Difference between revisions of "S-38b"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_s38b}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=germ_s38b
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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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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
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{{Break}}
 
 
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.
 
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.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
The S-38b is ''nearly'' identical to the [[S-38]] in terms of survivability. The S-38b has the same hull construction and composition, yet the bridge is constructed of 10 mm thick anti-fragmentation armour. This means the bridge is more resilient to damage on the S-38b than S-38.
+
The S-38b is nearly identical to the [[S-38]] in terms of survivability. The S-38b has the same hull construction and composition, yet the bridge is constructed of 10 mm thick anti-fragmentation armour. This means the bridge is more resilient to damage on the S-38b than S-38.
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
−
The S-38b is also ''nearly'' identical to the [[S-38]] in terms of mobility. It too is quick and agile. The difference is that the S-38b is slightly quicker forwards at 106 KPH (66 MPH).
+
The S-38b is quick and agile. It is also nearly identical to the [[S-38]] in terms of mobility: the difference is that the S-38b is slightly quicker forwards at 106 km/h (66 mph) compared to the S-38's top speed of 101 km/h (63 mph).
  
 
{{NavalMobility}}
 
{{NavalMobility}}
 +
 +
=== 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.'' -->
 
{{main|2 cm/65 C/30 (20 mm)|2 cm/65 C/38 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|2 cm/65 C/30 (20 mm)|2 cm/65 C/38 (20 mm)}}
  
−
''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.''
+
While good but not excellent, the 20 mm cannons are capable guns for shredding lightly-armoured boats and low-flying aircraft. However, the short clip capacity tends to be an issue. While using this guns, the aiming must be really accurate and you should fire in short bursts. Being lightweight guns, the turning speed and aiming speed are very fast and accurate. This should be used as an advantage as this reduces the risk of being flanked and surprised attacked by enemy boats and aircraft.
 +
 
 +
There are three ammunition types available:
 +
 
 +
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}
 +
* '''20 mm APT magazines:''' {{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}
 +
* '''20 mm HET magazines:''' {{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|Armour-piercing}}
 +
 
 +
{{:2 cm/65 C/30 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-T, AP, AP-T, HEF}}
  
 
=== 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|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}
 
{{main|MG34 (7.92 mm)}}
Line 30: Line 48:
 
The main difference between the S-38 and the S-38b is the presence of MG34 machine guns. These machine guns are more suited towards firing upon aircraft instead of ships; citing their meagre calibre. The machine guns are mounted behind the bridge and are initially aimed upwards. The location of these machine guns allows them to fire on either side of the ship, and fire upon aircraft.
 
The main difference between the S-38 and the S-38b is the presence of MG34 machine guns. These machine guns are more suited towards firing upon aircraft instead of ships; citing their meagre calibre. The machine guns are mounted behind the bridge and are initially aimed upwards. The location of these machine guns allows them to fire on either side of the ship, and fire upon aircraft.
  
−
=== Torpedo armament ===
+
=== Additional armament ===
−
{{main|G7a (533 mm)}}
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}
 +
<!-- ''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|G7a (533 mm)|WBD depth charge}}
 +
 
 +
The S-38b is armed with two torpedoes that have a max range of 6 km (14 km with torpedo mode). They can be used almost at point-blank, the torpedoes must travel 50 m at minimum to be armed (most of the time "point blank" engagements will be between 100-500 m). Depending on the map, game mode and captain's discretion, the torpedo depth can be adjusted in order to target specific ships.
  
−
''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.''
+
'''1 meter depth:'''
  
−
=== Special armament ===
+
This is the most universal depth used for all types of engagements, being in deep water or at shallow waters. This depth is capable of hitting all sorts of vessels, including PT boats. The main downside is that enemy ships can see the water trail made by the torpedo which can make enemy vessels evade or fire at the torpedo.
−
{{main|WBD depth charge}}
 
  
−
''Depth charges, mines, rocket launchers and missiles are also effective in skilled hands and can take an off-guard opponent by surprise. Evaluate the ammunition of this type of armament and rate its performance in combat. If there are no special armaments, remove this section.''
+
'''4 meter depth:'''
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
This is the recommended depth when trying to perform long range sneaky engagements of large ships in deep waters. This is one of the riskier techniques as there is no way to launch them in shallow waters (most shallow water maps have water depth of 2-3 m). Only the captain and the team will be able to see the torpedo symbol while travelling close to them, and it will not leave any visible water trail compared to the 1-meter depth torpedo.
−
''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).''
 
  
−
=== Modules ===
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
! colspan="9" |'''Torpedo Characteristics'''
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Seakeeping
 
−
! colspan="2" | Unsinkability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Dry-Docking
 
−
|
 
−
| Tool Set
 
−
|
 
−
| 20 mm HET magazines
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| II
+
! Torpedo Mode !! Mass (kg) !! Maximum speed in water (km/h) !! Travel distance (km) !! Depth stroke (m) !! Arming distance (m) !! Explosive type !! Explosive mass (kg) !! TNT equivalent (kg)
−
|
 
−
| Rudder Replacement
 
−
| Fire Protection System
 
−
| Smokescreen
 
−
| 20 mm APT magazines
 
−
| Auxiliary Armament Targeting
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| III
+
| {{Annotation|No|'Torpedo Mode' modification uninstalled}} || 1528 || 81 || 6.00 || 1 || 50 || SW39a || 280 || 358.4
−
| Propeller Replacement
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
| Depth Charges
 
−
| Primary Armament Targeting
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| IV
+
| {{Annotation|Yes|'Torpedo Mode' modification installed}} || 1528 || 55.8 || 14.00 || 1 || 50 || SW39a || 280 || 358.4
−
|
 
−
| Engine Maintenance
 
−
| New Pumps
 
−
|
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
| Torpedo Mode
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
The S-38b can be armed with WBD depth charges. It is not recommended to load them in the ship as they do not have any practical use in-game besides being a last resort weapon.
 +
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
 +
The S-38b has a similar playstyle to the S-38: a fast, agile, lightly-armoured but well-armed craft. The main purpose of this vessel is to rush capture points and support other boats. This ship should never face enemies alone due to its light armour that can be easily penetrated by the guns seen at the battle rating, specially the 3-in guns mounted on American and British sub-chasers. Instead, the S-38b should travel with other ships, essentially making the enemy engage in a single target while being engaged by 2-3 or more.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 89: Line 86:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Very close to the S-38, one could go from the S-38 to the S-38b with no special learning required
+
* Very close to the S-38, one can switch from the S-38 with no special learning required
−
* Main cannons are the same as the ones found on the S-38
+
* Very mobile
−
* Better armour then the armour found on the S-38
+
* Cannons offer effective stopping power for single target engagements
−
* Quicker, while maintaining the same handling characteristics
+
* Torpedoes are very viable in combat, as they are mounted conveniently and deal significant damage
−
* Same BR as the S-38, meaning one can have the S-38 and S-38b in the same lineup
+
* Inexpensive to operate
−
* Still inexpensive to operate
+
* Good crew size
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Most flaws from the S-38 are maintained in the S-38b
+
* Hull offers minimal protection
 +
* Key components are close together (ammo is near engines, radio room is near the bridge), meaning enemy fire will quickly tear it apart
 +
* Cannons have limited capacity per magazine
 +
* Does not do well in numerical inferiority
 
* Even with additional MG 34s, anti-air coverage is minimal
 
* Even with additional MG 34s, anti-air coverage is minimal
 +
* The speed is not very fast
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
−
S-38b was a subclass of [[S-38|S-38 class]] Schnellboots (S-boots), these being later production ships. The S-38b class added an armored bridge to the design due to the lack of protection for the bridge on the original S-38 class. It was known as the Kallot (Eng: skull cap) because of its round shape. The S-38b class was eventually equipped with more powerful Daimler Benz MB 501 diesel engines, increasing the maximum speed.
+
S-38b was a subclass of [[S-38]] class Schnellboots (S-boots), these being later production ships. The S-38b class added an armoured bridge to the design due to the lack of protection for the bridge on the original S-38 class. It was known as the Kalotte (Eng: skull cap) because of its round shape. The S-38b class was eventually equipped with more powerful Daimler Benz MB 501 diesel engines, increasing the maximum speed.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_s38b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''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;''
 
* ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[S-38]]
 +
* [[S-100]]
 +
* [[S-100 (1944)]]
 +
* [[S-204 Lang]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on ship;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{ShipManufacturer Lürssen}}
 
{{Germany boats}}
 
{{Germany boats}}

Latest revision as of 04:46, 17 October 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
S-38b
germ_s38b.png
GarageImage S-38b.jpg
S-38b
Germany flag.png Germany
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 1.7 1.7
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The S-38b is a rank II German motor torpedo boat with a battle rating of 1.7 (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
Hull40 mm (wood)
Superstructure4 mm (steel)
Number of section3
Displacement115 t
Crew31 people

The S-38b is nearly identical to the S-38 in terms of survivability. The S-38b has the same hull construction and composition, yet the bridge is constructed of 10 mm thick anti-fragmentation armour. This means the bridge is more resilient to damage on the S-38b than S-38.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB106 / 33 km/h
RB76 / 24 km/h

The S-38b is quick and agile. It is also nearly identical to the S-38 in terms of mobility: the difference is that the S-38b is slightly quicker forwards at 106 km/h (66 mph) compared to the S-38's top speed of 101 km/h (63 mph).

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 106 33
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 76 24

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB340 → 426 Sl icon.png
RB505 → 633 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 910 Rp icon.png
6 730 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost530 Ge icon.png
Crew training3 000 Sl icon.png
Experts10 000 Sl icon.png
Aces125 Ge icon.png
Research Aces160 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 50 / 100 % Sl icon.png
112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20 mm HET magazines
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20 mm APT magazines
Research:
310 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods depth charge.png
Depth Charges
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods ship art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

Turret2 cm/65 C/38 automatic cannon
Ammunition2000 rounds
Belt capacity40 rounds
Fire rate480 shots/min
Vertical guidance-4° / 60°
Turret2 cm/65 C/30 automatic cannon
Ammunition2000 rounds
Belt capacity20 rounds
Fire rate276 shots/min
Vertical guidance-5° / 50°
Main articles: 2 cm/65 C/30 (20 mm), 2 cm/65 C/38 (20 mm)

While good but not excellent, the 20 mm cannons are capable guns for shredding lightly-armoured boats and low-flying aircraft. However, the short clip capacity tends to be an issue. While using this guns, the aiming must be really accurate and you should fire in short bursts. Being lightweight guns, the turning speed and aiming speed are very fast and accurate. This should be used as an advantage as this reduces the risk of being flanked and surprised attacked by enemy boats and aircraft.

There are three ammunition types available:

  • Universal: AP-T · AP · HEF-T · HEF
  • 20 mm APT magazines: AP · AP-T · AP · HEF
  • 20 mm HET magazines: HEF · HEF-T · HEF · AP

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-T 2 2 2 2 2 2
AP 36 35 27 20 15 11
AP-T 36 35 27 20 15 11
HEF 2 2 2 2 2 2
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-T 835 0.12 0 0.1 10.54 79° 80° 81°
AP 785 0.15 - - - 47° 60° 65°
AP-T 785 0.15 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEF 835 0.12 0 0.1 10.54 79° 80° 81°

Secondary armament

Turret2 x 7.92 mm MG34 machine gun
Ammunition3000 rounds
Belt capacity150 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: MG34 (7.92 mm)

The main difference between the S-38 and the S-38b is the presence of MG34 machine guns. These machine guns are more suited towards firing upon aircraft instead of ships; citing their meagre calibre. The machine guns are mounted behind the bridge and are initially aimed upwards. The location of these machine guns allows them to fire on either side of the ship, and fire upon aircraft.

Additional armament

Setup 12 x 533 mm G7a torpedo
Setup 26 x WBD depth charge
Setup 32 x 533 mm G7a torpedo
6 x WBD depth charge
Main articles: G7a (533 mm), WBD depth charge

The S-38b is armed with two torpedoes that have a max range of 6 km (14 km with torpedo mode). They can be used almost at point-blank, the torpedoes must travel 50 m at minimum to be armed (most of the time "point blank" engagements will be between 100-500 m). Depending on the map, game mode and captain's discretion, the torpedo depth can be adjusted in order to target specific ships.

1 meter depth:

This is the most universal depth used for all types of engagements, being in deep water or at shallow waters. This depth is capable of hitting all sorts of vessels, including PT boats. The main downside is that enemy ships can see the water trail made by the torpedo which can make enemy vessels evade or fire at the torpedo.

4 meter depth:

This is the recommended depth when trying to perform long range sneaky engagements of large ships in deep waters. This is one of the riskier techniques as there is no way to launch them in shallow waters (most shallow water maps have water depth of 2-3 m). Only the captain and the team will be able to see the torpedo symbol while travelling close to them, and it will not leave any visible water trail compared to the 1-meter depth torpedo.

Torpedo Characteristics
Torpedo Mode Mass (kg) Maximum speed in water (km/h) Travel distance (km) Depth stroke (m) Arming distance (m) Explosive type Explosive mass (kg) TNT equivalent (kg)
No 1528 81 6.00 1 50 SW39a 280 358.4
Yes 1528 55.8 14.00 1 50 SW39a 280 358.4

The S-38b can be armed with WBD depth charges. It is not recommended to load them in the ship as they do not have any practical use in-game besides being a last resort weapon.

Usage in battles

The S-38b has a similar playstyle to the S-38: a fast, agile, lightly-armoured but well-armed craft. The main purpose of this vessel is to rush capture points and support other boats. This ship should never face enemies alone due to its light armour that can be easily penetrated by the guns seen at the battle rating, specially the 3-in guns mounted on American and British sub-chasers. Instead, the S-38b should travel with other ships, essentially making the enemy engage in a single target while being engaged by 2-3 or more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very close to the S-38, one can switch from the S-38 with no special learning required
  • Very mobile
  • Cannons offer effective stopping power for single target engagements
  • Torpedoes are very viable in combat, as they are mounted conveniently and deal significant damage
  • Inexpensive to operate
  • Good crew size

Cons:

  • Hull offers minimal protection
  • Key components are close together (ammo is near engines, radio room is near the bridge), meaning enemy fire will quickly tear it apart
  • Cannons have limited capacity per magazine
  • Does not do well in numerical inferiority
  • Even with additional MG 34s, anti-air coverage is minimal
  • The speed is not very fast

History

S-38b was a subclass of S-38 class Schnellboots (S-boots), these being later production ships. The S-38b class added an armoured bridge to the design due to the lack of protection for the bridge on the original S-38 class. It was known as the Kalotte (Eng: skull cap) because of its round shape. The S-38b class was eventually equipped with more powerful Daimler Benz MB 501 diesel engines, increasing the maximum speed.

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Lürssen Werft
Schnellboot 
Type S-38  S-38 · S-38b · MC 485*
Type S-100  S-100 · S-147 · S-204 Lang
Fast Attack Craft 
Jaguar-class  Jaguar
Albatros-class  Albatros · Bussard
  *S-67 in post-war Italian Service

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

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