Difference between revisions of "Bourrasque"

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(Ships like the F.K. (Frank Knox) and British destroyers like the Calpe completely outclass it in its regard; With its atrocious reload time it simply cannot brawl)
 
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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=fr_destroyer_bourrasque_class_bourrasque
 
|code=fr_destroyer_bourrasque_class_bourrasque
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|Bourrasque Standard Livery.png}}
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]].
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a French WWII destroyer and the lead ship of her class. The Bourrasque-class destroyers were smaller and slower than the preceding [[Jaguar (Destroyer) (Family)|Chacal-class destroyers]]. Bourrasque was laid down on 12th November 1923 and launched on 5th August 1925. The main armament consisted of four Canon de 130 mm Modéle 1919 in shielded single mounts covered by 10 mm thick antifragmentation armour plates on the front and sides. The secondary armament consisted of a pair of Canon de 37 mm Modéle 1925 for anti-aircraft protection and two triple launchers for 550 mm 23DT torpedoes. During her short war career, the ship participated in Operation Dynamo, where on 30th May 1940, while evacuating troops from Dunkerque, she struck a German naval mine and sunk with loss of about 500 out of the 1,100-1,200 crew and troops onboard.
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Bourrasque was introduced together with French navy in [[Update "La Royale"]]. The Bourrasque suffers from very slow turret rotation speed and abysmal reload of 11 seconds, which can be reduced down to 8 seconds when the crew is aced. The magazines and shell rooms are deep under the waterline, making them well-protected against detonation. Captains are advised to use SAP shells in the main guns for its penetration capability while aiming for enemy vessel weak spots such as magazines and shell rooms. The torpedoes are quite fast with max speed of 72 km/h while also having more than average range of 9 km and high explosive yield of 308 kg of TNT. The ship itself is quite mediocre, but when in good hands, it can be formidable foe, especially when relying on torpedo ambushes and close-range support roles with her powerful 130 mm cannons.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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[[File:Bourrasque X-Ray.png|thumb|The Bourrasque with X-Ray view enabled, showing the location of all modules]]
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
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{{Specs-Fleet-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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The speed of the Bourrasque is below average compared to its contemporaries, putting the captain of this vessel at a disadvantage, whether that be attempting to capture zones or get to advantageous positions. On the other hand, the large rudder and low displacement of the Bourrasque grant it an extremely small turning circle, even compared to other ships of the tier. This allows the captain to easily 'wiggle' to avoid incoming fire, turn to avoid torpedo strikes, and allows the captain to change directions quickly.
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The ship suffers from this rare combination of a very low maximum speed and a relatively poor turning radius. While smaller and slower destroyers typically can turn in less than 200 m stock, Bourrasque can't achieve that result until she unlocks the Rudder Replacement modification. This is an unusually bad result. But with Rudder unlocked she becomes a completely different beast, able to easily dodge torpedoes and bombs alike.
  
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{{NavalMobility}}
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{{NavalMobility
 +
|SpeedForwardStockAB = 55
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|SpeedBackStockAB = 23
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|TurnTimeStockAB = 123.333
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|TurnSpeedStockAB = 38
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|SpeedForwardSpadedAB = 75
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|SpeedBackSpadedAB = 31
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|TurnTimeSpadedAB = 65.867
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|TurnSpeedSpadedAB = 48
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}}
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
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Because the Bourrasque is a reserve ship, it starts with half of its modifications already unlocked. It is recommended to research the SAPBC rounds first, as this significantly increases the performance of the vessel. After unlocking the improved ammunition, Primary Armament Targeting or Torpedo Mode are vital to research, as the somewhat slow traverse speed can be offset by the former, and the latter gives the Bourrasque a deadly long range torpedo armament.
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
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{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
 
{{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.'' -->
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[[File:Bourrasque Guns.png|thumb|300x300px|A close-up view of the forward mounted guns]]
 
{{main|130 mm/40 model 1919 (130 mm)}}
 
{{main|130 mm/40 model 1919 (130 mm)}}
  
 
The Bourrasque carries a large punch for its small size, mounting 4 x 130 mm guns, that combine an average rate of fire (7.5 rounds a minute) and deadly ammunition, allowing the ship to combat all enemies it can face. Like other French ships, the guns mounted at the front of the ship have decent firing angles, but the guns at the rear have inadequate firing angles, and require the ship to be almost parallel with its opponent to get all four guns on target. Choices of ammunition are excellent for this tier, granting both devastating HE and SAPBC rounds, the former being excellent at destroying external modules, stripping enemy vessels of their crew, and igniting fires on the deck. The SAPBC rounds, on the other hand, feature a fuse which allows the round to penetrate into an enemy vessel and destroy its internal modules. These rounds make it very easy to disable an enemies engines, crippling their mobility and making them a far easier target, allowing the captain of the Bourrasque to target the ammunition storage and swiftly sending their opponent back to the hangar.
 
The Bourrasque carries a large punch for its small size, mounting 4 x 130 mm guns, that combine an average rate of fire (7.5 rounds a minute) and deadly ammunition, allowing the ship to combat all enemies it can face. Like other French ships, the guns mounted at the front of the ship have decent firing angles, but the guns at the rear have inadequate firing angles, and require the ship to be almost parallel with its opponent to get all four guns on target. Choices of ammunition are excellent for this tier, granting both devastating HE and SAPBC rounds, the former being excellent at destroying external modules, stripping enemy vessels of their crew, and igniting fires on the deck. The SAPBC rounds, on the other hand, feature a fuse which allows the round to penetrate into an enemy vessel and destroy its internal modules. These rounds make it very easy to disable an enemies engines, crippling their mobility and making them a far easier target, allowing the captain of the Bourrasque to target the ammunition storage and swiftly sending their opponent back to the hangar.
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{{:130 mm/40 model 1919 (130 mm)/Ammunition|130 mm OEA Mle 1932, 130 mm OPFA Mle 1923}}
  
 
Both rounds have a velocity of 725 m/s, making it easy to adjust to the SAPBC once they are unlocked. However, the muzzle velocity of these rounds is quite low compared to other reserve vessels, meaning that at a distance, enemy ships will be able to hit you before you hit them. The 130 mm OEA Mle.32 HE rounds have a lot of explosive mass, having a TNT equivalence of 3.96 kg. The 130 mm OPFA Mle.23 SAPBC rounds lose 2 kg of TNT equivalence, but gains a significant amount of penetration and the inclusion of a fuse.
 
Both rounds have a velocity of 725 m/s, making it easy to adjust to the SAPBC once they are unlocked. However, the muzzle velocity of these rounds is quite low compared to other reserve vessels, meaning that at a distance, enemy ships will be able to hit you before you hit them. The 130 mm OEA Mle.32 HE rounds have a lot of explosive mass, having a TNT equivalence of 3.96 kg. The 130 mm OPFA Mle.23 SAPBC rounds lose 2 kg of TNT equivalence, but gains a significant amount of penetration and the inclusion of a fuse.
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{{:130 mm/40 model 1919 (130 mm)/Ammunition|130 mm OEA Mle 1932, 130 mm OPFA Mle 1923}}
 
  
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
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{{main|37 mm/50 model 1933 (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|37 mm/50 model 1933 (37 mm)}}
  
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Like most early French destroyers, the Bourrasque features a minimal load of secondary weapons, amounting to only 2 x 37 mm guns. These 37 mm guns are not automatic, meaning they have a low rate of fire and are ineffective against aircraft, especially due to the lack of a timed fuze or proximity fuze round. These guns also have very little explosive mass and no penetration, making them ineffective against everything except small coastal vessels.
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Like most early French destroyers, the Bourrasque features a minimal load of secondary weapons, amounting to only 2 x 37 mm guns. These 37 mm guns are not automatic, meaning they have a low rate of fire and are ineffective against aircraft, especially due to the lack of a timed fuse or proximity fuse round. These guns also have very little explosive mass and no penetration, making them ineffective against everything except small coastal vessels.
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{{:37 mm/50 model 1933 (37 mm)/Ammunition|37 mm OEA Mle 1925}}
  
 
The 37 mm OEA Mle.25 HE rounds have a muzzle velocity of 810 m/s, allowing it to easily hit distant target. However, the explosive mass is only 50 g, meaning they do little damage, and with only 3 mm of penetration, they struggle to damage even deck-mounted weapons.
 
The 37 mm OEA Mle.25 HE rounds have a muzzle velocity of 810 m/s, allowing it to easily hit distant target. However, the explosive mass is only 50 g, meaning they do little damage, and with only 3 mm of penetration, they struggle to damage even deck-mounted weapons.
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{{:37 mm/50 model 1933 (37 mm)/Ammunition|37 mm OEA Mle 1925}}
 
  
 
=== Additional armament ===
 
=== Additional armament ===
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The Bourrasque carries a deadly torpedo armament, having 2 x triple tube 550 mm torpedo launchers mounted amidships. This gives the captain access to an extremely dangerous torpedo volley for this tier, combining some very solid torpedoes in terms of both range, speed, and explosive mass. One thing to note about these launchers is, like other French destroyers, they have horrible firing angles, requiring the vessel to show its entire side to an enemy to fire a volley. These volleys do however, guarantee the destruction of any foe encountered within 1 or 2 hits, and allow captains of the Bourrasque to destroy enemy vessels that are outside its effective firing distance.
 
The Bourrasque carries a deadly torpedo armament, having 2 x triple tube 550 mm torpedo launchers mounted amidships. This gives the captain access to an extremely dangerous torpedo volley for this tier, combining some very solid torpedoes in terms of both range, speed, and explosive mass. One thing to note about these launchers is, like other French destroyers, they have horrible firing angles, requiring the vessel to show its entire side to an enemy to fire a volley. These volleys do however, guarantee the destruction of any foe encountered within 1 or 2 hits, and allow captains of the Bourrasque to destroy enemy vessels that are outside its effective firing distance.
  
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The 550 mm Modèle 1923 DT torpedoes are extremely deadly, both with and without the Torpedo Mode modification. Without this modification, these torpedoes are lethal at short to medium ranges, having a top speed of 72 km/h and a range of 9 km, allowing it to easily intercept enemy vessels at short range. With the modification enabled, the speed is reduced to 65km/h, but gains 4 km range, allowing it destroy enemies well beyond the effective combat distance of enemy vessels.
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The 550 mm Modèle 1923 DT torpedoes are extremely deadly, both with and without the Torpedo Mode modification. Without this modification, these torpedoes are lethal at short to medium ranges, having a top speed of 72 km/h and a range of 9 km, allowing it to easily intercept enemy vessels at short range. With the modification enabled, the speed is reduced to 65 km/h, but gains 4 km range, allowing it destroy enemies well beyond the effective combat distance of enemy vessels.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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The Bourrasque is best used to support other friendly vessels, as the low top speed and non-existent anti-aircraft battery put it at a significant disadvantage compared to other ships. Supporting your allies is a sure way to easily get kills and assists while usually avoiding incoming fire, while also reducing your chances of being hit by an enemy aircraft. The easiest way to destroy enemy vessels with the Bourrasque is to simply take out the enemies running gear, then swiftly sending them back to the hangar by destroying their ammo racks. If you are finding it hard to hit the magazines, do not fret, as the large rounds this ship fires allows it to quickly dispatch crew from enemy vessels. The lack of protection, small crew, and the compact nature of this ship means that being hit is usually quite fatal, regardless of where the enemy hits. Always try to avoid incoming fire by 'wiggling' and only expose the side of your ship in close quarters battles, where it is most important to get all guns on target. The small turning circle of the ship allows it to easily dodge torpedoes, so long as you are aware of your surroundings.
 
The Bourrasque is best used to support other friendly vessels, as the low top speed and non-existent anti-aircraft battery put it at a significant disadvantage compared to other ships. Supporting your allies is a sure way to easily get kills and assists while usually avoiding incoming fire, while also reducing your chances of being hit by an enemy aircraft. The easiest way to destroy enemy vessels with the Bourrasque is to simply take out the enemies running gear, then swiftly sending them back to the hangar by destroying their ammo racks. If you are finding it hard to hit the magazines, do not fret, as the large rounds this ship fires allows it to quickly dispatch crew from enemy vessels. The lack of protection, small crew, and the compact nature of this ship means that being hit is usually quite fatal, regardless of where the enemy hits. Always try to avoid incoming fire by 'wiggling' and only expose the side of your ship in close quarters battles, where it is most important to get all guns on target. The small turning circle of the ship allows it to easily dodge torpedoes, so long as you are aware of your surroundings.
  
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=== Enemies worth noting: ===
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'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 
Enemy vessels with autocannons, like the 40 mm [[2pdr QF Mk.VIII (40 mm)|Pom Pom]] or [[Bofors (40 mm) (Family)|Bofors]], or even 20 mm guns can easily strip the Bourrasque of crew and disable its internal and external components, so be mindful of these enemies. Guns of these type are usually not carried on ships at this tier, but there are a few exceptions, such as the British [[HMS Vega]] and [[HMS Calpe]], the German [[Type 1934A (Family)|Type 1934A-class]] destroyers, and all Soviet destroyers. The easiest way to avoid getting hit by these guns is to sit outside their firing range, at about 4 km, allowing you to fight on equal grounds with these vessels.
 
Enemy vessels with autocannons, like the 40 mm [[2pdr QF Mk.VIII (40 mm)|Pom Pom]] or [[Bofors (40 mm) (Family)|Bofors]], or even 20 mm guns can easily strip the Bourrasque of crew and disable its internal and external components, so be mindful of these enemies. Guns of these type are usually not carried on ships at this tier, but there are a few exceptions, such as the British [[HMS Vega]] and [[HMS Calpe]], the German [[Type 1934A (Family)|Type 1934A-class]] destroyers, and all Soviet destroyers. The easiest way to avoid getting hit by these guns is to sit outside their firing range, at about 4 km, allowing you to fight on equal grounds with these vessels.
  
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As with any bluewater vessel, a single coastal vessel can spell doom for the Bourrasque. Always try to keep a small island or piece of wreckage between you and coastal vessels, so you can easily avoid being torpedoes. Do not rely on your 37mm guns to destroy these, as the lack of damage struggles even against some coastals. Instead, try to keep a bit of distance to allow your 130 mm guns to depress enough to dispatch the enemy boat.
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As with any bluewater vessel, a single coastal vessel can spell doom for the Bourrasque. Always try to keep a small island or piece of wreckage between you and coastal vessels, so you can easily avoid being torpedoes. Do not rely on your 37 mm guns to destroy these, as the lack of damage struggles even against some coastal boats. Instead, try to keep a bit of distance to allow your 130 mm guns to depress enough to dispatch the enemy boat.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Small size makes it easier to avoid incoming fire
 
* Small size makes it easier to avoid incoming fire
 
* Deadly torpedo armament
 
* Deadly torpedo armament
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* 130mm guns are extremely effective against any enemy encountered
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* 130 mm guns are extremely effective against any enemy encountered
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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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''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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==== Bourrasque-class ====
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The Bourrasque-class destroyers were a group of twelve ships built during the 1920s under a 1922 programme. This programme was a part of a larger programme designed to completely modernise the French Navy post-World War I, and while they were smaller and slower than the larger [[Chacal]] class, they were still comparable to contemporary destroyers. These ships reached 2,000 t under full load, and under standard load reached 1,319 t. The Bourrasque-class ships were 106 m (347ft, 9in) long, a beam of 9.64 m (31ft, 8in), and a 4.3 m (14ft, 1in) draught. Each ship was powered by two steam turbines, each turbine driving a propeller shaft. Both turbines were provided steam by three boilers each. The turbines were rated at a combined power of 31,000 horsepower, propelling the ships up to 33 knots (66 km/h), and with the fuel on board, could travel 5,600 km (3,000 nautical miles) at a speed of 15 kn (28 km/h). The armament of the Bourrasque-class consisted of 4 x 130 mm Mle. 19 for their main guns, 2 x 37 mm Mle. 25 for their secondary armament, and their anti-aircraft battery consisted of 4 x 13.2 mm machine guns in single mounts. They also had 2 x triple 550 mm torpedo launchers and 2 x depth charge chutes, allowing them to carry a total of sixteen 200 kg depth charges. The Bourrasque-class was in service from the mid-1920s all the way to the '50s, serving in both the Free French Navy and the Vichy French Navy, as well as serving in the Polish Navy and the Royal Navy.
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[[File:Bourrasque Dunkirk.jpg|right|thumb|Bourrasque sinking at Dunkirk]]
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==== Bourrasque ====
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The Bourrasque, the lead ship of the class, was laid down on 12<sup>th</sup> November 1923 and was completed on the 23<sup>rd</sup> September 1926, entering service on the same day of her completion. In 1931, the Bourrasque-class underwent a refit, adding 1 x 75 mm Mle. 24, 2 x 37 mm Mle. 25 cannons, and 2 x twin-mounted 13.2 mm machine guns. Another refit in 1939-1940 introduced the British Type 123 sonar to the vessels. Bourrasque participated in Operation Dynamo, the Dunkirk Evacuation, where she was struck by a French mine which then detonated the depth charges, resulting in a massive explosion, killing roughly 500 of the 1,100 troops onboard.
  
 
== 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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''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=fr_destroyer_bourrasque_class_bourrasque Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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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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;Similar ships from other nations
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* [[USS Litchfield]]
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* [[Kerch (destroyer)|Kerch]]
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* [[RN Turbine]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
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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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* [[wikipedia:French destroyer Bourrasque|[Wikipedia] French destroyer Bourrasque]]
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* ''other literature.''
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* [http://dunkirk1940.org/index.php?&p=1_256 <nowiki>[Dunkirk 1940 - The Before, The Reality, The Aftermath]</nowiki> The French Destroyer Bourrasque]
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* [http://www.navypedia.org/ships/france/fr_dd_bourrasque.htm <nowiki>[Navypedia]</nowiki> BOURRASQUE destroyers (1926 - 1928)]
  
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{{ShipManufacturer Ateliers et Chantiers de France}}
 
{{France destroyers}}
 
{{France destroyers}}

Latest revision as of 16:29, 10 August 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Bourrasque
fr_destroyer_bourrasque_class_bourrasque.png
GarageImage Bourrasque.jpg
Bourrasque
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.7 3.7
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:Free
Show in game

Description

The Bourrasque-class, Bourrasque, 1939 was a French WWII destroyer and the lead ship of her class. The Bourrasque-class destroyers were smaller and slower than the preceding Chacal-class destroyers. Bourrasque was laid down on 12th November 1923 and launched on 5th August 1925. The main armament consisted of four Canon de 130 mm Modéle 1919 in shielded single mounts covered by 10 mm thick antifragmentation armour plates on the front and sides. The secondary armament consisted of a pair of Canon de 37 mm Modéle 1925 for anti-aircraft protection and two triple launchers for 550 mm 23DT torpedoes. During her short war career, the ship participated in Operation Dynamo, where on 30th May 1940, while evacuating troops from Dunkerque, she struck a German naval mine and sunk with loss of about 500 out of the 1,100-1,200 crew and troops onboard.

Bourrasque was introduced together with French navy in Update "La Royale". The Bourrasque suffers from very slow turret rotation speed and abysmal reload of 11 seconds, which can be reduced down to 8 seconds when the crew is aced. The magazines and shell rooms are deep under the waterline, making them well-protected against detonation. Captains are advised to use SAP shells in the main guns for its penetration capability while aiming for enemy vessel weak spots such as magazines and shell rooms. The torpedoes are quite fast with max speed of 72 km/h while also having more than average range of 9 km and high explosive yield of 308 kg of TNT. The ship itself is quite mediocre, but when in good hands, it can be formidable foe, especially when relying on torpedo ambushes and close-range support roles with her powerful 130 mm cannons.

General info

The Bourrasque with X-Ray view enabled, showing the location of all modules

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Main fire tower10 / 10 / 0 mm
Hull16 mm (steel)
Superstructure8 mm (steel)
Number of section7
Displacement2 000 t
Crew162 people

The Bourrasque, like most other reserve vessels, features minimal armour, instead relying on its mobility and small size to avoid being hit. The only armour that can be found on the ship are the gun shields, reaching 10 mm thick. The ship is quite compact, meaning most shots that hit the vessel will damage or destroy a component, and the small number of crew means that prolonged combat will eventually lead to its destruction.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB75 / 31 km/h
RB61 / 25 km/h

The ship suffers from this rare combination of a very low maximum speed and a relatively poor turning radius. While smaller and slower destroyers typically can turn in less than 200 m stock, Bourrasque can't achieve that result until she unlocks the Rudder Replacement modification. This is an unusually bad result. But with Rudder unlocked she becomes a completely different beast, able to easily dodge torpedoes and bombs alike.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock 55 23 ~123.33 ~207.2
Upgraded 75 31 ~65.87 ~139.77
RB/SB Stock ___ ___ ___ ___
Upgraded 61 25 ___ ___

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
ABfree
RBfree
Total cost of modifications3 360 Rp icon.png
152 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
20 / 30 / 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
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
380 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
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
45 Ge icon.png
Mods ship venting.png
Ventilation
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods ship anti fragmentation protection.png
Shrapnel Protection
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Mods ship ammo wetting.png
Ammo Wetting
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
130 mm M1923 SAP
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Mods ship rangefinder.png
Improved Rangefinder
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Research:
530 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png

Because the Bourrasque is a reserve ship, it starts with half of its modifications already unlocked. It is recommended to research the SAPBC rounds first, as this significantly increases the performance of the vessel. After unlocking the improved ammunition, Primary Armament Targeting or Torpedo Mode are vital to research, as the somewhat slow traverse speed can be offset by the former, and the latter gives the Bourrasque a deadly long range torpedo armament.

Armament

Primary armament

4 х Turret130 mm/40 model 1919 gun
Ammunition110 rounds
Vertical guidance-10° / 30°
A close-up view of the forward mounted guns
Main article: 130 mm/40 model 1919 (130 mm)

The Bourrasque carries a large punch for its small size, mounting 4 x 130 mm guns, that combine an average rate of fire (7.5 rounds a minute) and deadly ammunition, allowing the ship to combat all enemies it can face. Like other French ships, the guns mounted at the front of the ship have decent firing angles, but the guns at the rear have inadequate firing angles, and require the ship to be almost parallel with its opponent to get all four guns on target. Choices of ammunition are excellent for this tier, granting both devastating HE and SAPBC rounds, the former being excellent at destroying external modules, stripping enemy vessels of their crew, and igniting fires on the deck. The SAPBC rounds, on the other hand, feature a fuse which allows the round to penetrate into an enemy vessel and destroy its internal modules. These rounds make it very easy to disable an enemies engines, crippling their mobility and making them a far easier target, allowing the captain of the Bourrasque to target the ammunition storage and swiftly sending their opponent back to the hangar.

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
OEA Mle 1932 HE 37 37 37 37 37 37
OPFA Mle 1923 SAPBC 61 54 43 34 27 25
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%
OEA Mle 1932 HE 725 34.83 0 0.1 3.96 79° 80° 81°
OPFA Mle 1923 SAPBC 725 32.05 0.035 5 1.98 48° 63° 71°

Both rounds have a velocity of 725 m/s, making it easy to adjust to the SAPBC once they are unlocked. However, the muzzle velocity of these rounds is quite low compared to other reserve vessels, meaning that at a distance, enemy ships will be able to hit you before you hit them. The 130 mm OEA Mle.32 HE rounds have a lot of explosive mass, having a TNT equivalence of 3.96 kg. The 130 mm OPFA Mle.23 SAPBC rounds lose 2 kg of TNT equivalence, but gains a significant amount of penetration and the inclusion of a fuse.

Secondary armament

2 х Turret37 mm/50 model 1933 gun
Ammunition1000 rounds
Main article: 37 mm/50 model 1933 (37 mm)

Like most early French destroyers, the Bourrasque features a minimal load of secondary weapons, amounting to only 2 x 37 mm guns. These 37 mm guns are not automatic, meaning they have a low rate of fire and are ineffective against aircraft, especially due to the lack of a timed fuse or proximity fuse round. These guns also have very little explosive mass and no penetration, making them ineffective against everything except small coastal vessels.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
OEA Mle 1925 HE 3 3 3 3 3 3
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
OEA Mle 1925 HE 810 0.73 0 0.1 50 79° 80° 81°

The 37 mm OEA Mle.25 HE rounds have a muzzle velocity of 810 m/s, allowing it to easily hit distant target. However, the explosive mass is only 50 g, meaning they do little damage, and with only 3 mm of penetration, they struggle to damage even deck-mounted weapons.

Additional armament

Setup 16 x 550 mm model 1923DT torpedo
Main article: Model 1923DT (550 mm)

The Bourrasque carries a deadly torpedo armament, having 2 x triple tube 550 mm torpedo launchers mounted amidships. This gives the captain access to an extremely dangerous torpedo volley for this tier, combining some very solid torpedoes in terms of both range, speed, and explosive mass. One thing to note about these launchers is, like other French destroyers, they have horrible firing angles, requiring the vessel to show its entire side to an enemy to fire a volley. These volleys do however, guarantee the destruction of any foe encountered within 1 or 2 hits, and allow captains of the Bourrasque to destroy enemy vessels that are outside its effective firing distance.

The 550 mm Modèle 1923 DT torpedoes are extremely deadly, both with and without the Torpedo Mode modification. Without this modification, these torpedoes are lethal at short to medium ranges, having a top speed of 72 km/h and a range of 9 km, allowing it to easily intercept enemy vessels at short range. With the modification enabled, the speed is reduced to 65 km/h, but gains 4 km range, allowing it destroy enemies well beyond the effective combat distance of enemy vessels.

Usage in battles

The Bourrasque is best used to support other friendly vessels, as the low top speed and non-existent anti-aircraft battery put it at a significant disadvantage compared to other ships. Supporting your allies is a sure way to easily get kills and assists while usually avoiding incoming fire, while also reducing your chances of being hit by an enemy aircraft. The easiest way to destroy enemy vessels with the Bourrasque is to simply take out the enemies running gear, then swiftly sending them back to the hangar by destroying their ammo racks. If you are finding it hard to hit the magazines, do not fret, as the large rounds this ship fires allows it to quickly dispatch crew from enemy vessels. The lack of protection, small crew, and the compact nature of this ship means that being hit is usually quite fatal, regardless of where the enemy hits. Always try to avoid incoming fire by 'wiggling' and only expose the side of your ship in close quarters battles, where it is most important to get all guns on target. The small turning circle of the ship allows it to easily dodge torpedoes, so long as you are aware of your surroundings.

Enemies worth noting: Enemy vessels with autocannons, like the 40 mm Pom Pom or Bofors, or even 20 mm guns can easily strip the Bourrasque of crew and disable its internal and external components, so be mindful of these enemies. Guns of these type are usually not carried on ships at this tier, but there are a few exceptions, such as the British HMS Vega and HMS Calpe, the German Type 1934A-class destroyers, and all Soviet destroyers. The easiest way to avoid getting hit by these guns is to sit outside their firing range, at about 4 km, allowing you to fight on equal grounds with these vessels.

As with any bluewater vessel, a single coastal vessel can spell doom for the Bourrasque. Always try to keep a small island or piece of wreckage between you and coastal vessels, so you can easily avoid being torpedoes. Do not rely on your 37 mm guns to destroy these, as the lack of damage struggles even against some coastal boats. Instead, try to keep a bit of distance to allow your 130 mm guns to depress enough to dispatch the enemy boat.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tight turning circle makes it easy to dodge torpedoes and change direction quickly
  • Small size makes it easier to avoid incoming fire
  • Deadly torpedo armament
  • 130 mm guns are extremely effective against any enemy encountered

Cons:

  • Rear mounted guns have limited firing angles
  • Torpedo launchers have very poor firing angles
  • No anti-aircraft armament
  • Secondary weapons are inadequate against most targets
  • No protection and small crew
  • Below average top speed

History

Bourrasque-class

The Bourrasque-class destroyers were a group of twelve ships built during the 1920s under a 1922 programme. This programme was a part of a larger programme designed to completely modernise the French Navy post-World War I, and while they were smaller and slower than the larger Chacal class, they were still comparable to contemporary destroyers. These ships reached 2,000 t under full load, and under standard load reached 1,319 t. The Bourrasque-class ships were 106 m (347ft, 9in) long, a beam of 9.64 m (31ft, 8in), and a 4.3 m (14ft, 1in) draught. Each ship was powered by two steam turbines, each turbine driving a propeller shaft. Both turbines were provided steam by three boilers each. The turbines were rated at a combined power of 31,000 horsepower, propelling the ships up to 33 knots (66 km/h), and with the fuel on board, could travel 5,600 km (3,000 nautical miles) at a speed of 15 kn (28 km/h). The armament of the Bourrasque-class consisted of 4 x 130 mm Mle. 19 for their main guns, 2 x 37 mm Mle. 25 for their secondary armament, and their anti-aircraft battery consisted of 4 x 13.2 mm machine guns in single mounts. They also had 2 x triple 550 mm torpedo launchers and 2 x depth charge chutes, allowing them to carry a total of sixteen 200 kg depth charges. The Bourrasque-class was in service from the mid-1920s all the way to the '50s, serving in both the Free French Navy and the Vichy French Navy, as well as serving in the Polish Navy and the Royal Navy.

Bourrasque sinking at Dunkirk

Bourrasque

The Bourrasque, the lead ship of the class, was laid down on 12th November 1923 and was completed on the 23rd September 1926, entering service on the same day of her completion. In 1931, the Bourrasque-class underwent a refit, adding 1 x 75 mm Mle. 24, 2 x 37 mm Mle. 25 cannons, and 2 x twin-mounted 13.2 mm machine guns. Another refit in 1939-1940 introduced the British Type 123 sonar to the vessels. Bourrasque participated in Operation Dynamo, the Dunkirk Evacuation, where she was struck by a French mine which then detonated the depth charges, resulting in a massive explosion, killing roughly 500 of the 1,100 troops onboard.

Media

Skins

See also

Similar ships from other nations

External links


Ateliers et Chantiers de France (ACF)
Destroyers 
Bourrasque-class  Bourrasque
Aigle-class  Aigle
Vauquelin-class  Vauquelin
Le Fantasque-class  Le Triomphant

France destroyers
Bourrasque-class  Bourrasque · Tornade
Chacal-class  Chacal · Leopard · Panthere
Aigle-class  Aigle · Vautour · Milan
Vauquelin-class  Vauquelin
Le Fantasque-class  Le Malin · Le Triomphant
Mogador-class  Mogador
Hunt-class  La Combattante
Trophies  Germany
Desaix-class¹  Kleber
Type 1936  Marceau
  Italy
Chateaurenault-class²  Guichen
  Modified: ¹Type 1934A-class destroyers · ²Capitani Romani-class cruisers

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