Difference between revisions of "Köln"

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(Detailed information about the Köln light cruiser.)
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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<!--''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 understand which ship is being discussed.''-->
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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{{break}}
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{{Break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German light cruiser {{Battle-rating|1}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German light cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
The Köln features decent all around armor with a belt of 50mm steel covering the most of the ship except the very front and rear, as well as a 10mm turtleback armor behind it, giving it a slightly better internal protection in close to medium ranges, additionally the bulkheads measure 70mms of armor. The Turrets are a maximum of 30mm on the front, as well as the barbettes, so kockouts of turrets and ammo elevators are common.
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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.'' -->
 +
The Köln features decent all around armour with a belt of 50 mm steel covering the most of the ship except the very front and rear, as well as a 10 mm turtleback armour behind it, giving it a slightly better internal protection in close to medium ranges, additionally the bulkheads measure 70 mm of armour. The turrets are a maximum of 30 mm on the front, as are the barbettes, so knockouts of turrets and ammo elevators are common.
  
−
The bridge is covered in 100mm of cemeted armor, giving it enoough protection from large calibre HE rounds, but nothing more since even destroyer grade SAP rounds can easily punch right through it, making your ship uncontrollable.
+
The bridge is covered in 100 mm of cemeted armour, giving it enough protection from large calibre HE rounds, but nothing more since even destroyer grade SAP rounds can easily punch right through it, making your ship uncontrollable.
  
−
The ammo storage, although decently protected by the belt,turtleback and barbette armor, should never be exposed broadside, as all cruisers can penetrate it even from longer ranges. The crew count however, with 820 men is quite high for a ship this size and helps keeping it afloat. and combat ready.
+
The ammo storage, although decently protected by the belt,turtleback and barbette armour, should never be exposed broadside, as all cruisers can penetrate it even from longer ranges. The crew count however, with 820 men is quite high for a ship this size and helps keeping it afloat and combat ready.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
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The Köln has a pretty average speed: for a light cruiser:
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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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* A top speed of 70 km/h in AB and 60km/h in RB.
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The Köln has pretty average speed for a light cruiser:
  
−
* A top reverse speed of 25 km/h in AB and 22km/h in RB.
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* A top speed of 70 km/h in AB and 60 km/h in RB.
 +
* A top reverse speed of 25 km/h in AB and 22 km/h in RB.
  
−
As for the maneuverability, since it is a cruiser it is quite sluggish, but this is to be expected, therefore narrow turns and fast dodging of torpedoes is not possible.
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As for the manoeuvrability, since it is a cruiser it is quite sluggish, but this is to be expected, therefore narrow turns and fast dodging of torpedoes is not possible.
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
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[[File:Köln 150mm88mm.jpg|thumb|500x500px|The placement of the 150mm (red) and 88mm (yellow) turrets.]]
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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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The primary Weapons consist of nine 15cm/60 SK C/25 cannons mounted in three triple turrets, one central in the front, and two in the rear, slightly off center to the left and to the right. These cannons come with a maximum firerate of 8 shots per minute and can fire HE, SAP, AP and time fuzed HE shells. These shells are the same as on the Emden so most captains will be familiar with these:
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[[File:Köln 150mm88mm.jpg|thumb|400x400px|The placement of the 150 mm (red) and 88 mm (yellow) turrets.]]
 +
{{main|15 cm/60 SK C/25 (150 mm)}}
  
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* HE mostly useful for destroyers
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The primary armament consists of nine 15 cm/60 SK C/25 cannons mounted in three triple turrets, one central in the front, and two in the rear, slightly off center to the left and to the right. These cannons come with a maximum firerate of 8 shots per minute and can fire HE, SAPBC, APCBC and time-fused HE shells. These shells are the same as on the [[Emden]] so most captains will be familiar with these:
  
−
* SAP can also be utilized for destroyers and for lightly armored cruisers like  [[USS Trenton (CL-11)|USS Trenton]] , [[IJN Agano]], [[USS Portland (CA-33)|USS Portland]].
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* HE: mostly useful against destroyers
  
−
* AP for more heavily armored cruisers like [[Admiral Hipper|Hipper]], [[USS Brooklyn (CL-40)|USS Brooklyn]] and [[IJN Mogami]], it should be noted however, that the AP is only useful on medium ranges, everything over 8000 meters which isn’t broadside is very difficult to damage.
+
* SAPBC: can also be utilized against destroyers and for lightly armoured cruisers such as [[USS Trenton (CL-11)|USS Trenton]], [[IJN Agano]], [[USS Portland (CA-33)|USS Portland]].
  
−
Their muzzle velocity is uniform with a quick 960m/s, therefore slightly easier to aim than other contemporary cruisers
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* APCBC: for more heavily armoured cruisers like [[Admiral Hipper]], [[USS Brooklyn (CL-40)|USS Brooklyn]] and [[IJN Mogami]]. It should be noted however that the APCBC is only useful at medium ranges, everything over 8,000 meters which isn't broadside is very difficult to damage.
  
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Important to mention is that the rear turrets are a full 360° traversable, giving theKöln the ability to focus at least two turrets at a target at '''all''' times.
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Their muzzle velocity is uniform with a quick 960 m/s, therefore slightly easier to aim than other contemporary cruisers.
 +
 
 +
Important to mention is that the rear turrets are a full 360° traversable, giving the Köln the ability to focus at least two turrets at a target at '''all''' times.
  
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
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Secondaries are composed of a total of 3 twin 8.8 cm anti-air cannons with a maximum fire rate of 20 shots per minute. Shells available are HE shells for destroyer and PT boat fights as well as time fuzed HE shells which are useful for long range anti-aircraft fire.
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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.'' -->
 +
{{main|8.8 cm/76 SK C/32 (88 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
Secondaries are composed of a total of three twin-mounted 8.8 cm anti-air cannons with a maximum fire rate of 20 shots per minute. Shells available are HE shells for destroyer and PT boat fights as well as time-fused HE shells which are useful for long range anti-aircraft fire.
  
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
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Anti air defences are composed out of four 3.7cm twin mountings with a firerate of 30 rounds per seconds, but only firing HE shells, therefore only providing protection from slow moving planes like bombers.
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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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[[File:Köln 37mm20mm.jpg|thumb|500x500px|The location of the 37mm (green) and 20mm (blue) emplacements.]]
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[[File:Köln 37mm20mm.jpg|thumb|400x400px|The location of the 37mm (green) and 20mm (blue) emplacements.]]
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The Second armament are four 20mm atuocannons in single mountings, generally useful for close range anti-air defence, but considering the low number of emplacements for such a large ship, not sufficient in most cases.
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{{main|2 cm/65 C/30 (20 mm)|3.7 cm SK C/30 (37 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
Anti-air defences are composed of four 3.7 cm twin mountings with a firerate of 30 rounds per seconds, but only firing HE shells, therefore only providing protection from slow moving planes like bombers, and four 20 mm autocannons in single mountings, generally useful for close range anti-air defence, but considering the low number of emplacements for such a large ship, not sufficient in most cases.
  
 
=== Torpedo armament ===
 
=== Torpedo armament ===
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The Köln has the ability to deploy up to twelve standard G7a torpedoes in 4 triple mounts, two of them mounted per side. Limited use for screening of chokepoints and narrow water straits, but mostly the range in which cruisers slug it out is too great to make use of them.
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<!-- ''Torpedo launchers are standard equipment on many ships and boats. Torpedoes are a significant means of defeating an opponent. Evaluate the position of the torpedo launchers, discuss the ammunition available, firing specifics such as dead zones, features of the torpedoes themselves, etc. If there is no torpedo armament, remove this section.'' -->
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{{main|G7a (533 mm)}}
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 +
The Köln has the ability to deploy up to twelve standard G7a torpedoes in four triple mounts, two of them mounted per side. Limited use for screening of chokepoints and narrow water straits, but generally the range at which cruisers slug it out is too great to make use of them.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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The Köln is a fun all round light cruiser with usable armor, a good amount of guns, decent fire rate and excellent firing angles. The most important aspect with this ship is to always angle, never ever show your broadside, as this gives enemies an easy shot for your rear ammo racks. By angling this chance is minimized, albeit not fully avoidable.
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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).'' -->
 +
The Köln is a fun all round light cruiser with usable armour, a good amount of guns, decent fire rate and excellent firing angles. The most important aspect with this ship is to always angle, never ever show your broadside, as this gives enemies an easy shot for your rear ammo racks. By angling this chance is minimized, albeit not fully avoidable.
  
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Even though the turrets move relatively slow, this disadvantage is negated by the fully traversable rear turrets, giving the Köln the ability to switch directions easily from one side to the other without losing most of its firepower. However it should be noted, that the firing angles when facing to starboard are better by a few degrees, than to port, due to the non central placement of the X and Y turret. Early light cruisers can be engaged by around 8000 – 10000 meters, where more heavily armed and armored ships like the Admiral Hippers and USS Brooklyns can effectively be dealt with when they face full broadside to you, or by closing the distance to around 5000 – 6000 meters.  
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Even though the turrets move relatively slowly, this disadvantage is negated by the fully traversable rear turrets, giving the Köln the ability to switch directions easily from one side to the other without losing most of its firepower. However, it should be noted that the firing angles when facing to starboard are better by a few degrees than to port, due to the non central placement of the X and Y turret. Early light cruisers can be engaged by around 8,000 – 10,000 meters, whereas more heavily armed and armoured ships like the Admiral Hipper and USS Brooklyn can effectively be dealt with when they face full broadside to you, or by closing the distance to around 5,000 – 6,000 meters.
  
−
Lastly you should always be aware that you are '''<u>not</u>''' the top dog in most cases, so careful aiming and smart decision making is important or your ship will succumb to the firepower of more powerful ships.
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Lastly you should always be aware that you are '''not''' the top dog in most cases, so careful aiming and smart decision making is important or your ship will succumb to the firepower of more powerful ships.
  
 
=== Modules ===
 
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
!Tier
+
! Tier
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!Seakeeping
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! Seakeeping
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! colspan="2" |Unsinkability
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! colspan="2" | Unsinkability
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! colspan="3" |Firepower
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! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
|-
 
|-
−
!I
+
| I
−
|Dry-Docking
+
| Dry-Docking
−
|Tool Set
+
| Tool Set
 
|
 
|
−
|15 cm Spgr. L/4.4 Bdz (m.Hb)
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| 15 cm Spgr. L/4.4 Bdz (m.Hb)
 
|
 
|
−
|Anti-Air Armament Targeting
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| Anti-Air Armament Targeting
 
|-
 
|-
−
!II
+
| II
−
|Rudder Replacement
+
| Rudder Replacement
−
|Fire Protection System
+
| Fire Protection System
−
|Smokescreen
+
| Smokescreen
−
|15 cm Spgr. L/4.5 Zt.Z
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| 15 cm Spgr. L/4.5 Zt.Z
−
|8.8cm Spgr. L/4.5 Zt.Z
+
| 8.8 cm Spgr. L/4.5 Zt.Z
−
|Auxiliary Armament Targeting
+
| Auxiliary Armament Targeting
 
|-
 
|-
−
!III
+
| III
−
|Propeller Replacement
+
| Propeller Replacement
−
|Shrapnel Protection
+
| Shrapnel Protection
−
|Ventilation
+
| Ventilation
−
|15 cm Pzgr. L/3.7 (m.Hb)
+
| 15 cm Pzgr. L/3.7 (m.Hb)
−
|Improved Rangefinder
+
| Improved Rangefinder
−
|Primary Armament Targeting
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| Primary Armament Targeting
 
|-
 
|-
−
!IV
+
| IV
−
|Engine Maintenance
+
| Engine Maintenance
−
|New Pumps
+
| New Pumps
−
|Ammo Wetting
+
| Ammo Wetting
−
|Torpedo Mode
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| Torpedo Mode
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 +
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".-->
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* Excellent firing angles
 
* Excellent firing angles
−
 
 
* Sufficient protection against light cruisers when angled
 
* Sufficient protection against light cruisers when angled
−
 
 
* High penetrating AP rounds suitable against most targets
 
* High penetrating AP rounds suitable against most targets
−
 
 
* 360° traversable rear turrets
 
* 360° traversable rear turrets
−
 
−
*
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* With only 1 frontal turret, head-on engagements can be somewhat difficult.
+
* With only one frontal turret, head-on engagements can be somewhat difficult
 
* Vulnerable broadside
 
* Vulnerable broadside
−
* Thinly armored turrets, easy to knock out
+
* Thinly armoured turrets, easy to knock out
 
* Insufficient AA battery
 
* Insufficient AA battery
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.-->
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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).'' -->
 
KMS Köln was laid down in August 1926 in Wilhelmshaven as the third and final ship of the Königsberg-class of German light cruisers. Köln was ordered as a replacement for the old SMS Arcona light cruiser and was launched in May 1928, before being commissioned into service in January 1930. Her first years of service, KMS Köln spent undergoing various sea trials and acted as a training ship. In late 1932 however, the warship departed Germany for her first world cruise, stopping in numerous ports across the globe in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Prior to the outbreak of WW2, KMS Köln took part in non-intervention patrols around the Iberian Peninsula during the Spanish Civil War. Upon completing her patrol missions, KMS Köln returned to the waters of the North Sea in order to conduct fishery protection. During WW2, KMS Köln primarily operated in the waters of the North and Baltic Seas, whilst occasionally taking part in operations in the Atlantic. Most notably, KMS Köln took part in Operation Weserübung in 1940 - the German Invasion of Norway. During this operation, both of her two sister ships were lost in combat, whilst Köln remained undamaged. Throughout the remainder of WW2, KMS Köln primarily took part in operations in the North Sea, mostly in Norwegian waters, running convoy interdiction and minelaying. In December 1944, KMS Köln suffered damage to her propulsion system caused by several near misses inflicted by allied bombers, close to Oslofjord. The damage forced her to return for repairs to Germany, where she eventually ended up in Wilhelmshaven again. There, an allied air raid damaged Köln further and led her to sink on an even keel. Only partially sunk and with the guns still operational, she was used as an artillery platform to help defend the city before the war ended. Although partially dismantled after the war, Köln was raised in 1956 and scuttled soon afterwards.
 
KMS Köln was laid down in August 1926 in Wilhelmshaven as the third and final ship of the Königsberg-class of German light cruisers. Köln was ordered as a replacement for the old SMS Arcona light cruiser and was launched in May 1928, before being commissioned into service in January 1930. Her first years of service, KMS Köln spent undergoing various sea trials and acted as a training ship. In late 1932 however, the warship departed Germany for her first world cruise, stopping in numerous ports across the globe in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Prior to the outbreak of WW2, KMS Köln took part in non-intervention patrols around the Iberian Peninsula during the Spanish Civil War. Upon completing her patrol missions, KMS Köln returned to the waters of the North Sea in order to conduct fishery protection. During WW2, KMS Köln primarily operated in the waters of the North and Baltic Seas, whilst occasionally taking part in operations in the Atlantic. Most notably, KMS Köln took part in Operation Weserübung in 1940 - the German Invasion of Norway. During this operation, both of her two sister ships were lost in combat, whilst Köln remained undamaged. Throughout the remainder of WW2, KMS Köln primarily took part in operations in the North Sea, mostly in Norwegian waters, running convoy interdiction and minelaying. In December 1944, KMS Köln suffered damage to her propulsion system caused by several near misses inflicted by allied bombers, close to Oslofjord. The damage forced her to return for repairs to Germany, where she eventually ended up in Wilhelmshaven again. There, an allied air raid damaged Köln further and led her to sink on an even keel. Only partially sunk and with the guns still operational, she was used as an artillery platform to help defend the city before the war ended. Although partially dismantled after the war, Köln was raised in 1956 and scuttled soon afterwards.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5940-development-kms-k%C3%B6ln-the-teutonic-ironclad-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/5940-development-kms-k%C3%B6ln-the-teutonic-ironclad-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
{{Youtube-gallery|_jgnUQl8x38|'''The Shooting Range #136''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the Köln cruiser.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|_jgnUQl8x38|'''The Shooting Range #136''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the Köln cruiser.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
−
 
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on ship;''
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* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;''
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5940-development-kms-k%C3%B6ln-the-teutonic-ironclad-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> KMS Köln - The Teutonic Ironclad]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5940-development-kms-k%C3%B6ln-the-teutonic-ironclad-en|[Devblog] KMS Köln - The Teutonic Ironclad]]
  
 
{{Germany light cruisers}}
 
{{Germany light cruisers}}

Revision as of 18:51, 21 June 2020

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Köln
germ_cruiser_koln.png
Köln
Germany flag.png Germany
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 5.3 5.3
Class:
Research:75 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:250 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the German light cruiser Köln. For the frigate, see Köln F220.

Description

GarageImage Köln.jpg


The К-class, Köln, 1940 is a rank IV German light cruiser with a battle rating of 5.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.85 "Supersonic".

General info

Survivability and armour

The Köln features decent all around armour with a belt of 50 mm steel covering the most of the ship except the very front and rear, as well as a 10 mm turtleback armour behind it, giving it a slightly better internal protection in close to medium ranges, additionally the bulkheads measure 70 mm of armour. The turrets are a maximum of 30 mm on the front, as are the barbettes, so knockouts of turrets and ammo elevators are common.

The bridge is covered in 100 mm of cemeted armour, giving it enough protection from large calibre HE rounds, but nothing more since even destroyer grade SAP rounds can easily punch right through it, making your ship uncontrollable.

The ammo storage, although decently protected by the belt,turtleback and barbette armour, should never be exposed broadside, as all cruisers can penetrate it even from longer ranges. The crew count however, with 820 men is quite high for a ship this size and helps keeping it afloat and combat ready.

Mobility

The Köln has pretty average speed for a light cruiser:

  • A top speed of 70 km/h in AB and 60 km/h in RB.
  • A top reverse speed of 25 km/h in AB and 22 km/h in RB.

As for the manoeuvrability, since it is a cruiser it is quite sluggish, but this is to be expected, therefore narrow turns and fast dodging of torpedoes is not possible.

Armament

Primary armament

The placement of the 150 mm (red) and 88 mm (yellow) turrets.
Main article: 15 cm/60 SK C/25 (150 mm)

The primary armament consists of nine 15 cm/60 SK C/25 cannons mounted in three triple turrets, one central in the front, and two in the rear, slightly off center to the left and to the right. These cannons come with a maximum firerate of 8 shots per minute and can fire HE, SAPBC, APCBC and time-fused HE shells. These shells are the same as on the Emden so most captains will be familiar with these:

  • HE: mostly useful against destroyers
  • APCBC: for more heavily armoured cruisers like Admiral Hipper, USS Brooklyn and IJN Mogami. It should be noted however that the APCBC is only useful at medium ranges, everything over 8,000 meters which isn't broadside is very difficult to damage.

Their muzzle velocity is uniform with a quick 960 m/s, therefore slightly easier to aim than other contemporary cruisers.

Important to mention is that the rear turrets are a full 360° traversable, giving the Köln the ability to focus at least two turrets at a target at all times.

Secondary armament

Main article: 8.8 cm/76 SK C/32 (88 mm)

Secondaries are composed of a total of three twin-mounted 8.8 cm anti-air cannons with a maximum fire rate of 20 shots per minute. Shells available are HE shells for destroyer and PT boat fights as well as time-fused HE shells which are useful for long range anti-aircraft fire.

Anti-aircraft armament

The location of the 37mm (green) and 20mm (blue) emplacements.
Main articles: 2 cm/65 C/30 (20 mm), 3.7 cm SK C/30 (37 mm)

Anti-air defences are composed of four 3.7 cm twin mountings with a firerate of 30 rounds per seconds, but only firing HE shells, therefore only providing protection from slow moving planes like bombers, and four 20 mm autocannons in single mountings, generally useful for close range anti-air defence, but considering the low number of emplacements for such a large ship, not sufficient in most cases.

Torpedo armament

Main article: G7a (533 mm)

The Köln has the ability to deploy up to twelve standard G7a torpedoes in four triple mounts, two of them mounted per side. Limited use for screening of chokepoints and narrow water straits, but generally the range at which cruisers slug it out is too great to make use of them.

Usage in battles

The Köln is a fun all round light cruiser with usable armour, a good amount of guns, decent fire rate and excellent firing angles. The most important aspect with this ship is to always angle, never ever show your broadside, as this gives enemies an easy shot for your rear ammo racks. By angling this chance is minimized, albeit not fully avoidable.

Even though the turrets move relatively slowly, this disadvantage is negated by the fully traversable rear turrets, giving the Köln the ability to switch directions easily from one side to the other without losing most of its firepower. However, it should be noted that the firing angles when facing to starboard are better by a few degrees than to port, due to the non central placement of the X and Y turret. Early light cruisers can be engaged by around 8,000 – 10,000 meters, whereas more heavily armed and armoured ships like the Admiral Hipper and USS Brooklyn can effectively be dealt with when they face full broadside to you, or by closing the distance to around 5,000 – 6,000 meters.

Lastly you should always be aware that you are not the top dog in most cases, so careful aiming and smart decision making is important or your ship will succumb to the firepower of more powerful ships.

Modules

Tier Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
I Dry-Docking Tool Set 15 cm Spgr. L/4.4 Bdz (m.Hb) Anti-Air Armament Targeting
II Rudder Replacement Fire Protection System Smokescreen 15 cm Spgr. L/4.5 Zt.Z 8.8 cm Spgr. L/4.5 Zt.Z Auxiliary Armament Targeting
III Propeller Replacement Shrapnel Protection Ventilation 15 cm Pzgr. L/3.7 (m.Hb) Improved Rangefinder Primary Armament Targeting
IV Engine Maintenance New Pumps Ammo Wetting Torpedo Mode

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent firing angles
  • Sufficient protection against light cruisers when angled
  • High penetrating AP rounds suitable against most targets
  • 360° traversable rear turrets

Cons:

  • With only one frontal turret, head-on engagements can be somewhat difficult
  • Vulnerable broadside
  • Thinly armoured turrets, easy to knock out
  • Insufficient AA battery

History

KMS Köln was laid down in August 1926 in Wilhelmshaven as the third and final ship of the Königsberg-class of German light cruisers. Köln was ordered as a replacement for the old SMS Arcona light cruiser and was launched in May 1928, before being commissioned into service in January 1930. Her first years of service, KMS Köln spent undergoing various sea trials and acted as a training ship. In late 1932 however, the warship departed Germany for her first world cruise, stopping in numerous ports across the globe in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Prior to the outbreak of WW2, KMS Köln took part in non-intervention patrols around the Iberian Peninsula during the Spanish Civil War. Upon completing her patrol missions, KMS Köln returned to the waters of the North Sea in order to conduct fishery protection. During WW2, KMS Köln primarily operated in the waters of the North and Baltic Seas, whilst occasionally taking part in operations in the Atlantic. Most notably, KMS Köln took part in Operation Weserübung in 1940 - the German Invasion of Norway. During this operation, both of her two sister ships were lost in combat, whilst Köln remained undamaged. Throughout the remainder of WW2, KMS Köln primarily took part in operations in the North Sea, mostly in Norwegian waters, running convoy interdiction and minelaying. In December 1944, KMS Köln suffered damage to her propulsion system caused by several near misses inflicted by allied bombers, close to Oslofjord. The damage forced her to return for repairs to Germany, where she eventually ended up in Wilhelmshaven again. There, an allied air raid damaged Köln further and led her to sink on an even keel. Only partially sunk and with the guns still operational, she was used as an artillery platform to help defend the city before the war ended. Although partially dismantled after the war, Köln was raised in 1956 and scuttled soon afterwards.

- From Devblog

Media

The Shooting Range #136 - Metal Beasts section at 00:32 discusses the Köln cruiser.

See also

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

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

External links


Germany light cruisers
Pillau-class  SMS Elbing
  Emden*
Königsberg-class  Karlsruhe · Köln
Leipzig-class  Leipzig · Nürnberg
  * Unique ship

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