Difference between revisions of "SMS Helgoland"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_battleship_helgoland}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=germ_battleship_helgoland
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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 identify the ship in question.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was the lead ship of the Helgoland-class battleships built for Kaiserliche Marine in the early 1910s. Helgoland was laid down on 11th November 1908 and commissioned on 23rd August 1911. Helgoland was intended to replace old coastal defence ship Siegfried in service and complement the older 283 mm armed Nassau-class. Helgoland took part in actions against the Royal Navy during WWI, where it participated in shelling of the British coast as well as the Battle of the Gulf of Riga in August 1915. Helgoland was also present during the Battle of Jutland where she was lightly damaged by Barham or Valiant; a 15-inch shell hit and penetrated the main armoured belt which required her to enter dry dock. During the battle, Helgoland sank destroyer HMS Fortune with her 15 cm secondary battery. In November 1918, the ship's crew took part in the Wilhelmshaven mutiny. After the armistice, Helgoland was handed over to the Allies as reparation for the ships sunk at Scapa Flow. She was handed over to Britain formally on 5th August 1920 and was scrapped at Morecambe on 3rd March 1921.
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{{Break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German battleship {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "New Power"]].
+
Introduced in [[Update "New Power"]], Helgoland features 305 mm main armament as opposed to the previous Nassau-class's 283 mm guns, offering heavier firepower. However, due to the turret placement, Helgoland is only able to fire four out of six turrets when utilizing full broadside. Helgoland also has shell rooms placed along the waterline, making hits penetrating the main belt devastating to the ship. The rooms are protected by additional armour in the form of coal bunkers, offering temporary additional protection. The disadvantage of Helgoland also lies in tightly packed machinery, where all the engines are in a single section next to each other. If shells hit this area, they will completely immobilize the ship.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-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 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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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''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.''
+
This Helgoland-class dreadnought comes with a thick side armoured belt of 300 mm, and other places being 90 to 170 mm thick. This can stop 356 mm HE rounds except at the higher sections of the bow and stern.
 +
 
 +
All 6 turrets have thick barbettes, which AP shells have to go through after the already thick side armour.
 +
 
 +
Ammunition is surrounded by coal bunkers, in addition to a turtle-back armour scheme.
 +
 
 +
In short: she is one of the toughest battleships in the game, as long as she faces fair opponents.
 +
 
 +
To survive longer, do not repair secondary battery. Doing so will remove crew from your armoured hull and put it in the vulnerable secondary turrets, for them to be killed again.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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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''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.''
 
  
 
{{NavalMobility}}
 
{{NavalMobility}}
 +
 +
Being a dreadnought, it was all about armour and firepower. She will reach a little bit over 38 km/h maxed out.
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
{{main|305 mm/50 SK L/50 (305 mm)}}
 
{{main|305 mm/50 SK L/50 (305 mm)}}
  
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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.''
+
Her primary armament is somewhat lacking for her size. She has 6 turrets, but only 4 can fire at a broadside. 3 can fire most of the time and worst case scenario only 2 will fire.
 +
 
 +
Her turrets have each double 305 mm guns, this is somewhat lacking for long range fights.
 +
 
 +
{{:305 mm/50 SK L/50 (305 mm)/Ammunition|305 mm Spgr. L/3.8 Bdz, 305 mm Spgr. L/3.3 SAP, 305 mm Psgr. L/3.4}}
  
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}
 
<!-- ''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.'' -->
 
{{main|150 mm/45 SK L/45 (150 mm)|88 mm/45 casemate SK L/45 (88 mm)}}
 
{{main|150 mm/45 SK L/45 (150 mm)|88 mm/45 casemate SK L/45 (88 mm)}}
  
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''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''
+
While her primary armament is lacking, she makes it up with great secondaries.
 +
 
 +
She has fourteen 150 mm guns in casemates all around the ship, and fourteen 88 mm guns with fragmentation shells. Torpedo boats will not like getting close to you.
  
−
=== Torpedo armament ===
+
Even her 150 mm are a real threat to any destroyers, even light cruisers.
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<!-- ''Torpedo launchers are standard equipment on many ships and boats. Torpedoes are a significant 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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 +
{{:150 mm/45 SK L/45 (150 mm)/Ammunition|150 mm Sprgr. L/4.1 Kz, 150 mm Sprgr. L/4.1 Bdz, 150 mm Psgr. L/3.7}}
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 +
=== Additional armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
{{main|G6c (500 mm)}}
 
{{main|G6c (500 mm)}}
  
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''Torpedo launchers are standard equipment on many ships and boats. Torpedoes are a significant 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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She comes with fixed underwater torpedo tubes. Being an old ship, her torpedoes are not remotely good.
 +
 
 +
She carries a total of sixteen torpedoes, in several launchers: 1 forward, 1 rear, 2+2 per broadside.
 +
 
 +
Her torpedoes carry only 160 kg of TNT, which may not be enough to break through the torpedo bulges of other dreadnoughts and heavy cruisers. This means that several hits are needed.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
''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).''
 
''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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=== Modules ===
 
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{| class="wikitable"
 
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! Tier
 
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! Seakeeping
 
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! colspan="2" | Unsinkability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
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| Dry-Docking
 
−
| Tool Set
 
−
|
 
−
| 305 mm Psgr. L/3.4
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Rudder Replacement
 
−
| Fire Protection System
 
−
|
 
−
| Auxiliary Armament Targeting
 
−
| 150 mm Sprgr. L/3.2 Bdz
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Propeller Replacement
 
−
| Shrapnel Protection
 
−
| Ventilation
 
−
| Primary Armament Targeting
 
−
| Improved Rangefinder
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Engine Maintenance
 
−
| New Pumps
 
−
| Ammo Wetting
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Massive firepower
+
* Massive firepower, primary and secondary
−
* Heavily armored, making it hard to sink
+
* Heavily armoured, making it hard to sink
−
* Has access to torpedoes
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Has no anti-air defenses
+
* Has no anti-air defences
 +
* Is very slow
 +
* 305 mm may have difficulties destroying other dreadnoughts from afar
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->[[File:SMS Helgoland.jpg|thumb|SMS Helgoland, Circa 1911-1917.]]
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
SMS Helgoland was the lead ship of the ''Helgoland-''class of pre-WWI dreadnought battleships. Being an incremental improvement upon the preceding [[SMS Westfalen|''Nassau'']]-class battleships, they featured a more powerful 12-inch (305 mm) battery and improved propulsion system. Built in 1909, she saw service in World War 1; she served in the raid on Scarborough, Battle of Riga and Battle of Jutland. After the war, ''Helgoland'' was handed to the United Kingdom as a war reparation; she was scrapped in 1924.<ref name=":0">World War 1 Co. (1998)</ref><ref name=":1">Military Factory. (2020)</ref>
+
[[File:SMS Helgoland.jpg|thumb|SMS Helgoland, Circa 1911-1917.]]
 +
SMS ''Helgoland'' was the lead ship of the ''Helgoland''-class of pre-WWI dreadnought battleships. Being an incremental improvement upon the preceding [[SMS Westfalen|''Nassau'']]-class battleships, they featured a more powerful 12-inch (305 mm) battery and improved propulsion system. Built in 1909, she saw service in World War 1; she served in the raid on Scarborough, Battle of Riga, and Battle of Jutland. After the war, ''Helgoland'' was handed to the United Kingdom as a war reparation; she was scrapped in 1924.<ref name=":0">World War 1 Co. (1998)</ref><ref name=":1">Military Factory. (2020)</ref>
  
 
=== Design and construction ===
 
=== Design and construction ===
−
The ''Helgoland''-class was of overall similar construction to the preceding ''Nassau''-class. They displaced 22 500 tons standard, and with 28 000 shaft horsepower, were capable of making 20 knots (37 km/h).<ref name=":0" /> The ''Helgoland'' featured a unique hexagonal main armament arrangement, similar to the ''Nassau''-class, but had a higher-calibre main battery of twelve 12-inch (305 mm) guns in six twin-turrets.<ref name=":0" /> The ''Helgoland'' also carried numerous 5.9-inch (150-mm) guns and 88 mm guns in casemate mountings.<ref name=":0" /> She later gained four 88-mm high-angle anti-aircraft weapons, but this is not reflected in the game. As a result, the 1911 ''Helgoland'' didn’t have any anti-aircraft protection. Finally, the ''Helgoland'' carried six 50-cm torpedo tubes mounted underneath the waterline.<ref name=":0" />
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The ''Helgoland''-class was of overall similar construction to the preceding ''Nassau''-class. They displaced 22,500 tons standard, and with 28,000 shaft horsepower, were capable of making 20 knots (37 km/h).<ref name=":0" /> The ''Helgoland'' featured a unique hexagonal main armament arrangement, similar to the ''Nassau''-class, but had a higher-calibre main battery of twelve 12-inch (305 mm) guns in six twin-turrets.<ref name=":0" /> The ''Helgoland'' also carried numerous 5.9-inch (150 mm) guns and 88 mm guns in casemate mountings.<ref name=":0" /> She later gained four 88 mm high-angle anti-aircraft weapons, but this is not reflected in the game. As a result, the 1911 ''Helgoland'' didn't have any anti-aircraft protection. Finally, the ''Helgoland'' carried six 50 cm torpedo tubes mounted underneath the waterline.<ref name=":0" />
  
 
The ''Helgoland'' was laid down in November of 1908, named after the Heligoland archipelago in the North Sea.<ref name=":1" /> She was launched in September of 1909. She was completed and commissioned on August 23rd 1911, after the completion of three years of construction.<ref name=":0" />
 
The ''Helgoland'' was laid down in November of 1908, named after the Heligoland archipelago in the North Sea.<ref name=":1" /> She was launched in September of 1909. She was completed and commissioned on August 23rd 1911, after the completion of three years of construction.<ref name=":0" />
  
 
=== Operational history ===
 
=== Operational history ===
−
The Helgoland entered service with the German 1st Battle Squadron, which formed the core of the German battleship strike force.2 She participated in some training exercises before the war, along with her sister ships. After the start of the First World War, Helgoland saw her first combat action at the Raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitbey. Due to heavy fog, the British and German forces never directly engaged despite the fact that ''Helgoland'' was at one point just 10 nautical miles away from the British fleet. ''Helgoland'' later participated in the Battle of the Gulf of Riga, though she failed to see major combat action.
+
The Helgoland entered service with the German 1st Battle Squadron, which formed the core of the German battleship strike force.<ref name=":1" /> She participated in some training exercises before the war, along with her sister ships. After the start of the First World War, Helgoland saw her first combat action at the Raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool, and Whitby. Due to heavy fog, the British and German forces never directly engaged despite the fact that ''Helgoland'' was at one point just 10 nautical miles away from the British fleet. ''Helgoland'' later participated in the Battle of the Gulf of Riga, though she failed to see major combat action.
  
−
''Helgoland'' participated in the Battle of Jutland, where she was located at the centre of the German battleship line. As a result, she saw less action than ships at the front of the formation, such as the battleship ''Konig''. Despite this, ''Helgoland'' still fired 63 12-inch shells, and took a hit from a 15-inch shell that caused a moderate amount of flooding.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> The battle of Jutland was a tactical victory for the German fleet, having lost less ships and men than the British. However, it was a strategic victory for the British as the German grand fleet would set sail in large numbers again.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
+
''Helgoland'' participated in the Battle of Jutland, where she was located at the centre of the German battleship line. As a result, she saw less action than ships at the front of the formation, such as the battleship ''Konig''. Despite this, ''Helgoland'' still fired 63 12-inch shells, and took a hit from a 15-inch shell that caused a moderate amount of flooding.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> The battle of Jutland was a tactical victory for the German fleet, having lost less ships and men than the British. However, it was a strategic victory for the British as the German grand fleet would never set sail in large numbers again.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" />
  
 
''Helgoland'', along with her sister ships, were docked at Wilhelmshaven until the end of the war; she was supposed to participate in the suicidal German raid against the British fleet, in an attempt to secure better surrendering conditions.<ref name=":1" /> However, this failed as the sailors manning the ship mutinied.<ref name=":1" /> Thus, ''Helgoland'' was handed to the British as a war reparation, along with her three sister ships. She was eventually scrapped by 1924.<ref name=":1" />
 
''Helgoland'', along with her sister ships, were docked at Wilhelmshaven until the end of the war; she was supposed to participate in the suicidal German raid against the British fleet, in an attempt to secure better surrendering conditions.<ref name=":1" /> However, this failed as the sailors manning the ship mutinied.<ref name=":1" /> Thus, ''Helgoland'' was handed to the British as a war reparation, along with her three sister ships. She was eventually scrapped by 1924.<ref name=":1" />
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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_battleship_helgoland Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
=== Refeences ===
−
* ''other literature.''
+
;Citations
 +
<references />
 +
 
 +
;Bibliography
 +
* World War 1 Co. (1998). Helgoland Class Dreadnought Battleship. Retrieved November 30, 2020, from <nowiki>http://www.worldwar1.co.uk/battleship/sms-helgoland.html</nowiki>
 +
* Military Factory. (2020, September 4). SMS Helgoland Dreadnought Battleship. Retrieved November 30, 2020, from <nowiki>https://www.militaryfactory.com/ships/detail.asp?ship_id=sms-helgoland-battleship-imperial-german-navy</nowiki>
  
 +
{{ShipManufacturer Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft}}
 
{{Germany battleships}}
 
{{Germany battleships}}

Latest revision as of 20:56, 6 July 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
SMS Helgoland
germ_battleship_helgoland.png
GarageImage SMS Helgoland.jpg
ArtImage SMS Helgoland.png
SMS Helgoland
Germany flag.png Germany
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.3 6.3 6.3
Class:
Research:230 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:640 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Helgoland-class, SMS Helgoland, 1911 was the lead ship of the Helgoland-class battleships built for Kaiserliche Marine in the early 1910s. Helgoland was laid down on 11th November 1908 and commissioned on 23rd August 1911. Helgoland was intended to replace old coastal defence ship Siegfried in service and complement the older 283 mm armed Nassau-class. Helgoland took part in actions against the Royal Navy during WWI, where it participated in shelling of the British coast as well as the Battle of the Gulf of Riga in August 1915. Helgoland was also present during the Battle of Jutland where she was lightly damaged by Barham or Valiant; a 15-inch shell hit and penetrated the main armoured belt which required her to enter dry dock. During the battle, Helgoland sank destroyer HMS Fortune with her 15 cm secondary battery. In November 1918, the ship's crew took part in the Wilhelmshaven mutiny. After the armistice, Helgoland was handed over to the Allies as reparation for the ships sunk at Scapa Flow. She was handed over to Britain formally on 5th August 1920 and was scrapped at Morecambe on 3rd March 1921.

Introduced in Update "New Power", Helgoland features 305 mm main armament as opposed to the previous Nassau-class's 283 mm guns, offering heavier firepower. However, due to the turret placement, Helgoland is only able to fire four out of six turrets when utilizing full broadside. Helgoland also has shell rooms placed along the waterline, making hits penetrating the main belt devastating to the ship. The rooms are protected by additional armour in the form of coal bunkers, offering temporary additional protection. The disadvantage of Helgoland also lies in tightly packed machinery, where all the engines are in a single section next to each other. If shells hit this area, they will completely immobilize the ship.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Citadel210 / 300 / 35 mm
Main fire tower300 / 250 / 290 mm
Hull25 mm (steel)
Superstructure16 mm (steel)
Number of section9
Displacement24 700 t
Crew1 113 people

This Helgoland-class dreadnought comes with a thick side armoured belt of 300 mm, and other places being 90 to 170 mm thick. This can stop 356 mm HE rounds except at the higher sections of the bow and stern.

All 6 turrets have thick barbettes, which AP shells have to go through after the already thick side armour.

Ammunition is surrounded by coal bunkers, in addition to a turtle-back armour scheme.

In short: she is one of the toughest battleships in the game, as long as she faces fair opponents.

To survive longer, do not repair secondary battery. Doing so will remove crew from your armoured hull and put it in the vulnerable secondary turrets, for them to be killed again.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB44 / 25 km/h
RB38 / 22 km/h
Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 44 25
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 38 22

Being a dreadnought, it was all about armour and firepower. She will reach a little bit over 38 km/h maxed out.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB23 145 → 28 560 Sl icon.png
RB29 205 → 36 038 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications220 600 Rp icon.png
339 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training185 000 Sl icon.png
Experts640 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
450 / 600 / 100 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
610 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods ship anti fragmentation protection.png
Shrapnel Protection
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods ship venting.png
Ventilation
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
610 Ge icon.png
Mods ship ammo wetting.png
Ammo Wetting
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
610 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
305mm_ger_l_3_3_navy_sap_ammo_pack
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
305mm_ger_l_3_4_navy_apc_ammo_pack
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
150mm_ger_skl45_naval_sap_ammo_pack
Research:
9 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods ship rangefinder.png
Improved Rangefinder
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
150mm_ger_skl45_l_3_7_naval_ap_ammo_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

6 х Turret2 x 305 mm/50 SK L/50 cannon
Ammunition170 rounds
Vertical guidance-8° / 14°
Main article: 305 mm/50 SK L/50 (305 mm)

Her primary armament is somewhat lacking for her size. She has 6 turrets, but only 4 can fire at a broadside. 3 can fire most of the time and worst case scenario only 2 will fire.

Her turrets have each double 305 mm guns, this is somewhat lacking for long range fights.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
1,000 m 2,500 m 5,000 m 7,500 m 10,000 m 15,000 m
Spgr. L/3.8 Bdz HE 167 149 124 103 87 66
Spgr. L/3.3 SAP SAP 481 430 357 299 252 193
Psgr. L/3.4 APC 519 463 383 320 270 205
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(s) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Spgr. L/3.8 Bdz HE 855 405.9 0.025 17 27 79° 80° 81°
Spgr. L/3.3 SAP SAP 850 410 0.025 17 10.8 47° 60° 65°
Psgr. L/3.4 APC 855 405.5 0.025 17 13.6 48° 63° 71°

Secondary armament

14 х Turret150 mm/45 SK L/45 cannon
Ammunition150 rounds
14 х Turret88 mm/45 SK L/45 cannon
Ammunition200 rounds
Main articles: 150 mm/45 SK L/45 (150 mm), 88 mm/45 casemate SK L/45 (88 mm)

While her primary armament is lacking, she makes it up with great secondaries.

She has fourteen 150 mm guns in casemates all around the ship, and fourteen 88 mm guns with fragmentation shells. Torpedo boats will not like getting close to you.

Even her 150 mm are a real threat to any destroyers, even light cruisers.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
1,000 m 2,500 m 5,000 m 7,500 m 10,000 m 15,000 m
Sprgr. L/4.1 Kz HE 21 21 21 21 21 21
Sprgr. L/4.1 Bdz SAPBC 95 80 61 47 37 28
Psgr. L/3.7 APCBC 238 201 153 117 93 71
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(s) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Sprgr. L/4.1 Kz HE 835 45.3 0 0.1 1,600 79° 80° 81°
Sprgr. L/4.1 Bdz SAPBC 835 45.3 0.01 7 1,050 48° 63° 71°
Psgr. L/3.7 APCBC 835 45.3 0.015 7 990 48° 63° 71°

Additional armament

Setup 116 x 500 mm G6c torpedo
Main article: G6c (500 mm)

She comes with fixed underwater torpedo tubes. Being an old ship, her torpedoes are not remotely good.

She carries a total of sixteen torpedoes, in several launchers: 1 forward, 1 rear, 2+2 per broadside.

Her torpedoes carry only 160 kg of TNT, which may not be enough to break through the torpedo bulges of other dreadnoughts and heavy cruisers. This means that several hits are needed.

Usage in battles

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).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Massive firepower, primary and secondary
  • Heavily armoured, making it hard to sink

Cons:

  • Has no anti-air defences
  • Is very slow
  • 305 mm may have difficulties destroying other dreadnoughts from afar

History

SMS Helgoland, Circa 1911-1917.

SMS Helgoland was the lead ship of the Helgoland-class of pre-WWI dreadnought battleships. Being an incremental improvement upon the preceding Nassau-class battleships, they featured a more powerful 12-inch (305 mm) battery and improved propulsion system. Built in 1909, she saw service in World War 1; she served in the raid on Scarborough, Battle of Riga, and Battle of Jutland. After the war, Helgoland was handed to the United Kingdom as a war reparation; she was scrapped in 1924.[1][2]

Design and construction

The Helgoland-class was of overall similar construction to the preceding Nassau-class. They displaced 22,500 tons standard, and with 28,000 shaft horsepower, were capable of making 20 knots (37 km/h).[1] The Helgoland featured a unique hexagonal main armament arrangement, similar to the Nassau-class, but had a higher-calibre main battery of twelve 12-inch (305 mm) guns in six twin-turrets.[1] The Helgoland also carried numerous 5.9-inch (150 mm) guns and 88 mm guns in casemate mountings.[1] She later gained four 88 mm high-angle anti-aircraft weapons, but this is not reflected in the game. As a result, the 1911 Helgoland didn't have any anti-aircraft protection. Finally, the Helgoland carried six 50 cm torpedo tubes mounted underneath the waterline.[1]

The Helgoland was laid down in November of 1908, named after the Heligoland archipelago in the North Sea.[2] She was launched in September of 1909. She was completed and commissioned on August 23rd 1911, after the completion of three years of construction.[1]

Operational history

The Helgoland entered service with the German 1st Battle Squadron, which formed the core of the German battleship strike force.[2] She participated in some training exercises before the war, along with her sister ships. After the start of the First World War, Helgoland saw her first combat action at the Raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool, and Whitby. Due to heavy fog, the British and German forces never directly engaged despite the fact that Helgoland was at one point just 10 nautical miles away from the British fleet. Helgoland later participated in the Battle of the Gulf of Riga, though she failed to see major combat action.

Helgoland participated in the Battle of Jutland, where she was located at the centre of the German battleship line. As a result, she saw less action than ships at the front of the formation, such as the battleship Konig. Despite this, Helgoland still fired 63 12-inch shells, and took a hit from a 15-inch shell that caused a moderate amount of flooding.[1][2] The battle of Jutland was a tactical victory for the German fleet, having lost less ships and men than the British. However, it was a strategic victory for the British as the German grand fleet would never set sail in large numbers again.[1][2]

Helgoland, along with her sister ships, were docked at Wilhelmshaven until the end of the war; she was supposed to participate in the suicidal German raid against the British fleet, in an attempt to secure better surrendering conditions.[2] However, this failed as the sailors manning the ship mutinied.[2] Thus, Helgoland was handed to the British as a war reparation, along with her three sister ships. She was eventually scrapped by 1924.[2]

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #227 - Metal Beasts section at 00:28 discusses the SMS Helgoland.

See also

Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the ship;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Refeences

Citations
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 World War 1 Co. (1998)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Military Factory. (2020)
Bibliography
  • World War 1 Co. (1998). Helgoland Class Dreadnought Battleship. Retrieved November 30, 2020, from http://www.worldwar1.co.uk/battleship/sms-helgoland.html
  • Military Factory. (2020, September 4). SMS Helgoland Dreadnought Battleship. Retrieved November 30, 2020, from https://www.militaryfactory.com/ships/detail.asp?ship_id=sms-helgoland-battleship-imperial-german-navy


Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft
Minelayer 
R-1-class  Drache(*)**
Battleships 
Helgoland-class  SMS Helgoland*
Bayern-class  SMS Bayern*
  *Previously Howaldtswerke, Kiel
**Previously Deutsche Werft, Hamburg
(*)KB Zmaj before it was captured by Nazi Germany

Germany battleships
Nassau-class  SMS Nassau · SMS Westfalen
Helgoland-class  SMS Helgoland · SMS Ostfriesland
Kaiser-class  SMS Kaiser
Bayern-class  SMS Bayern · SMS Baden · SMS Sachsen

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