Difference between revisions of "HMS Abdiel"

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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 rank {{Specs|rank}} British light cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].
 
  
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The Abdiel-class "mine-laying cruisers" were a class of six fast minelayers. Designed for quick minelaying operations close to enemy waters or shipping lanes, the ships of the class feature exceptionally high top speed that even rivals destroyers and sufficient armaments to fend off the enemy if detected.
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The '''HMS Abdiel (M39)''' was the lead ship of the ''Abdiel''-class "mine-laying cruisers". A class of six fast minelayers designed for quick minelaying operations close to enemy waters or shipping lanes, the ships of the class featured exceptionally high top speed that even rivals destroyers and sufficient armaments to fend off the enemy if detected. Because of these unusual characteristics, the Abdiel-class often found themselves in roles that they were not intended for, especially as a troop transport. ''Abdiel'' also found herself in these risky missions. ''Abdiel'' primarily operated around the waters between Tunisia and Sicily, in which her minefields claimed dozens of Italians destroyers and torpedo boats moving in and out of Tunisia. After minelaying and landing operations around the Mediterranean between 1941-43, Abdiel was sunk on 10 September 1943 during the Operation Slapstick landings off the coast of Taranto, Italy, struck by German submarine-laid mines.
  
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Because of these unusual characteristics, the Abdiel-class often found themselves in roles that they were not intended for, especially as a troop transport. The {{PAGENAME}}, the lead ship of the class, also found itself in these risky missions. After minelaying and landing operations around the Mediterranean between 1941-43, Abdiel was sunk on 10 September 1943 during the Operation Slapstick landings off the coast of Taranto, Italy, struck by German submarine-laid mines.
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Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]], the Abdiel is a peculiar ship in the game much like in real life. Due to how everyone spawns at ranges in-game as opposed to sailing from the port into a specific shipping lane in real life, the Abdiel cannot be used in her intended role as a "mine-laying cruiser", and any attempt at roleplaying her intended roles in-game would end in disaster due to her mine racks being effectively a huge fatal weak spot. As such, in practice, the Abdiel can be best described as a "large destroyer" due to her destroyer-calibre armaments and very high top speed, while having survivability between a large destroyer and a small cruiser. Because of this, Abdiel primarily excels at being a spearhead in lower-tiered bluewater battles, capable of taking some punishments and allowed the teammates to concentrate fire on enemy ships, though she can be easily outclassed by any proper cruisers or more advanced destroyers in uptiers.
  
 
{{Notice|HMS Abdiel is classed as a light cruiser and has a low BR compared to other light cruisers. In this BR bracket, there are some maps that don't feature a cruiser spawn (namely Aleutian Islands) and there is a risk that you won't be able to spawn anything if your line-up consists only of HMS Abdiel herself.}}
 
{{Notice|HMS Abdiel is classed as a light cruiser and has a low BR compared to other light cruisers. In this BR bracket, there are some maps that don't feature a cruiser spawn (namely Aleutian Islands) and there is a risk that you won't be able to spawn anything if your line-up consists only of HMS Abdiel herself.}}
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' -->
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''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''
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Other than the gun shields and some very light armour on the bridge, HMS Abdiel more resembles a destroyer than a light cruiser. She does however feel much tankier than the equivalent destroyers at this BR, likely due to her displacement and larger crew size.
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If carrying mines in the stern then her survivability is much reduced. Often players will target her rear quarters trying to detonate the mines or rear ammo racks, so don't carry them unless you intend to use them.
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 +
Her front ammo racks are somewhat protected behind fuel tanks and are at least partially underwater, though magazine explosions seem to plague the entire British line, particularly from plunging 5"/38 fire at range. The rear ammo racks seem to be very vulnerable too as mentioned back.
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 +
She does contain a lot of empty space however, especially if mines are not being carried, hence feels as though she can take a lot more of a beating than equivalent BR ships.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
 
<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' -->
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''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''
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HMS Abdiel, at 39 knots fully upgraded, is faster than many coastal torpedo boats. Acceleration is rapid compared to anything else in the British blue water fleet and she'll do 13 knots in full reverse. She feels more like a particularly responsive destroyer and is difficult to target against a skilled player using evasive manoeuvres. Rudder control is pretty much instant allowing you to dodge incoming shells.
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Her speed and manoeuvrability allows capping and positioning unavailable to other ships, though as a Light Cruiser she is hampered by using the Heavy fleet spawn.
  
 
{{NavalMobility}}
 
{{NavalMobility}}
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{{main|4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)}}
 
{{main|4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)}}
  
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''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''
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With two twin 4"/45 turrets forward and another at the stern HMS Abdiel has similar firepower to other British ships at this BR. The stern turret can fire at relative fine angles forward, about 15 degrees off the bow. Turret traverse is somewhat slow though easily enough to keep the guns on target which manoeuvring.
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She therefore plays far more like a destroyer than a Light Cruiser.
  
 
{{:4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)/Ammunition|4 inch HE, 4 inch SAP, 4 inch HE-TF, 4 inch HE-VT}}
 
{{:4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)/Ammunition|4 inch HE, 4 inch SAP, 4 inch HE-TF, 4 inch HE-VT}}
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{{main|2pdr QF Mk.IIc (40 mm)}}
 
{{main|2pdr QF Mk.IIc (40 mm)}}
  
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''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''
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Secondaries amount to a single quad 40 mm pompom high-mounted on the rear superstructure. You often see Coastal vessels in downtiers and the pompoms tend to make short work of them.
  
 
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
 
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
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{{main|Vickers Mk.V (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Vickers Mk.V (12.7 mm)}}
  
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''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.''
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Dedicated AAA is rather weak with 2x quad .50 cals on either side of the bridge. You'll want to keep some 4" VT handy if there are aircraft around, particularly bombers operating above pompom range. She doesn't feel to be too vulnerable to low level air attack given the BR though can suffer from high altitude bombing if the player is distracted as she's a comparatively large target.
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 +
The 4" guns do provide an excellent rate of fire however so best to use individual ranged shots to walk the fire onto the approaching aircraft.
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 +
She certainly isn't a AAA cruiser, though can be effective.
  
 
=== Additional armament ===
 
=== Additional armament ===
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{{main|Type M Mark I mine}}
 
{{main|Type M Mark I mine}}
  
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''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''
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HMS Abdiel can carry 40 Type M Mk1 contact mines which are dispensed from racks under the rear deck. These are 600 kg each and will happily cripple if not destroy any ship coming into contact with them.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''
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The play style for HMS Abdiel will be familiar to those of lightly gunned destroyers. In downtiers you can happily bully weaker opponents, even literally pushing them around at contact range. Uptiers are more difficult, especially when carrying mines. It's important not to give easy shorts into your rear hull. It is also important to dodge incoming salvos as plunging fire through the forward deck can reach the magazines.
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The 4" guns are very accurate inside of about 5 km so it's important to place your shots against opponents who have superior firepower. Using single ranged shots and walking the fire up and down the target seems to be surprisingly effective rather than spamming broadsides. At range varying speed and direction can make her a difficult target though closer in you are likely to be outgunned.
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 +
Unless there are clear choke points the obvious use for mines is at the cap points and Abdiel does make an exceptional vessel for taking such, even at much higher BRs where her speed can turn matches. A very useful vessel to keep around should the match situation require it. Her manoeuvrability is well suited to the inland cap points, where she'll often face coastal vessels. Though watch out for torpedoes as she's rather long.
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 +
Some caution is required early in the game where it is easy to get well ahead of the rest of your team and become the focus. On the other hand she's quite capable of dodging a lot of incoming fire, so long as they don't take her engines out, and using her to lay smoke to protect the spawn or advancing fleet can be effective.
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In arcade battles, her ship class is clearly visible, though in RB some destroyer captains might not recognise her silhouette and be wary of taking on a Light Cruiser. She can also be effective as a scout, keeping enemy vessels in sight such that the rest of the fleet can engage.
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Well worth keeping her in your roster for Enduring Confrontation too as her ability to get around the map to complete objectives is unparalleled.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Decent anti-air defense
 
* Decent anti-air defense
 
* Can be loaded with 40 sea mines for area denial
 
* Can be loaded with 40 sea mines for area denial
 +
* Exceptionally good fun to play
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Being classed as a light cruiser, the ship is forced to spawn at longer ranges where the 4-inch guns are less effective
 
* Being classed as a light cruiser, the ship is forced to spawn at longer ranges where the 4-inch guns are less effective
−
* Lacks any torpedo armament  
+
* Lacks any torpedo armament
 
* Practically no armour protection save for the bridge; highly vulnerable to enemy fire
 
* Practically no armour protection save for the bridge; highly vulnerable to enemy fire
 
* Extremely vulnerable magazines and mine racks, both sit way above the waterline
 
* Extremely vulnerable magazines and mine racks, both sit way above the waterline
 +
* Current meta doesn't particularly suit minelayers
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
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Designed to speed into contested waters and lay minefields overnight, the Abdiel-class proved to be very useful vessels, although they were rarely used in their intended role. A minefield laid in the Sicilian Channel claimed two Italian Destroyers and a couple of merchant ships, though only 2% of the UK's total minelaying effort was offensive in nature, rather than the tens of thousands of mines laid around Britain's coasts by small boats and aircraft.
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Instead, the Abdiel-class became invaluable as supply vessels which could run the gauntlet of Axis airpower to help relieve Malta, Tobruk and participated in many evacuations. None of the Abdiel-classes were lost whilst performing their intended role as minelayers, though three were lost during the war. Including, rather ironically, HMS Abdiel to a mine in Taranto harbour.
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A memorial to the fast minelayers can be found in Milford Haven, their operating base.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_minelayer_abdiel_class_abdiel Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_minelayer_abdiel_class_abdiel Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 +
;Videos
 +
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|od0P74LbYqA|'''This is How You Play HMS Abdiel - Naval Gameplay''' - ''Cmdr. Tyrael''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
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''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
  
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* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
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* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbfT8Inqd3M&t=2s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbfT8Inqd3M]
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLWXAkOHdaU
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdiel-class_minelayer
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 +
* https://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-07ML-Abdiel.htm
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 +
* https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/98851/War-Memorial-with-Sea-Mine-Milford-Haven.htm
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
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* ''other literature.''
 
  
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{{ShipManufacturer J. Samuel White}}
 
{{Britain light cruisers}}
 
{{Britain light cruisers}}

Latest revision as of 16:32, 27 May 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
HMS Abdiel
uk_minelayer_abdiel_class_abdiel.png
GarageImage HMS Abdiel.jpg
HMS Abdiel
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.0 4.3 4.3
Class:
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The HMS Abdiel (M39) was the lead ship of the Abdiel-class "mine-laying cruisers". A class of six fast minelayers designed for quick minelaying operations close to enemy waters or shipping lanes, the ships of the class featured exceptionally high top speed that even rivals destroyers and sufficient armaments to fend off the enemy if detected. Because of these unusual characteristics, the Abdiel-class often found themselves in roles that they were not intended for, especially as a troop transport. Abdiel also found herself in these risky missions. Abdiel primarily operated around the waters between Tunisia and Sicily, in which her minefields claimed dozens of Italians destroyers and torpedo boats moving in and out of Tunisia. After minelaying and landing operations around the Mediterranean between 1941-43, Abdiel was sunk on 10 September 1943 during the Operation Slapstick landings off the coast of Taranto, Italy, struck by German submarine-laid mines.

Introduced in Update "Apex Predators", the Abdiel is a peculiar ship in the game much like in real life. Due to how everyone spawns at ranges in-game as opposed to sailing from the port into a specific shipping lane in real life, the Abdiel cannot be used in her intended role as a "mine-laying cruiser", and any attempt at roleplaying her intended roles in-game would end in disaster due to her mine racks being effectively a huge fatal weak spot. As such, in practice, the Abdiel can be best described as a "large destroyer" due to her destroyer-calibre armaments and very high top speed, while having survivability between a large destroyer and a small cruiser. Because of this, Abdiel primarily excels at being a spearhead in lower-tiered bluewater battles, capable of taking some punishments and allowed the teammates to concentrate fire on enemy ships, though she can be easily outclassed by any proper cruisers or more advanced destroyers in uptiers.

Msg-info.png HMS Abdiel is classed as a light cruiser and has a low BR compared to other light cruisers. In this BR bracket, there are some maps that don't feature a cruiser spawn (namely Aleutian Islands) and there is a risk that you won't be able to spawn anything if your line-up consists only of HMS Abdiel herself.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Main fire tower3 / 3 / 0 mm
Hull25 mm (steel)
Superstructure8 mm (steel)
Number of section7
Displacement3 415 t
Crew236 people

Other than the gun shields and some very light armour on the bridge, HMS Abdiel more resembles a destroyer than a light cruiser. She does however feel much tankier than the equivalent destroyers at this BR, likely due to her displacement and larger crew size.

If carrying mines in the stern then her survivability is much reduced. Often players will target her rear quarters trying to detonate the mines or rear ammo racks, so don't carry them unless you intend to use them.

Her front ammo racks are somewhat protected behind fuel tanks and are at least partially underwater, though magazine explosions seem to plague the entire British line, particularly from plunging 5"/38 fire at range. The rear ammo racks seem to be very vulnerable too as mentioned back.

She does contain a lot of empty space however, especially if mines are not being carried, hence feels as though she can take a lot more of a beating than equivalent BR ships.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB85 / 29 km/h
RB73 / 25 km/h

HMS Abdiel, at 39 knots fully upgraded, is faster than many coastal torpedo boats. Acceleration is rapid compared to anything else in the British blue water fleet and she'll do 13 knots in full reverse. She feels more like a particularly responsive destroyer and is difficult to target against a skilled player using evasive manoeuvres. Rudder control is pretty much instant allowing you to dodge incoming shells.

Her speed and manoeuvrability allows capping and positioning unavailable to other ships, though as a Light Cruiser she is hampered by using the Heavy fleet spawn.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 85 29
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 73 25

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 372 → 3 076 Sl icon.png
RB3 582 → 4 645 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 380 Rp icon.png
13 740 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
200 / 330 / 100 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods ship anti fragmentation protection.png
Shrapnel Protection
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods ship venting.png
Ventilation
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods ship ammo wetting.png
Ammo Wetting
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods new aa caliber turrets.png
Anti-Air Armament Targeting
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
102mm_uk_mkxvi_navy_SAP_ammo_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
40mm_qf_mkxv_he_ammo_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods he frag dist fuse ship.png
102mm_uk_mkxvi_navy_he_dist_fuse_ammo_pack
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
40mm_qf_mkxv_ap_ammo_pack
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
520 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods ship rangefinder.png
Improved Rangefinder
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods he frag dist fuse ship.png
102mm_uk_mkxvi_navy_he_radio_fuse_ammo_pack
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
570 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods naval mine.png
Mines
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

3 х Turret2 x 4 inch/45 Mark XVI cannon
Ammunition400 rounds
Vertical guidance-10° / 40°
Main article: 4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)

With two twin 4"/45 turrets forward and another at the stern HMS Abdiel has similar firepower to other British ships at this BR. The stern turret can fire at relative fine angles forward, about 15 degrees off the bow. Turret traverse is somewhat slow though easily enough to keep the guns on target which manoeuvring.

She therefore plays far more like a destroyer than a Light Cruiser.

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
4 inch HE HE 20 20 20 20 20 20
4 inch SAP SAP 102 85 64 48 38 30
4 inch HE-TF HE-TF 20 20 20 20 20 20
4 inch HE-VT HE-VT 20 20 20 20 20 20
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%
4 inch HE HE 811 15.88 0 0.1 1,550 79° 80° 81°
4 inch SAP SAP 811 17.35 0.015 5 600 47° 60° 65°
4 inch HE-TF HE-TF 811 15.88 0 0.1 1,550 79° 80° 81°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
4 inch HE-VT HE-VT 811 15.88 0 0.1 274 18 1,550 79° 80° 81°

Secondary armament

Turret4 x 40 mm 2pdr QF Mk.IIc automatic cannon
Ammunition8960 rounds
Belt capacity56 rounds
Fire rate200 shots/min
Main article: 2pdr QF Mk.IIc (40 mm)

Secondaries amount to a single quad 40 mm pompom high-mounted on the rear superstructure. You often see Coastal vessels in downtiers and the pompoms tend to make short work of them.

  • Universal: HEF · AP-T · HEF · AP-T
  • 40 mm HE: HEF · HEF · HEF · AP-T
  • 40 mm AP: AP-T · AP-T · AP-T · HEF

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
AP-T 60 57 48 39 32 26
HEF 3 3 3 3 3 3
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
AP-T 701 0.91 - - - 47° 60° 65°
HEF 701 0.82 0 0.1 71 79° 80° 81°

Anti-aircraft armament

2 х Turret4 x 12.7 mm Vickers Mk.V machine gun
Ammunition8000 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Vickers Mk.V (12.7 mm)

Dedicated AAA is rather weak with 2x quad .50 cals on either side of the bridge. You'll want to keep some 4" VT handy if there are aircraft around, particularly bombers operating above pompom range. She doesn't feel to be too vulnerable to low level air attack given the BR though can suffer from high altitude bombing if the player is distracted as she's a comparatively large target.

The 4" guns do provide an excellent rate of fire however so best to use individual ranged shots to walk the fire onto the approaching aircraft.

She certainly isn't a AAA cruiser, though can be effective.

Additional armament

Setup 140 x 1123/1323 lbs Type M Mark I moored contact mine
Main article: Type M Mark I mine

HMS Abdiel can carry 40 Type M Mk1 contact mines which are dispensed from racks under the rear deck. These are 600 kg each and will happily cripple if not destroy any ship coming into contact with them.

Usage in battles

The play style for HMS Abdiel will be familiar to those of lightly gunned destroyers. In downtiers you can happily bully weaker opponents, even literally pushing them around at contact range. Uptiers are more difficult, especially when carrying mines. It's important not to give easy shorts into your rear hull. It is also important to dodge incoming salvos as plunging fire through the forward deck can reach the magazines.

The 4" guns are very accurate inside of about 5 km so it's important to place your shots against opponents who have superior firepower. Using single ranged shots and walking the fire up and down the target seems to be surprisingly effective rather than spamming broadsides. At range varying speed and direction can make her a difficult target though closer in you are likely to be outgunned.

Unless there are clear choke points the obvious use for mines is at the cap points and Abdiel does make an exceptional vessel for taking such, even at much higher BRs where her speed can turn matches. A very useful vessel to keep around should the match situation require it. Her manoeuvrability is well suited to the inland cap points, where she'll often face coastal vessels. Though watch out for torpedoes as she's rather long.

Some caution is required early in the game where it is easy to get well ahead of the rest of your team and become the focus. On the other hand she's quite capable of dodging a lot of incoming fire, so long as they don't take her engines out, and using her to lay smoke to protect the spawn or advancing fleet can be effective.

In arcade battles, her ship class is clearly visible, though in RB some destroyer captains might not recognise her silhouette and be wary of taking on a Light Cruiser. She can also be effective as a scout, keeping enemy vessels in sight such that the rest of the fleet can engage.

Well worth keeping her in your roster for Enduring Confrontation too as her ability to get around the map to complete objectives is unparalleled.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Features fast-firing and accurate 4-inch guns
  • High top speed and mobility
  • Decent anti-air defense
  • Can be loaded with 40 sea mines for area denial
  • Exceptionally good fun to play

Cons:

  • Being classed as a light cruiser, the ship is forced to spawn at longer ranges where the 4-inch guns are less effective
  • Lacks any torpedo armament
  • Practically no armour protection save for the bridge; highly vulnerable to enemy fire
  • Extremely vulnerable magazines and mine racks, both sit way above the waterline
  • Current meta doesn't particularly suit minelayers

History

Designed to speed into contested waters and lay minefields overnight, the Abdiel-class proved to be very useful vessels, although they were rarely used in their intended role. A minefield laid in the Sicilian Channel claimed two Italian Destroyers and a couple of merchant ships, though only 2% of the UK's total minelaying effort was offensive in nature, rather than the tens of thousands of mines laid around Britain's coasts by small boats and aircraft.

Instead, the Abdiel-class became invaluable as supply vessels which could run the gauntlet of Axis airpower to help relieve Malta, Tobruk and participated in many evacuations. None of the Abdiel-classes were lost whilst performing their intended role as minelayers, though three were lost during the war. Including, rather ironically, HMS Abdiel to a mine in Taranto harbour.

A memorial to the fast minelayers can be found in Milford Haven, their operating base.

Media

Skins
Videos
This is How You Play HMS Abdiel - Naval Gameplay - Cmdr. Tyrael

See also

External links


J. Samuel White
Torpedo/Gun Boats 
Steam Gun Boat (SGB)  SGB Grey Goose
Light Cruisers 
Abdiel-class  HMS Abdiel

Britain light cruisers
Emerald-class  HMS Enterprise
Dido-class  HMS Dido
Leander-class  HMNZS Leander
Arethusa-class  HMS Arethusa
Town-class  HMS Belfast · HMS Liverpool · HMS Southampton
Tiger-class  HMS Tiger
Abdiel-class*  HMS Abdiel

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