Difference between revisions of "USS Baltimore"

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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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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6981-special-operation-w-i-n-t-e-r-en|2020 Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.]] event.
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was the lead ship of the [[Baltimore (Family)|Baltimore-class]] heavy cruisers built for the US Navy in the 1940s. She was laid down on 26th May 1941 and commissioned on 15th April 1943. The design was influenced by the Cleveland-class light cruisers, which the Baltimores were enlarged and more heavily armed versions of. Main armament was made up of three triple 8-inch cannons supported by six twin dual-purpose 5-inch guns alongside the hull. As one of the Baltimore-class' duties was anti-aircraft protection of the task force, Baltimore was armed with twelve quadruple 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns further complemented by twenty-four single mounted 20 mm Oerlikon Mk. II autocannons. Between November 1943 and June 1944, Baltimore provided shore bombardment and fire support to invasion forces on various atolls and islands of the Pacific such as Makin Island, Kwajalein, and Eniwetok. She also took part in the Marianas campaign and landings on Saipan and the Philippines. In 1945, she provided fire support for US troops landing on Okinawa and Iwo Jima. Between November 1945 and February 1946, she was part of the occupation fleet in Japan, until she was placed in reserve on 8th July 1946. She was recommissioned on 28th November 1951 and sailed to the Mediterranean where she was part of the Sixth Fleet, conducting exercises and training until 1955 when she was transferred to the Seventh Fleet in the Far East. She was decommissioned on 31st May 1956 and sold for scrap on 10th April 1972.
  
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The Baltimore-class heavy cruisers represent the zenith of the United States Navy "screening fleet" doctrine during World War II. The ships of this class feature a variety of gun calibres placed all over the ship, with the emphasis on providing anti-air defense to fleet carriers taken to another level.
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It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6981-special-operation-w-i-n-t-e-r-en|2020 Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.]] event.
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The Baltimore-class heavy cruisers represent the zenith of the United States Navy "screening fleet" doctrine during World War II. The ships of this class feature a variety of gun calibres placed all over the ship, with the emphasis on providing anti-air defense to fleet carriers taken to another level. The {{PAGENAME}}, the lead ship of the class, features a very high amount of anti-air armaments amongst cruisers with 72 in total. This huge amount of guns (consisting of powerful 40 mm Bofors and 20 mm Oerlikon autocannons) will keep all but the most daring of enemy aircraft at bay. Her anti-ship firepower is also not to be underestimated, as she features nine 8 inch (203 mm) cannons with super-heavy APCBC shells and versatile 127 mm secondary turrets. This makes the Baltimore a force to be reckoned with, even in top rank naval battles.
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The {{PAGENAME}}, the lead ship of the class, features the highest amount of anti-air armaments of all cruisers in the game (72 in total). This huge amount of guns (consisting of powerful 40 mm Bofors and 20 mm Oerlikon autocannons) will keep all but the most daring of enemy aircraft at bay. Her anti-ship firepower is also not to be underestimated, as she features nine 8 inch (203 mm) cannons with super-heavy APCBC shells and versatile 127 mm secondary turrets. This makes the Baltimore a force to be reckoned with in top rank naval battles.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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In terms of overall armour, the Baltimore does not have as much armour as a [[Admiral Hipper|Hipper-class heavy cruiser]], it is somewhat on par with IJN counterparts such as the [[IJN Mogami|Mogami]].
 
In terms of overall armour, the Baltimore does not have as much armour as a [[Admiral Hipper|Hipper-class heavy cruiser]], it is somewhat on par with IJN counterparts such as the [[IJN Mogami|Mogami]].
  
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As with most of the US destroyers and some cruisers, the Baltimore's hull were clad with anti-fragmentation armour to protect her crew from HE shells, with her deck armour have 28.5 mm of thickness, 12.7 mm on her bow and stern, and 19 mm on the central compartments. When angled properly, she can absorb any cruiser-calibre HE shells with little to no crew loss and immune to destroyer-calibre HE shells as long as it didn't damage her wide array of secondary and AA armaments. With each crew compartments and critical modules placed further away from each other, the Baltimore is highly resilent to fire damage.
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As with most of the US destroyers and some cruisers, the Baltimore's hull is clad with anti-fragmentation armour to protect her crew from HE shells, with her deck armour having 28.5 mm of thickness, 12.7 mm on her bow and stern, and 19 mm on the central compartments. When angled properly, she can absorb any cruiser-calibre HE shells with little to no crew loss and is immune to destroyer-calibre HE shells as long as they don't damage her wide array of secondary and AA armaments. As crew compartments and critical modules are placed far away from each other, the Baltimore is highly resilient to fire damage.
  
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In terms of armour and module protection, the Baltimore is expectedly well-armoured. Her frontal and rear auxiliary magazine rooms were located below the waterline and were clad with 76 mm of armour at the sides, 63.5 mm at the deck, 140 mm at the bulkhead, and 127 mm at the stern. Her citadel is very well-armoured, with 152 mm at all sides except 63.5 mm at the deck. Her main turrets is protected with 203 mm at the front, 82.5 mm at the sides, 76 mm at the top, and 36.5 mm at the rear, and thus is harder to be taken out.
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In terms of armour and module protection, the Baltimore is expectedly well-armoured. Her frontal and rear auxiliary magazine rooms are located below the waterline and are clad with 76 mm of armour at the sides, 63.5 mm at the deck, 140 mm at the bulkhead, and 127 mm at the stern. Her citadel is very well-armoured, with 152 mm on all sides except 63.5 mm at the deck. Her main turrets are protected with 203 mm armour at the front, 82.5 mm at the sides, 76 mm at the top, and 36.5 mm at the rear, and thus are harder to be taken out.
  
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Baltimore's protection is not without weakness, however. Her fatal weakspots is her main magazine room which were located inside the shell elevator sitting way above the waterline, with an intention of providing Baltimore a consistent firepower without having to restock the ready racks. While the shell elevator is heavily-protected (with 160 mm of armour), a well-aimed AP-shots that manage to get inside the magazine is most likely to detonate it, causing fatal damage.
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Baltimore's protection is not without weakness, however. Her fatal weak spots are the main magazine rooms which are located inside the shell elevator sitting way above the waterline, designed with the intention of providing Baltimore with consistent firepower without having to restock the ready racks. While the shell elevator is heavily-protected (with 160 mm of armour), well-aimed AP shots that manage to get inside the magazine are likely to detonate it, causing fatal damage.
  
 
Having lots of AA also means lots of crew (1,560). However, lots of crew can also be lost due to the AA and secondary turrets being repeatedly destroyed. It is not recommended to repair the ship unless major damage has been sustained.
 
Having lots of AA also means lots of crew (1,560). However, lots of crew can also be lost due to the AA and secondary turrets being repeatedly destroyed. It is not recommended to repair the ship unless major damage has been sustained.
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=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
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The modifications that should be first gotten are Tool Set and Fire Protection System, as these will allow you to survive fights are repair modules essential to whatever you intend to do.
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'''Used as a solo ship/brawling ship'''
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If intended to be used solo, getting the 8-inch Mk.21 APCBC will allow Baltimore to engage armored ships that the stock SAP shell will otherwise struggle to penetrate. following this should be the first 2 armament modifications allowing all secondary guns to turn more efficiently. following this modification should be 8 inch HE for rank 2 modifications. For rank 3, the modifications that should be acquired are in order: primary armament, improved rangefinder, and propeller replacement. As for other modifications, it doesn't matter what order they are acquired, as long as both the 8 Inch and 5 Inch SAP modifications are left for last, as these are 2 shells that will likely never be used.
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'''Used as a squad anti-air/fire support ship'''
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If intended to be used as an AA escort ship/fire support ship, researching the anti-air armament and auxiliary armament will be the priority. Following this modification, rudder replacement will likely prove to be the best choice as it will allow the ship to better manoeuvre around other ships and position itself where it wants to be to defend itself and its allies. Then, the 5-inch AAVT Mk.31 modification to fulfil the role of an anti-air cruiser. After this, all other modifications are left to the player's preference, as none of them will directly or indirectly affect the Baltimore's anti-air ability.
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
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{{main|8 inch/55 Mark 12 (203 mm)}}
 
{{main|8 inch/55 Mark 12 (203 mm)}}
  
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The Baltimore features 9 x 8 inch/55 Mark 12 (203 mm) cannons in three triple turrets arranged in A-Bs-X setup as her main armament. The guns have a rather mediocre traverse speed, but with a decent amount of firing angle to help increase her survivability when angled.
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The Baltimore features 9 x 8 inch/55 Mark 12 cannons in three triple turrets arranged in an A-Bs-X setup as her main armament. The guns have a rather mediocre traverse speed, but with a decent amount of firing angle to help increase her survivability when angled.
  
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As with any other American heavy cruisers, the Baltimore's main guns have a mediocre rate of fire per minute than its contemporaries, with 15 seconds (ace crew) of reload time. Thought this is a noticeable improvement compared to other American heavy cruisers armed with a similar-sized guns. The guns is also quite accurate with relatively low dispersions.
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As with any other American heavy cruisers, the Baltimore's main guns have a mediocre rate of fire than its contemporaries, with 15 seconds (ace crew) of reload time, though this is a noticeable improvement compared to other American heavy cruisers armed with a similar-sized guns. The guns are also quite accurate with relatively low dispersion.
  
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As an event ship, the Baltimore comes completely stock. The ship utilizes a "common" type SAP shells as default shell, which is completely inadaquate against most opponents that she will face. While the shell has a sizeable filler of 4.84 kg of TNT equivalent, its penetration of 71 mm at 10 km is terrible (especially for its calibre), and is unable to put a dent on most enemy cruiser beyond 7.5 km range. This means you have to get dangerously close to enemy to deal damage, and thus exposing yourself as a target for enemy ships.
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The ship utilizes a "common" type SAP shells as the default shell, which is completely inadequate against most opponents that she will face. While the shell has a sizeable filler of 4.84 kg of TNT equivalent, its penetration of 71 mm at 10 km is terrible (especially for its calibre), and is unable to put a dent in most enemy cruisers beyond 7.5 km range. This means you have to get dangerously close to enemies to deal damage, thus exposing yourself as a target for enemy ships.
  
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Depending on your preference, you might wanted to get the "super-heavy" APCBC shell first before getting repair kits and FPE. The "super-heavy" shell are the trademark of the Baltimore-class heavy cruisers, since these shells are heavier than others, weighing over 151 kg, while most of the other nations' shells weight usually around 110 kg. This gives them a longer flight time, but a steeper angle. The idea behind its design was that, at long ranges (~9 km), the shells would penetrate battleship's decks from above instead of hitting the much thicker side armour, potentially reaching critical components. With 256 mm of penetration at 10 km and the aforementioned unique properties, the shell is able to reach further into enemy ship's critical components, and dealing much higher post-penetration damage than its counterparts due to the weight of the shell.
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Depending on your preference, you might want to get the "super-heavy" APCBC shell first before getting repair kits and FPE. The "super-heavy" shell is the trademark of the Baltimore-class heavy cruisers, since these shells are heavier than others, weighing over 151 kg, while most of the other nations' shells usually weigh around 110 kg. This gives them a longer flight time, but a steeper angle. The idea behind its design was that, at long ranges (~9 km), the shells would penetrate battleship's decks from above instead of hitting the much thicker side armour, potentially reaching critical components. With 256 mm of penetration at 10 km and its unique properties, the shell is able to reach further into enemy ship's critical components, dealing much higher post-penetration damage than its counterparts due to the weight of the shell.
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Other than the "super-heavy" APCBC shell, the Baltimore also has access to a general-purpose HE shell with decent 9.5 kg of TNT equivalent filler to soften enemy ships, and a "special" SAP shell with a marginally better penetration but less filler, which is still ill-suited against anything beyond 8 km.
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{{:8 inch/55 Mark 12 (203 mm)/Ammunition|8 inch Mk.14 Common, 8 inch Mk.21 APCBC, 8 inch Mk.25 HC, 8 inch Mk.17 SP Common}}
  
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Other than the "super-heavy" APCBC shell, the Baltimore also has an access to a general-purposes HE shell with decent 9.5 kg of TNT equivalent filler to soften enemy ships, and a "special" SAP shells with a marginally better penetration but worse filler, which is still ill-suited against anything beyond 8 km.
 
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}
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{{main|5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)}}
 
{{main|5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)}}
  
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The Baltimore features 12 x 5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm) dual-purpose guns in six double turrets, two at the port and starboard sides each, and one at the front and the rear of her superstructure. These turrets have similar characteristics with the late war American destroyers such as the [[USS Somers|Somers]] or the [[USS Moffett|Moffett]], but with even more faster reload time (2.8 seconds with ace crew). As she can use up to 8 guns at once (the same as the aforementioned destroyers), the dual-purpose guns provides a formidable supporting fire against enemy cruisers and destroyers, and providing potent defence against enemy PT boats and aircrafts.
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The Baltimore features 12 x 5 inch/38 Mk.12 dual-purpose guns in six double turrets, two on the port and starboard sides each, and one at the front and the rear of her superstructure. These turrets have similar characteristics to those on the late war American destroyers such as the [[USS Somers|Somers]] or the [[USS Moffett|Moffett]], but with even faster reload (2.8 seconds with ace crew). As she can use up to 8 guns at once (the same as destroyers), the dual-purpose guns provide formidable supporting fire against enemy cruisers and destroyers, and act as potent defence against enemy PT boats and aircraft.
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The shell choice of the secondary armaments is the same as found on the destroyers; a basic HE shell which provides good continuous damage, an SAP shell which ironically has better penetration than the main gun's SAP shell and thus more capable at dealing damage, and an HE-VT shell for anti-air purposes.
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{{:5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)/Ammunition|5 inch AAC Mk.34, 5 inch AAVT Mk.31, 5 inch SP Common Mk.46}}
  
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The shell choice of the secondary armaments is the same as the one found on the American destroyers; a basic HE shell which provides good continuous damage, a SAP shell which ironically has better penetration than the main gun's SAP shell and thus more capable at dealing damage, and a HE-VT shell for anti-air purposes.
 
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}
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{{main|Bofors L/60 Mark 2 (40 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|Bofors L/60 Mark 2 (40 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
  
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When it comes to anti-air armaments, the Baltimore takes the whole cake. The Baltimore features a staggering 48 x 40 mm Bofors AA cannons in 12 quadruple turrets and 24 x 20 mm Oerlikon single-mounted placed all over the ship. In total, the Baltimore features 72 anti-aircraft guns, the highest amount of AA armaments in the game. Without even taking the dual-purposes 127 mm guns into account, the Baltimore can create a literal "bullet hell" for any aircrafts and PT boats that are either brave or foolish enough to come close to it and quickly dispatch them. In addition, these guns is also very useful for disabling enemy secondary and AA armaments at closer ranges (~4 km) and chip their crew away.
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When it comes to anti-air armaments, the Baltimore takes the whole cake. The Baltimore features a staggering 48 x 40 mm Bofors AA cannons in 12 quadruple turrets and 24 x 20 mm Oerlikon cannons placed all over the ship. Without even taking the dual-purpose 127 mm guns into account, the Baltimore can create a literal "bullet hell" for any aircraft and PT boats that are either brave or foolish enough to come close to it and quickly dispatch them. In addition, these guns are also very useful for disabling enemy secondary and AA armaments at closer ranges (~4 km) and chipping away at their crew.
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It should be noted, however, that the Baltimore will usually lose several guns (and a considerable amount of crew in the process) during firefights, and that her AA defence capabilities may be significantly reduced before the enemy team decides to spawn as aircraft.
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===Scout plane===
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{{Specs-Fleet-Plane}}
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Located on the stern are two catapults with one OS2U-1 scout plane each which provide unique offensive and defensive abilities, expanding tactical options. Ship-launched scout planes fly just like regular tree units but lack munition choices and cockpit views. Alongside the typical abilities of strafing, dropping 2 x 100 lb bombs, and capping zones, the OS2U-1 and other scout planes have the added ability to lay down smoke cover (up to 3 times). Captains will be wise to remember to utilize the aircraft and consider when best to use it, for example to cap a point early or late in the match, to create a smoke screen to stymie enemy bombardment and repair, to attack enemy units directly, or perhaps something completely new! With two scout planes one can risk a cap attempt at the beginning of the match, saving the second for any opportunity that presents itself.
  
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It should be noted, however, that the Baltimore will usually lose several guns (and a considerable amount of crew in the process) during firefight, and that her AA defence capabilities will be significantly reduced before the enemy team decided to spawn as an aircraft.
 
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
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<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
With a wide variety of guns on board and great protection, the Baltimore feels right at home when protecting allies from aircraft and surface targets, as well as acting as a vanguard for the team, providing heavy firepower and taking several hits in return.
 
With a wide variety of guns on board and great protection, the Baltimore feels right at home when protecting allies from aircraft and surface targets, as well as acting as a vanguard for the team, providing heavy firepower and taking several hits in return.
  
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Without the super-heavy APCBC shells at the start, the Baltimore's 203 mm guns with an awful stock "common" SAP shells will struggle to damage anything beyond 8 km. Your main priorty is to quickly gain an access to the "super-heavy" APCBC rounds, one should target target enemy cruisers and destroyers at closer range (within 7.5 km), or play as the brawler by utilizing both the primary and secondary armaments and get closer to enemy ship to get more chance of a clean shots and more damage.
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Without the super-heavy APCBC shells at the start, the Baltimore's 203 mm guns with an awful stock "common" SAP shell which struggle to damage anything beyond 8 km. Your main priority is to quickly gain access to the "super-heavy" APCBC rounds: one should target enemy cruisers and destroyers at closer range (within 7.5 km), or play as the brawler by utilizing both the primary and secondary armaments and get closer to enemy ship to get more chance of a clean shots and more damage.
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Once the "super-heavy" APCBC shell and the damage control kit (repair kit and FPE) is unlocked, the Baltimore's full potential as a universal gun cruiser will be unleashed. Due to the unique properties of the shell, at longer ranges, the shell is capable of penetrating the usually weaker deck armour instead of side armour, punching deep into the ship with its weight, and dealing devastating damage as a result. This allows a keen captain to take out enemy ship's key compartments (engines, drive shaft, ammo racks) and potentially capable of even ammoracking enemy battleships. Other than this, the HE shell is handy for softening enemy targets or finishing them off, while the "special" SAP shell is not that much better than the "common" SAP shell.
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Other than the powerful 203 mm guns, the Baltimore utilizes rapid-firing 127 mm secondary guns to deal additional damage. As the AI gunners are quite inaccurate, you may want to handle the gun youself while the main gun is reloading to fire more precise shots at the enemy.
  
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Once the "super-heavy" APCBC shell and her the damage control kit (repair kit and FPE) is unlocked. The Baltimore's full potential as a universal gun cruiser will be unleashed. Due to the unique properties of the shell as described in the "Primary armament" section, at longer ranges, the shell is capable of penetrating the usually weaker deck armour instead of side armour, punches deep into the ship with its weight, and dealing devastating damage as a result. This allows a keen captain to take out enemy ship's key compartments (engines, drive shaft, ammo racks) and potentially capable of even ammoracking the enemy battleships. Other than this, the HE shell is handy for softening enemy targets or finishing them off, while the "special" SAP shell is not that much better than the "common" SAP shell.
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While the anti-air AI gunners can do their job well (especially at longer ranges) due to them spraying huge clouds of shells at the enemy aircraft, you might want to take control of the gun yourself if the enemy manages to slip closer to you or your allies.
  
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Other than a powerful 203 mm guns, the Baltimore utilizes a rapid-firing 127 mm secondary guns to deal an additional supplementary damage. As the AI gunners were quite inaccurate, you may wanted to handle the gun youself while the main gun is reloading to fire a more precise shots at enemy.
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When trying to survive in the USS Baltimore, the large amount of crew paired with her anti-fragmentation belt and other armour layers allows her to take a beating, however, her survivability can be exponentially increased if her captain chooses correctly when to repair. Boasting a huge anti-air profile, Baltimore's AA guns also pose as a crew sink drain for enemy HE, knocking out the 40 mm and 20 mm mounts together with the AA gun crews. If a careless repair is initiated, all destroyed anti-air mounts will be repaired and filled with a fresh crew that will become vulnerable to the next HE barrages. being selective about when to repair will decrease the number of times the AA mounts are destroyed and subsequently reduce the amount of crew bleed from engagements with other ships. Repairing damaged mounts only when an enemy air attack is anticipated or imminent is often the best course of action unless circumstances dictate otherwise.
  
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While the anti-air AI gunners can do its job well (especially at longer ranges) due to them spraying a huge clouds of shells at the enemy aircraft, you might wanted to take control of the gun yourself when the enemy manages to slip closer to you or your allies.
 
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
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* Hull is clad with layers of anti-fragmentation armour, highly resilent to cruiser-calibre HE shells and fire damage
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* Hull is clad with layers of anti-fragmentation armour, highly resilient to cruiser-calibre HE shells and fire damage
 
* Very well-armoured, can take a lot of punishments when angled properly
 
* Very well-armoured, can take a lot of punishments when angled properly
 
* Decent mobility for a heavy cruiser
 
* Decent mobility for a heavy cruiser
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** 72 anti-air guns provide amazing aerial and close range defences
 
** 72 anti-air guns provide amazing aerial and close range defences
 
* Large crew size, with proper handling and damage control, she can stay afloat for the entire match
 
* Large crew size, with proper handling and damage control, she can stay afloat for the entire match
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* Two scout seaplanes.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Very large target, easy to hit at longer ranges without angling and is vulnerable to torpedoes
 
* Very large target, easy to hit at longer ranges without angling and is vulnerable to torpedoes
 
* Atrocious stock grind, as the default common SAP shell have very poor penetration
 
* Atrocious stock grind, as the default common SAP shell have very poor penetration
 
* While faster than other American cruisers, the guns still have somewhat slow rate of fire compared to its contemporaries of other nations
 
* While faster than other American cruisers, the guns still have somewhat slow rate of fire compared to its contemporaries of other nations
 
* No torpedo armaments, have to rely solely on the guns to deal damage
 
* No torpedo armaments, have to rely solely on the guns to deal damage
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* Rear turret's firing arc is obstructed by scout plane catapults, can make firing on retreat somewhat tricky
 
* While heavily armoured, a well-placed AP shots can detonate her ready shells in the elevator
 
* While heavily armoured, a well-placed AP shots can detonate her ready shells in the elevator
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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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).'' -->[[File:USS Baltimore 1943.jpg|thumb|450x450px|USS Baltimore (CA-68) anchored at Guantanamo Bay in 1943.]]
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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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[[File:USS Baltimore 1943.jpg|thumb|450x450px|USS Baltimore (CA-68) anchored at Guantanamo Bay in 1943.]]
 
USS Baltimore (CA-68) was the lead ship of her class of heavy cruisers built for the United States during the Second World War. Based on the preceding unique heavy cruiser Wichita, the Baltimores were extremely heavily armed and carried a potent anti-aircraft armament, though like all other American cruisers, they lacked torpedo armament. Baltimore saw extensive service in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War, and carried Franklin D. Roosevelt to his meeting with American military leaders at Pearl Harbour. After the war, she was reduced to reserve, but reactivated for the Korean War. Despite false allegations by the North Koreans that Baltimore had been sunk by North Korean G-5 torpedo boats, she was actually reduced to reserve, and scrapped by 1973.
 
USS Baltimore (CA-68) was the lead ship of her class of heavy cruisers built for the United States during the Second World War. Based on the preceding unique heavy cruiser Wichita, the Baltimores were extremely heavily armed and carried a potent anti-aircraft armament, though like all other American cruisers, they lacked torpedo armament. Baltimore saw extensive service in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War, and carried Franklin D. Roosevelt to his meeting with American military leaders at Pearl Harbour. After the war, she was reduced to reserve, but reactivated for the Korean War. Despite false allegations by the North Koreans that Baltimore had been sunk by North Korean G-5 torpedo boats, she was actually reduced to reserve, and scrapped by 1973.
  
 
=== Design and development ===
 
=== Design and development ===
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The Baltimore class was designed to be a successor to the previous [[USS Pensacola|Pensacola]], [[USS Northampton|Northampton]], [[USS Portland|Portland]] and [[USS New Orleans|New Orleans]] classes. The ship’s design was based off of the USS Wichita, a unique heavy cruiser built just before the outbreak of hostilities. The hull itself was also extremely similar to the hull of the [[USS Cleveland|Cleveland]] class, a class of light cruiser that was then under construction. Superficially, the Baltimores look extremely similar to the Clevelands, but carried a heavier main armament. Built to this specification, the USS Baltimore was laid down in May of 1941, and commissioned after the start of the war in April of 1943.
+
The Baltimore class was designed to be a successor to the previous [[USS Pensacola|Pensacola]], [[USS Northampton|Northampton]], [[USS Portland|Portland]] and [[USS New Orleans|New Orleans]] classes. The ship's design was based off of the USS Wichita, a unique heavy cruiser built just before the outbreak of hostilities. The hull itself was also extremely similar to the hull of the [[USS Cleveland|Cleveland]] class, a class of light cruiser that was then under construction. Superficially, the Baltimores look extremely similar to the Clevelands, but carried a heavier main armament. Built to this specification, the USS Baltimore was laid down in May of 1941, and commissioned after the start of the war in April of 1943.
  
 
Baltimore was 205 metres long and displaced almost 14000 tons standard, making her considerably heavier than her predecessors. Her main armament consisted of nine 8-inch (203 mm) guns in three triple turrets, the same layout as the preceding cruiser classes. However, Baltimore carried a significantly-improved secondary and anti-aircraft armament suite, composed of twelve 5-inch (127 mm) guns in six dual mounts, 48 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns in 12 quad mounts, and 24 Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns in single mounts. Powered by steam turbines delivering 120 000 shaft horsepower, she was capable of making 33 knots (61 km/h).
 
Baltimore was 205 metres long and displaced almost 14000 tons standard, making her considerably heavier than her predecessors. Her main armament consisted of nine 8-inch (203 mm) guns in three triple turrets, the same layout as the preceding cruiser classes. However, Baltimore carried a significantly-improved secondary and anti-aircraft armament suite, composed of twelve 5-inch (127 mm) guns in six dual mounts, 48 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns in 12 quad mounts, and 24 Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns in single mounts. Powered by steam turbines delivering 120 000 shaft horsepower, she was capable of making 33 knots (61 km/h).
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Following her commissioning in 1943, Baltimore joined the Pacific Fleet and spent October-November 1943 in training off the coast of California. Between November 1943 and June of 1944, Baltimore was part of a coastal bombardment force that provided fire support at the Makin Islands, Kwajalein and Truk landings. During this time, the force made great use of Baltimore's heavy main guns, proving themselves to be effective coastal bombardment weapons. Baltimore continued to provide this fire support capacity until June of 1944, when she returned to the Continental United States.
 
Following her commissioning in 1943, Baltimore joined the Pacific Fleet and spent October-November 1943 in training off the coast of California. Between November 1943 and June of 1944, Baltimore was part of a coastal bombardment force that provided fire support at the Makin Islands, Kwajalein and Truk landings. During this time, the force made great use of Baltimore's heavy main guns, proving themselves to be effective coastal bombardment weapons. Baltimore continued to provide this fire support capacity until June of 1944, when she returned to the Continental United States.
  
−
After returning to the United States, Baltimore embarked President Franklin D. Roosevelt and transported him to Pearl Harbour, where the president met with Admiral Chester Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur. After the meeting, Baltimore transported the President to Alaska, and then returned to active duty. She spent the last part of the war providing fire support for American troops at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the cessation of hostilities, Baltimore joined the “magic carpet fleet” and transported American veterans back to their homeland.
+
After returning to the United States, Baltimore embarked President Franklin D. Roosevelt and transported him to Pearl Harbour, where the president met with Admiral Chester Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur. After the meeting, Baltimore transported the President to Alaska, and then returned to active duty. She spent the last part of the war providing fire support for American troops at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the cessation of hostilities, Baltimore joined the "magic carpet fleet" and transported American veterans back to their homeland.
  
−
After the war ended, Baltimore joined the reserve fleet at Bremerton, where she stayed until the Korean War started. She was reactivated in 1951 and assigned to the Atlantic fleet, meaning that she did not see service in the Korean theatre. She later represented the United States at the UK Fleet Review of 1953, and spent a short time in the Eastern Theatre before being reduced to reserve again. A North Korean museum claims that the Baltimore was sunk by G-5 Torpedo Boats in 1950, and has an exhibit showing “the actual boat” that sank the Baltimore. In fact, the Baltimore was never in the Korean Theatre during the war, and was scrapped in 1973. Baltimore earned a total of 9 war stars for her service during the Second World War.
+
After the war ended, Baltimore joined the reserve fleet at Bremerton, where she stayed until the Korean War started. She was reactivated in 1951 and assigned to the Atlantic fleet, meaning that she did not see service in the Korean theatre. She later represented the United States at the UK Fleet Review of 1953, and spent a short time in the Eastern Theatre before being reduced to reserve again. A North Korean museum claims that the Baltimore was sunk by G-5 Torpedo Boats in 1950, and has an exhibit showing "the actual boat" that sank the Baltimore. In fact, the Baltimore was never in the Korean Theatre during the war, and was scrapped in 1973. Baltimore earned a total of 9 war stars for her service during the Second World War.
  
 
=== [[wt:en/news/7003-development-uss-baltimore-ca-68-1943-en|Devblog]] ===
 
=== [[wt:en/news/7003-development-uss-baltimore-ca-68-1943-en|Devblog]] ===
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;Skins
 
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=ship&vehicleClass=heavy_cruiser&vehicle=us_cruiser_baltimore_class Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=us_cruiser_baltimore_class Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Images
 
;Images
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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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;Related development
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[USS Pittsburgh]], a 1953 modernization of the standard Baltimore
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 +
;Similar vessels
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* [[Admiral Hipper]]
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* [[HMS London]]
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* [[IJN Tone]]
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* [[RN Zara]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* [[wt:en/news/7003-development-uss-baltimore-ca-68-1943-en|[Devblog] USS Baltimore (CA-68) (1943)]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/7003-development-uss-baltimore-ca-68-1943-en|[Devblog] USS Baltimore (CA-68) (1943)]]
 +
* [https://www.navysite.de/ca/ca68.htm NavySite's page on the USS Baltimore]
  
 
=== References ===
 
=== References ===

Latest revision as of 11:37, 2 November 2023

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
USS Baltimore
us_cruiser_baltimore_class.png
GarageImage USS Baltimore.jpg
ArtImage USS Baltimore.jpg
USS Baltimore
USA flag.png USA
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.0 6.0 6.0
Class:
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The Baltimore-class,USS Baltimore (CA-68), 1943 was the lead ship of the Baltimore-class heavy cruisers built for the US Navy in the 1940s. She was laid down on 26th May 1941 and commissioned on 15th April 1943. The design was influenced by the Cleveland-class light cruisers, which the Baltimores were enlarged and more heavily armed versions of. Main armament was made up of three triple 8-inch cannons supported by six twin dual-purpose 5-inch guns alongside the hull. As one of the Baltimore-class' duties was anti-aircraft protection of the task force, Baltimore was armed with twelve quadruple 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns further complemented by twenty-four single mounted 20 mm Oerlikon Mk. II autocannons. Between November 1943 and June 1944, Baltimore provided shore bombardment and fire support to invasion forces on various atolls and islands of the Pacific such as Makin Island, Kwajalein, and Eniwetok. She also took part in the Marianas campaign and landings on Saipan and the Philippines. In 1945, she provided fire support for US troops landing on Okinawa and Iwo Jima. Between November 1945 and February 1946, she was part of the occupation fleet in Japan, until she was placed in reserve on 8th July 1946. She was recommissioned on 28th November 1951 and sailed to the Mediterranean where she was part of the Sixth Fleet, conducting exercises and training until 1955 when she was transferred to the Seventh Fleet in the Far East. She was decommissioned on 31st May 1956 and sold for scrap on 10th April 1972.

It was introduced during Update "Hot Tracks" as a reward for the 2020 Operation W.I.N.T.E.R. event. The Baltimore-class heavy cruisers represent the zenith of the United States Navy "screening fleet" doctrine during World War II. The ships of this class feature a variety of gun calibres placed all over the ship, with the emphasis on providing anti-air defense to fleet carriers taken to another level. The USS Baltimore, the lead ship of the class, features a very high amount of anti-air armaments amongst cruisers with 72 in total. This huge amount of guns (consisting of powerful 40 mm Bofors and 20 mm Oerlikon autocannons) will keep all but the most daring of enemy aircraft at bay. Her anti-ship firepower is also not to be underestimated, as she features nine 8 inch (203 mm) cannons with super-heavy APCBC shells and versatile 127 mm secondary turrets. This makes the Baltimore a force to be reckoned with, even in top rank naval battles.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Citadel152 / 152 / 64 mm
Main fire tower203 / 83 / 37 mm
Hull19 mm (steel)
Superstructure17 mm (steel)
Number of section8
Displacement17 031 t
Crew1 560 people

In terms of overall armour, the Baltimore does not have as much armour as a Hipper-class heavy cruiser, it is somewhat on par with IJN counterparts such as the Mogami.

As with most of the US destroyers and some cruisers, the Baltimore's hull is clad with anti-fragmentation armour to protect her crew from HE shells, with her deck armour having 28.5 mm of thickness, 12.7 mm on her bow and stern, and 19 mm on the central compartments. When angled properly, she can absorb any cruiser-calibre HE shells with little to no crew loss and is immune to destroyer-calibre HE shells as long as they don't damage her wide array of secondary and AA armaments. As crew compartments and critical modules are placed far away from each other, the Baltimore is highly resilient to fire damage.

In terms of armour and module protection, the Baltimore is expectedly well-armoured. Her frontal and rear auxiliary magazine rooms are located below the waterline and are clad with 76 mm of armour at the sides, 63.5 mm at the deck, 140 mm at the bulkhead, and 127 mm at the stern. Her citadel is very well-armoured, with 152 mm on all sides except 63.5 mm at the deck. Her main turrets are protected with 203 mm armour at the front, 82.5 mm at the sides, 76 mm at the top, and 36.5 mm at the rear, and thus are harder to be taken out.

Baltimore's protection is not without weakness, however. Her fatal weak spots are the main magazine rooms which are located inside the shell elevator sitting way above the waterline, designed with the intention of providing Baltimore with consistent firepower without having to restock the ready racks. While the shell elevator is heavily-protected (with 160 mm of armour), well-aimed AP shots that manage to get inside the magazine are likely to detonate it, causing fatal damage.

Having lots of AA also means lots of crew (1,560). However, lots of crew can also be lost due to the AA and secondary turrets being repeatedly destroyed. It is not recommended to repair the ship unless major damage has been sustained.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB71 / 29 km/h
RB61 / 25 km/h

The Baltimore's top speed is on par with that of the Hipper-class heavy cruiser, her agility is better however. She is unlikely to evade a torpedo if spotted too late, but being a heavy cruiser, she should survive a hit or two.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 71 29
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 61 25

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB12 722 → 17 174 Sl icon.png
RB12 691 → 17 132 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications289 000 Rp icon.png
428 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training230 000 Sl icon.png
Experts790 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces780 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
450 / 600 / 100 % Sl icon.png
202 / 202 / 202 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods ship anti fragmentation protection.png
Shrapnel Protection
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods ship venting.png
Ventilation
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods ship ammo wetting.png
Ammo Wetting
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods new aa caliber turrets.png
Anti-Air Armament Targeting
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
203mm_us_mk21_navy_ap_ammo_pack
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
203mm_us_mk25_navy_hc_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
127mm_usa_mk46_special_common_sap_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods ship rangefinder.png
Improved Rangefinder
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods he frag proxi fuze ship.png
127mm_usa_mk31_aavt_radio_fuse_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
18 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods shipSupportPlane.png
Hydroplane
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png
Mods he frag base fuse tank.png
203mm_us_mk17_navy_special_common_ammo_pack
Research:
19 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
490 Ge icon.png

The modifications that should be first gotten are Tool Set and Fire Protection System, as these will allow you to survive fights are repair modules essential to whatever you intend to do.

Used as a solo ship/brawling ship

If intended to be used solo, getting the 8-inch Mk.21 APCBC will allow Baltimore to engage armored ships that the stock SAP shell will otherwise struggle to penetrate. following this should be the first 2 armament modifications allowing all secondary guns to turn more efficiently. following this modification should be 8 inch HE for rank 2 modifications. For rank 3, the modifications that should be acquired are in order: primary armament, improved rangefinder, and propeller replacement. As for other modifications, it doesn't matter what order they are acquired, as long as both the 8 Inch and 5 Inch SAP modifications are left for last, as these are 2 shells that will likely never be used.

Used as a squad anti-air/fire support ship

If intended to be used as an AA escort ship/fire support ship, researching the anti-air armament and auxiliary armament will be the priority. Following this modification, rudder replacement will likely prove to be the best choice as it will allow the ship to better manoeuvre around other ships and position itself where it wants to be to defend itself and its allies. Then, the 5-inch AAVT Mk.31 modification to fulfil the role of an anti-air cruiser. After this, all other modifications are left to the player's preference, as none of them will directly or indirectly affect the Baltimore's anti-air ability.

Armament

Primary armament

3 х Turret3 x 8 inch/55 Mark 12 cannon
Ammunition450 rounds
Vertical guidance-10° / 41°
Main article: 8 inch/55 Mark 12 (203 mm)

The Baltimore features 9 x 8 inch/55 Mark 12 cannons in three triple turrets arranged in an A-Bs-X setup as her main armament. The guns have a rather mediocre traverse speed, but with a decent amount of firing angle to help increase her survivability when angled.

As with any other American heavy cruisers, the Baltimore's main guns have a mediocre rate of fire than its contemporaries, with 15 seconds (ace crew) of reload time, though this is a noticeable improvement compared to other American heavy cruisers armed with a similar-sized guns. The guns are also quite accurate with relatively low dispersion.

The ship utilizes a "common" type SAP shells as the default shell, which is completely inadequate against most opponents that she will face. While the shell has a sizeable filler of 4.84 kg of TNT equivalent, its penetration of 71 mm at 10 km is terrible (especially for its calibre), and is unable to put a dent in most enemy cruisers beyond 7.5 km range. This means you have to get dangerously close to enemies to deal damage, thus exposing yourself as a target for enemy ships.

Depending on your preference, you might want to get the "super-heavy" APCBC shell first before getting repair kits and FPE. The "super-heavy" shell is the trademark of the Baltimore-class heavy cruisers, since these shells are heavier than others, weighing over 151 kg, while most of the other nations' shells usually weigh around 110 kg. This gives them a longer flight time, but a steeper angle. The idea behind its design was that, at long ranges (~9 km), the shells would penetrate battleship's decks from above instead of hitting the much thicker side armour, potentially reaching critical components. With 256 mm of penetration at 10 km and its unique properties, the shell is able to reach further into enemy ship's critical components, dealing much higher post-penetration damage than its counterparts due to the weight of the shell.

Other than the "super-heavy" APCBC shell, the Baltimore also has access to a general-purpose HE shell with decent 9.5 kg of TNT equivalent filler to soften enemy ships, and a "special" SAP shell with a marginally better penetration but less filler, which is still ill-suited against anything beyond 8 km.

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
Mk.14 Common Common 110 98 80 66 56 43
Mk.21 APCBC APCBC 390 348 289 243 207 165
Mk.25 HC HE 61 61 61 61 61 61
Mk.17 SP Common SP Common 131 116 95 79 66 50
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%
Mk.14 Common Common 823 117.9 0.035 9 4.84 47° 60° 65°
Mk.21 APCBC APCBC 762 151.9 0.035 9 2.21 48° 63° 71°
Mk.25 HC HE 823 117.9 0 0.1 9.49 79° 80° 81°
Mk.17 SP Common SP Common 823 117.9 0.035 9 4.61 48° 63° 71°

Secondary armament

6 х Turret2 x 5 inch/38 Mk.12 cannon, mount Mk.32
Ammunition720 rounds
Main article: 5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)

The Baltimore features 12 x 5 inch/38 Mk.12 dual-purpose guns in six double turrets, two on the port and starboard sides each, and one at the front and the rear of her superstructure. These turrets have similar characteristics to those on the late war American destroyers such as the Somers or the Moffett, but with even faster reload (2.8 seconds with ace crew). As she can use up to 8 guns at once (the same as destroyers), the dual-purpose guns provide formidable supporting fire against enemy cruisers and destroyers, and act as potent defence against enemy PT boats and aircraft.

The shell choice of the secondary armaments is the same as found on the destroyers; a basic HE shell which provides good continuous damage, an SAP shell which ironically has better penetration than the main gun's SAP shell and thus more capable at dealing damage, and an HE-VT shell for anti-air purposes.

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
AAC Mk.34 HE 36 36 36 36 36 36
AAVT Mk.31 HE-VT 36 36 36 36 36 36
SP Common Mk.46 SP Common 150 125 93 71 56 45
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%
AAC Mk.34 HE 792 25 0 0.1 3,220 79° 80° 81°
SP Common Mk.46 SP Common 792 25 0.01 6 906.5 48° 63° 71°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(s) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AAVT Mk.31 HE-VT 792 25 0 0.1 457 23 3,220 79° 80° 81°

Anti-aircraft armament

12 х Turret4 x 40 mm Bofors L/60 Mark 2 gun
Ammunition8000 rounds
Belt capacity4 rounds
Fire rate156 shots/min
24 х Turret20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II autocannon
Ammunition1800 rounds
Belt capacity60 rounds
Fire rate450 shots/min
Main articles: Bofors L/60 Mark 2 (40 mm), 20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)

When it comes to anti-air armaments, the Baltimore takes the whole cake. The Baltimore features a staggering 48 x 40 mm Bofors AA cannons in 12 quadruple turrets and 24 x 20 mm Oerlikon cannons placed all over the ship. Without even taking the dual-purpose 127 mm guns into account, the Baltimore can create a literal "bullet hell" for any aircraft and PT boats that are either brave or foolish enough to come close to it and quickly dispatch them. In addition, these guns are also very useful for disabling enemy secondary and AA armaments at closer ranges (~4 km) and chipping away at their crew.

It should be noted, however, that the Baltimore will usually lose several guns (and a considerable amount of crew in the process) during firefights, and that her AA defence capabilities may be significantly reduced before the enemy team decides to spawn as aircraft.

Scout plane

Main article: 2 x OS2U-1

Located on the stern are two catapults with one OS2U-1 scout plane each which provide unique offensive and defensive abilities, expanding tactical options. Ship-launched scout planes fly just like regular tree units but lack munition choices and cockpit views. Alongside the typical abilities of strafing, dropping 2 x 100 lb bombs, and capping zones, the OS2U-1 and other scout planes have the added ability to lay down smoke cover (up to 3 times). Captains will be wise to remember to utilize the aircraft and consider when best to use it, for example to cap a point early or late in the match, to create a smoke screen to stymie enemy bombardment and repair, to attack enemy units directly, or perhaps something completely new! With two scout planes one can risk a cap attempt at the beginning of the match, saving the second for any opportunity that presents itself.

Usage in battles

With a wide variety of guns on board and great protection, the Baltimore feels right at home when protecting allies from aircraft and surface targets, as well as acting as a vanguard for the team, providing heavy firepower and taking several hits in return.

Without the super-heavy APCBC shells at the start, the Baltimore's 203 mm guns with an awful stock "common" SAP shell which struggle to damage anything beyond 8 km. Your main priority is to quickly gain access to the "super-heavy" APCBC rounds: one should target enemy cruisers and destroyers at closer range (within 7.5 km), or play as the brawler by utilizing both the primary and secondary armaments and get closer to enemy ship to get more chance of a clean shots and more damage.

Once the "super-heavy" APCBC shell and the damage control kit (repair kit and FPE) is unlocked, the Baltimore's full potential as a universal gun cruiser will be unleashed. Due to the unique properties of the shell, at longer ranges, the shell is capable of penetrating the usually weaker deck armour instead of side armour, punching deep into the ship with its weight, and dealing devastating damage as a result. This allows a keen captain to take out enemy ship's key compartments (engines, drive shaft, ammo racks) and potentially capable of even ammoracking enemy battleships. Other than this, the HE shell is handy for softening enemy targets or finishing them off, while the "special" SAP shell is not that much better than the "common" SAP shell.

Other than the powerful 203 mm guns, the Baltimore utilizes rapid-firing 127 mm secondary guns to deal additional damage. As the AI gunners are quite inaccurate, you may want to handle the gun youself while the main gun is reloading to fire more precise shots at the enemy.

While the anti-air AI gunners can do their job well (especially at longer ranges) due to them spraying huge clouds of shells at the enemy aircraft, you might want to take control of the gun yourself if the enemy manages to slip closer to you or your allies.

When trying to survive in the USS Baltimore, the large amount of crew paired with her anti-fragmentation belt and other armour layers allows her to take a beating, however, her survivability can be exponentially increased if her captain chooses correctly when to repair. Boasting a huge anti-air profile, Baltimore's AA guns also pose as a crew sink drain for enemy HE, knocking out the 40 mm and 20 mm mounts together with the AA gun crews. If a careless repair is initiated, all destroyed anti-air mounts will be repaired and filled with a fresh crew that will become vulnerable to the next HE barrages. being selective about when to repair will decrease the number of times the AA mounts are destroyed and subsequently reduce the amount of crew bleed from engagements with other ships. Repairing damaged mounts only when an enemy air attack is anticipated or imminent is often the best course of action unless circumstances dictate otherwise.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Hull is clad with layers of anti-fragmentation armour, highly resilient to cruiser-calibre HE shells and fire damage
  • Very well-armoured, can take a lot of punishments when angled properly
  • Decent mobility for a heavy cruiser
  • Great armaments
    • Accurate main guns with much better fire rate than other American heavy cruisers
    • Super-heavy APCBC shells have high penetration and post-penetration damage, capable of dealing considerable damage even against battleships
    • Large amounts of fast-firing secondary 127 mm guns providing good supplementary damage at mid-to-close ranges
    • 72 anti-air guns provide amazing aerial and close range defences
  • Large crew size, with proper handling and damage control, she can stay afloat for the entire match
  • Two scout seaplanes.

Cons:

  • Very large target, easy to hit at longer ranges without angling and is vulnerable to torpedoes
  • Atrocious stock grind, as the default common SAP shell have very poor penetration
  • While faster than other American cruisers, the guns still have somewhat slow rate of fire compared to its contemporaries of other nations
  • No torpedo armaments, have to rely solely on the guns to deal damage
  • Rear turret's firing arc is obstructed by scout plane catapults, can make firing on retreat somewhat tricky
  • While heavily armoured, a well-placed AP shots can detonate her ready shells in the elevator

History

USS Baltimore (CA-68) anchored at Guantanamo Bay in 1943.

USS Baltimore (CA-68) was the lead ship of her class of heavy cruisers built for the United States during the Second World War. Based on the preceding unique heavy cruiser Wichita, the Baltimores were extremely heavily armed and carried a potent anti-aircraft armament, though like all other American cruisers, they lacked torpedo armament. Baltimore saw extensive service in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War, and carried Franklin D. Roosevelt to his meeting with American military leaders at Pearl Harbour. After the war, she was reduced to reserve, but reactivated for the Korean War. Despite false allegations by the North Koreans that Baltimore had been sunk by North Korean G-5 torpedo boats, she was actually reduced to reserve, and scrapped by 1973.

Design and development

The Baltimore class was designed to be a successor to the previous Pensacola, Northampton, Portland and New Orleans classes. The ship's design was based off of the USS Wichita, a unique heavy cruiser built just before the outbreak of hostilities. The hull itself was also extremely similar to the hull of the Cleveland class, a class of light cruiser that was then under construction. Superficially, the Baltimores look extremely similar to the Clevelands, but carried a heavier main armament. Built to this specification, the USS Baltimore was laid down in May of 1941, and commissioned after the start of the war in April of 1943.

Baltimore was 205 metres long and displaced almost 14000 tons standard, making her considerably heavier than her predecessors. Her main armament consisted of nine 8-inch (203 mm) guns in three triple turrets, the same layout as the preceding cruiser classes. However, Baltimore carried a significantly-improved secondary and anti-aircraft armament suite, composed of twelve 5-inch (127 mm) guns in six dual mounts, 48 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns in 12 quad mounts, and 24 Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns in single mounts. Powered by steam turbines delivering 120 000 shaft horsepower, she was capable of making 33 knots (61 km/h).

Operational history

Following her commissioning in 1943, Baltimore joined the Pacific Fleet and spent October-November 1943 in training off the coast of California. Between November 1943 and June of 1944, Baltimore was part of a coastal bombardment force that provided fire support at the Makin Islands, Kwajalein and Truk landings. During this time, the force made great use of Baltimore's heavy main guns, proving themselves to be effective coastal bombardment weapons. Baltimore continued to provide this fire support capacity until June of 1944, when she returned to the Continental United States.

After returning to the United States, Baltimore embarked President Franklin D. Roosevelt and transported him to Pearl Harbour, where the president met with Admiral Chester Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur. After the meeting, Baltimore transported the President to Alaska, and then returned to active duty. She spent the last part of the war providing fire support for American troops at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the cessation of hostilities, Baltimore joined the "magic carpet fleet" and transported American veterans back to their homeland.

After the war ended, Baltimore joined the reserve fleet at Bremerton, where she stayed until the Korean War started. She was reactivated in 1951 and assigned to the Atlantic fleet, meaning that she did not see service in the Korean theatre. She later represented the United States at the UK Fleet Review of 1953, and spent a short time in the Eastern Theatre before being reduced to reserve again. A North Korean museum claims that the Baltimore was sunk by G-5 Torpedo Boats in 1950, and has an exhibit showing "the actual boat" that sank the Baltimore. In fact, the Baltimore was never in the Korean Theatre during the war, and was scrapped in 1973. Baltimore earned a total of 9 war stars for her service during the Second World War.

Devblog

The development of new heavy cruisers for the US Navy began after the outbreak of World War II. The restrictions of the London and Washington Treaties ceased to be relevant, so the United States enthusiastically began to refine the projects built within the limits of the restrictions. Based on the heavy cruisers of the USS Wichita class, a new cruiser was developed to correct the issues of its predecessor, namely low stability and a shortage of anti-aircraft weapons, and also with improved seaworthiness, protection and range. The lead ship of the new series, the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore, was laid down in 1941. The distinctive features of the new large series of cruisers are extremely powerful and versatile anti-aircraft weapons and an increased hull width for increased stability. The USS Baltimore entered service in 1943 and immediately began performing combat missions in the Pacific. Until the end of World War II, Baltimore was in the midst of naval war, taking part in a number of US operations. After a short "vacation" it was re-commissioned in 1951, but did not take part in the new, Korean War. The ship was decommissioned from service in May 1956.

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See also

Related development
Similar vessels

External links

References

  • Chen, C. (2005, December). Heavy Cruiser Baltimore (CA-68). Retrieved January 19, 2021, from https://ww2db.com/ship_spec.php?ship_id=165
  • Wertheim, E. (2019, September 02). USS Baltimore (CA-68). Retrieved January 19, 2021, from https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1996/july/uss-baltimore-ca-68


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