Difference between revisions of "Köln"
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(Detailed information about the Köln light cruiser.) (Tag: Visual edit) |
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+ | {{Specs-Card|code=germ_cruiser_koln}} | ||
{{About | {{About | ||
| about = German light cruiser '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = German light cruiser '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| usage = the frigate | | usage = the frigate | ||
| link = Köln F220 | | link = Köln F220 | ||
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}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | <!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the | + | <!--''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.''--> |
− | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a | + | [[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] |
+ | {{break}} | ||
+ | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} German light cruiser {{Battle-rating|1}}. 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. | |
− | |||
− | The Köln features decent all around | ||
− | The bridge is covered in | + | 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 ammo storage, although decently protected by the belt, | + | 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. |
=== Mobility === | === Mobility === | ||
− | + | The Köln has a pretty average speed: for a light cruiser: | |
− | |||
− | + | * A top speed of 70 km/h in AB and 60km/h in RB. | |
− | + | * A top reverse speed of 25 km/h in AB and 22km/h in RB. | |
− | * A top reverse speed of 25 km/h in AB and | ||
− | As for the | + | 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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== Armament == | == Armament == | ||
− | |||
=== Primary armament === | === Primary armament === | ||
− | + | [[File:Köln 150mm88mm.jpg|thumb|500x500px|The placement of the 150mm (red) and 88mm (yellow) turrets.]] | |
− | + | 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: | |
− | [[File:Köln 150mm88mm.jpg|thumb| | ||
− | |||
− | + | * HE mostly useful for destroyers | |
− | * | + | * 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]]. |
− | * | + | * 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. |
− | + | Their muzzle velocity is uniform with a quick 960m/s, therefore slightly easier to aim than other contemporary cruisers | |
− | + | 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. | |
− | |||
− | Important to mention is that the rear turrets are a full 360° traversable, giving | ||
− | |||
− | |||
=== Secondary armament === | === Secondary armament === | ||
− | + | 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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=== Anti-aircraft armament === | === Anti-aircraft armament === | ||
− | + | 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. | |
− | + | [[File:Köln 37mm20mm.jpg|thumb|500x500px|The location of the 37mm (green) and 20mm (blue) emplacements.]] | |
− | [[File:Köln 37mm20mm.jpg|thumb| | + | 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. |
− | |||
− | + | === Torpedo armament === | |
+ | 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. | ||
− | == | + | == Usage in battles == |
− | + | 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. | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | + | 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. | |
− | + | 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. | |
− | < | ||
− | |||
− | + | === Modules === | |
− | + | {| class="wikitable" | |
− | + | !Tier | |
+ | !Seakeeping | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" |Unsinkability | ||
+ | ! colspan="3" |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 | ||
+ | |8.8cm 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 and cons === | ||
− | <!-- | + | <!--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".--> |
'''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 | + | * With only 1 frontal turret, head-on engagements can be somewhat difficult. |
* Vulnerable broadside | * Vulnerable broadside | ||
− | * Thinly | + | * Thinly armored turrets, easy to knock out |
* Insufficient AA battery | * Insufficient AA battery | ||
== 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 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.--> |
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 [ | + | ''- From [https://warthunder.com/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.--> |
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{{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 articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | + | ''Links to the 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;'' | ||
Line 133: | Line 141: | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
− | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | + | <!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' |
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
− | * ''other literature.'' --> | + | * ''encyclopedia page on ship;'' |
+ | * ''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] |
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{{Germany light cruisers}} | {{Germany light cruisers}} |
Revision as of 14:52, 21 June 2020
Contents
This page is about the German light cruiser Köln. For the frigate, see Köln F220. |
Description
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 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.
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 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.
Mobility
The Köln has a pretty average speed: for a light cruiser:
- A top speed of 70 km/h in AB and 60km/h in RB.
- A top reverse speed of 25 km/h in AB and 22km/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.
Armament
Primary armament
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:
- HE mostly useful for destroyers
- SAP can also be utilized for destroyers and for lightly armored cruisers like USS Trenton , IJN Agano, USS Portland.
- AP for more heavily armored cruisers like Hipper, 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.
Their muzzle velocity is uniform with a quick 960m/s, therefore slightly easier to aim than other contemporary cruisers
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.
Secondary armament
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.
Anti-aircraft armament
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.
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.
Torpedo armament
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.
Usage in battles
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.
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.
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 | 8.8cm 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 1 frontal turret, head-on engagements can be somewhat difficult.
- Vulnerable broadside
- Thinly armored 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
See also
Links to the 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 |