky to eliminate all of them frontally
 
* Elevated gun position makes it vulnerable to damage
 
* Elevated gun position makes it vulnerable to damage
 
* Single gun eliminates almost all offensive capability if disabled
 
* Single gun eliminates almost all offensive capability if disabled
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* Long reload time
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* Low ammo count overall; limited to two magazines
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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'''Leicht-S-Boot''' (Light-Torpedo boat, or Midget torpedo boat)
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In the mid 1930s, the German navy considered small (12.5 m long), fast torpedo boats launched from carrier ships as tactically viable ideas. Two boats of the class called Light (or Midget) Torpedo boat were built, the first (LS 1) was made of wood, while the second (LS 2) was all aluminum built by Dornier Flugzeugwerke. Yes, this is the same Dornier of the famed Do 17, Do 217, and Do 335 aircraft, but not an insane choice given Dornier's well known history of making seaplanes.
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At the time the desired engines (Daimer-Benz Maybachs) were not available thus forced to used less powerful Jumo 205 Diesels, and neither were the torpedoes. Instead of torpedo boats they became minelayers, and combined with other issues resulted in disappointing performance and the idea was put on hold at start of war in Europe.
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The next year the idea was revisited, this time Dornier's all metal boat was chosen, Daimler-Benz MB 507 light Diesel engines and so were 45 cm torpedoes. In addition a new 15 mm MG 151 cannon was installed in a turret on the roof. Two were built, the LS 3 (delivered on October 10th, 1940) and LS 4. There is a deviation from historical and game at this point, as the records indicate the LS 3 carried 4 mines, not torpedoes, and the LS 4 would also have 15 mm cannon, not 20 mm (but the MG 151 was interchangeable, so would be easy to upgrade to 20 mm MG151/20).
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Over the years a total of 12 LS was built, with both Jumo 205 and Daimler-Benz MB 507, the latter carrying torpedoes. Surviving combat records place operations in the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea areas. Fate of the boats is lost, but it seems that at least one, LS 12, was captured and used by the Soviets after war.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_ls_class Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|SQ4ozgc6dKc|'''I don't always play naval , but when i do it's torpedo boat - LS 3''' - ''HowToPlay1337''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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<!-- ''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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;Related development
  
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
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* [[LS 4 Esau]]
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
  
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/340136-dornier-leicht-s-boot-or-ls-midget-torpedoboats-or-the-german-bathtub-boat/ [Forum Discussion<nowiki>]</nowiki> Dornier Leicht S-Boot]
* ''encyclopedia page on ship;''
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* [http://www.s-boot.net/englisch/sboats-km-dat-ls7.html <nowiki>[Die Schnellboot-Seite]</nowiki> S-Boats in the Kriegsmarine 1935 - 1945]
* ''other literature.''
 
  
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{{ShipManufacturer Dornier-Werke}}
 
{{Germany boats}}
 
{{Germany boats}}

Revision as of 09:19, 21 October 2023

Rank IV USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Tu-1 Pack
LS 3
germ_ls_class.png
GarageImage LS 3.jpg
ArtImage LS 3.png
LS 3
Research:Free
Purchase:Free
Show in game

Description

The LS 3 is a rank I German motor torpedo boat with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X" as part of the fleet closed beta test.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull5 mm (steel)
Superstructure2 mm (steel)
Number of section3
Displacement12 t
Crew7 people

The LS 3 has no proper armour to speak of, any shell will pierce the hull like a knife through butter. However, the boat's interior is quite spaced and despite the crew of 7 is all located at the front, the bridge can soak a good amount of frontal damage and protect the crew and modules from machine gun-calibre rounds (that are very common in its BR). With an ace crew, it can still remain afloat even with only 3 crews left.

Still, the paper-thin armour of the LS 3 made it incredibly vulnerable against larger calibre rounds that only a nearby blast from these big guns can deal serious or even fatal damage.

Survivability is taking advantage of its small size and manoeuvrability, and being extremely tactical in attack vectors. Avoid engagement as long as possible then strike fast and hard. While it can take a good deal of damage from rounds up to 40 mm, it is big guns with HE rounds found at BR 2.0 that are your greatest threat. The vulnerability in this unarmoured tub is the side, limit exposure as much as possible. Hits on the bow or stern are manageable, minimal crew loss, giving you more time to press your attack. Damage is repaired fast and dries out faster. Again, avoid exposing your side to big cannons as they are often a 1 shot fatality!

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB104 / 30 km/h
RB74 / 22 km/h

The LS 3 is an exceedingly capable boat, it can accelerate and decelerate very quickly and turn sharply. Top speed is very good, in the top 10 of fastest boats in-game (excluding hydrofoils). Those qualities will offer a distinct advantage in tiny island maps were one can quickly duck between islands and pounce on targets when they don't expect you. In open water it can do well by evasive weaving and use of smoke screens. Its turret is 360° azimuth by 90° elevation freeing you to manoeuvre any way you need for perfect attack.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 104 30
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 74 22

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
ABfree
RBfree
Total cost of modifications3 510 Rp icon.png
157 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew trainingfree
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces10 Ge icon.png
Research Aces80 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 100 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
810 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Mods tank ammo.png
15 mm HEIT belts
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
15 mm APIT belts
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods ship art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

Turret15 mm MG 151 machine gun
Ammunition2400 rounds
Belt capacity600 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Vertical guidance-30° / 80°
Main article: MG 151 (15 mm)
  • 1 x 15 mm MG 151 cannon (2 x 600 rounds)

The 15 mm MG 151 is the same gun found on the rank IV VS-10 and it is one of the deadliest weapon in the game. It has an insane fire rate of 750 rounds per minute, which means it can take small boats and aircraft at its BR in seconds. On top of that, the 15 mm gun is loaded with an impressive API shell that can penetrate up to 33 mm at point blank and 17 mm at optimal range (~1,750 m) and is capable of setting fire when scoring a hit, and HEF shell that can deal a good amount of damage against lightly armoured ship and aircraft, as well as gun being mounted on a 360° turret with no blind spot. This made the tiny LS 3 capable to put up a good fight against enemy boats from much higher BR with an exception of armoured boats and barges

There are three ammunition types available:

  • Universal: API-T · HEF
  • 15 mm APIT belts: API-T · API-T · API-T · HEF
  • 15 mm HEIT belts: HEF · HEFI-T* · HEF · API-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEF 8 8 7 5 4 3
API-T 33 31 23 16 11 7
HEFI-T* 8 8 7 5 4 3
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(m)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEF 960 0.06 0 0.1 7.65 79° 80° 81°
API-T 850 0.07 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEFI-T* 960 0.06 0 0.1 3.32 79° 80° 81°

Like the AN/M2 MG, this gun has large belt capacity of 600 rounds, and long reloading time. However, this cannon overheats easily, and it has very limited overall ammo stock of 1,200 rounds, so trigger discipline is a key to effectively use this weapon.

Additional armament

Setup 12 x 450 mm LT 1A/1 torpedo
Main article: LT 1A/1 (450 mm)
  • 2 x 450 mm LT 1A/1 torpedoes

The LS 3 can carry two 450 mm torpedoes, housed inside the vessel. These torpedoes are highly adequate against any large, slow vessels the LS 3 might face at its BR. However, the torpedoes are extremely short-ranged when stock, with a range of just two kilometres. Their speed of 74 km/h is also relatively average for a torpedo of its size. The "Torpedo Mode" modification should be considered as it increases the range to six kilometres at the cost of speed; this will allow the LS 3's torpedoes to hit far-away targets. With a decent 250 kg warhead, the torpedoes will be able to destroy most destroyer-sized vessels with a single hit.

Usage in battles

The LS 3 is arguably the best overall reserve unit in-game. While it only possesses a single 15 mm cannon it is also one of the best weapons in-game (as it was the same gun mounted on the rank IV VS-10) mounted high on a full 360° rotation turret with a gracious 90° elevation and whopping 30° depression with no blind spots or dead zone. In short, the gun has better coverage than 2, or even 3 guns on other boats, and the bonus is the best AP round of its class. Combine its high top speed, two 450 mm torpedoes, and artillery strike call it is capable of hitting well above its BR.

Success in-game is using the MG 151 correctly. Trigger discipline is absolutely necessary as the gun can overheat very fast and ruin your sortie right there; use 1/2 second bursts unless point blank kill strike. As the MG heats up its precision falls. Up to 1/4 hot is pin point, as it gets 1/2 hot round the rounds start spreading and over that you can see rounds fly everywhere. Range wise one can hit targets at 1,750 m with cold barrel and deal a considerable damage. Best is to be less than 800 m were the accuracy and power rip your targets apart.

While default Universal ammo is perfectly fine, the API-T belt is 25% better against most naval targets you will face (only swaps one HEF for API-T) , while the HEIT belt is very deadly against air targets and some paper-thin targets, but had somewhat less potental against naval targets at range. You will be paying for reloads often, so best is to always have Default as one of your game loads and API-T as other in case you forgot to restock ammo. Again, keep the MG cool, short bursts unless point blank.

What it lacks in the protection area it makes up in mobility. The LS 3 is second to only the G-5 in terms of speed. This in tandem with its incredibly tight turning circle and slim profile, makes the LS 3 very well suited for cover hopping and flanking capture points. Use its speed to sneak in to capture points and rush at vessels not paying attention. Its high top speed also makes it useful to rush cap points at the beginning of a match. That being said, be careful not to overextend, or you will find yourself overwhelmed very quickly. Instead, use its superior speed to be the first to reach a capture point then hide behind an island, selectively engaging enemies that come into the line of sight.

Don't forget your smoke and artillery! Both are incredibly useful to prevent enemies from hitting you. Although a really small target, large cannon (50 mm+) ships have a good chance at hitting you well outside your guns range. Significant threats are the Japanese dual 40 mm Type 91 AA and Bofors 40 mm, and at closer range a battery of 20 mm cannons, like on a PC-451 or S-100. The sides of the LS are the most vulnerable, so facing directly at the enemy as much as possible.

Enemies worth noting:

  • MPK-163, SC-497, HMCS Brantford: These submarine chasers are commonly found in basic uptier match (this means you can still face them outside of mixed battle with bluewater fleets). While these ship are quite large and lack any armour to shield off LS 3's guns, their large profile acts as a bullet sponge that is capable of soaking hundreds of rounds with relatively survivable crew loss and allowing them to fight back. These sub-chasers were also carried with large-calibre autocannons that is almost always lethal when being hit. Always make sure to have someone cover your back to cripple them with your gun before get close enough to finish them off with torpedoes.
  • Pr.1124 late, SF40 Light: These armoured boats and barges are commonly found in mixed battles with bluewater fleets. Unlike the aforementioned sub-chaser, most of them were impervious to your 15 mm gun and nearly impossible to destroy without torpedoes and/or artillery strikes. However, these platforms were tend to be very slow, thus making them very vulnerable against your torpedoes. Still, they are still able to execute tight turns to evade your torpedoes from up to 800 m away. The best way to kill them is sneaking from outside of their line of sight or using "weaving" method to avoid their incoming fire before launching torpedoes at point blank range (250-300 m).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful 15 mm MG 151 cannon, which is hilariously effective even against rank III and some rank IV boats
  • 360° turret with 90° elevation arc.
  • High top speed can make it difficult to lead and destroy
  • Very good manoeuvrability, can change direction quickly
  • High ammo capacity, able to outlast contemporaries in a firefight with good trigger discipline
  • Relatively high rate of fire
  • With careful manoeuvring, it can sneak towards and destroy larger vessel with torpedoes
  • Due to its reserve status, many will underestimate your damage potential and will not realize until they got destroyed

Cons:

  • Gun is capable of overheating, limits the usefulness of high ammo capacity
  • Very fragile, incredibly vulnerable to 37 mm and 40 mm fire
  • Very low crew count of 7, albeit somewhat tricky to eliminate all of them frontally
  • Elevated gun position makes it vulnerable to damage
  • Single gun eliminates almost all offensive capability if disabled
  • Long reload time
  • Low ammo count overall; limited to two magazines

History

Leicht-S-Boot (Light-Torpedo boat, or Midget torpedo boat)

In the mid 1930s, the German navy considered small (12.5 m long), fast torpedo boats launched from carrier ships as tactically viable ideas. Two boats of the class called Light (or Midget) Torpedo boat were built, the first (LS 1) was made of wood, while the second (LS 2) was all aluminum built by Dornier Flugzeugwerke. Yes, this is the same Dornier of the famed Do 17, Do 217, and Do 335 aircraft, but not an insane choice given Dornier's well known history of making seaplanes.

At the time the desired engines (Daimer-Benz Maybachs) were not available thus forced to used less powerful Jumo 205 Diesels, and neither were the torpedoes. Instead of torpedo boats they became minelayers, and combined with other issues resulted in disappointing performance and the idea was put on hold at start of war in Europe.

The next year the idea was revisited, this time Dornier's all metal boat was chosen, Daimler-Benz MB 507 light Diesel engines and so were 45 cm torpedoes. In addition a new 15 mm MG 151 cannon was installed in a turret on the roof. Two were built, the LS 3 (delivered on October 10th, 1940) and LS 4. There is a deviation from historical and game at this point, as the records indicate the LS 3 carried 4 mines, not torpedoes, and the LS 4 would also have 15 mm cannon, not 20 mm (but the MG 151 was interchangeable, so would be easy to upgrade to 20 mm MG151/20).

Over the years a total of 12 LS was built, with both Jumo 205 and Daimler-Benz MB 507, the latter carrying torpedoes. Surviving combat records place operations in the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea areas. Fate of the boats is lost, but it seems that at least one, LS 12, was captured and used by the Soviets after war.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related development

External links


Dornier-Werke GmbH
Motor Torpedo Boats 
Leichte Schnellboote (LS)  LS 3 · LS 4 Esau
See Also  Dornier Aircraft Corporation

Germany boats
Motor torpedo boats  LS 3 · LS 4 Esau · KM-5 · VS-10
  S-38 · S-38b · S-100 · S-147 · S-204 Lang · S-701
  R-301
  V-990
  Jaguar · Hugin · Pfeil
Motor gun boats  R-41 · R-130 · Krischan der Große
Motor torpedo gun boats  Albatros · Bussard · MZ1 · Pr. 206
Minelayers  VS-8