So no assasination of the Austrian PM in this TL. And no banning of the Nazi party on the Horizon in 1933 ITTL. Its a more disciplined force, also in Austria as this is the conditions for receiving support from Germany. Next follows the naval rearmament because it is drafted and we will have to cover the Heer and the Luftwaffe, before moving on to foreign reactions.
The List Regiment at Havrincourt
- Thread starter Gudestein
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I know this is somewhat off the topic, but I am interested how will Italian designs on Dalmatia progress ITTL. Could we perhaps see something different then OTL, when Yugoslavia was invaded, puppet state of Croatia was created, under Italian supported Ante Pavelić, but Italians annexed Dalmatia, which caused insurrection and gave Communists many willing recruits.
Is it then possible for Italy to puppetize Croatia completely, under a Italian king, with no annexations? In OTL, an Italian was supposed to become a king (Tomislav II), but he never even came to Croatia.
Of course, butterflies may start to fly, so when/if Yugoslavia is invaded, Maček may accept German offer, and that could be very interesting as well.
Nice update, keep up the good work.
Is it then possible for Italy to puppetize Croatia completely, under a Italian king, with no annexations? In OTL, an Italian was supposed to become a king (Tomislav II), but he never even came to Croatia.
Of course, butterflies may start to fly, so when/if Yugoslavia is invaded, Maček may accept German offer, and that could be very interesting as well.
Nice update, keep up the good work.
One of the changes ITTL is that hitler takes less risks of exposing his long-term plans. But he still has them.
Tying Italy as a German ally and let Mussolini take the risks is part of this policy, and the instrument is that Hitler will support Italy against other powers. When the time is right, the Price for this support Will be Austria and maybe later an Alliance.
Chapter 21: Early Naval rearmament:
Chapter 21: Early Naval rearmament:
The Navy had prepared for re-expansion since 1925 and had expanded from the laying down of 5 light cruisers in 1929. The expansion which followed had been discussed between Erich Raeder and Adolf Hitler in 1928. Hitler had come to Eric Raeder to assure him that the NSDAP decision not to back the construction of panzerschiffe, but instead 5 light cruisers was not a demotion of the Reichsmarine, but rather his honest opinion that the original plans did not go far enough. Hitler had urged Erich Raeder to consider a navy which would one day be facing Great Britain as in the last war and consequently laid a plan integrating not only the strongest possible expansion of the German navy, but also a plan which went to great lengths to hide its true purpose and mislead with regards to the real possibilities. As it became clear after the 1930 election that Hitler would be dictating future rearmament, Erich Raeder and the Reichsmarine had organized accordingly for when the Nazis came to power.
Consequently, the Reichsmarine could immediately in May 1932 initiate works into the naval base infrastructure, including longer slipways, drenching of harbors and canals and ordering of accessory ships such as logistics ships, minesweepers and E-boats. Steel mills, gun pits, turbine and diesel manufacturers had either already been expanding or were prepared to do so as the pre-planned orders went out.
The construction of two large drydock’s of 300 m’s was also starting construction in Kiel and Hamburg, in addition to the massive drydocks in existende in Wilhelmshafen and the future construction of 4 large liners for the German passenger ship industry was announced to explain this necessity for these expansions*.
As indicated, a number of naval gun designs had been prepared and more profoundly, a new ship design philosophy had been developed. Implementing it was one of the most keenly watched and secretive programs. This was directly related to Hitlers strategic emphasis on threatening Britain, but without letting them know in advance. For this reason, only a few people had the overall overview of the new designs.
Hitler overall naval political strategy was to mislead Britain by capitalizing on his long-standing opposition to the treaty of Versailles. His plan thus were to buy time by claiming to adhere to the treaty of Versailles and restore credibility afterwards by acknowledging the break of the treaty of Versailles, but not other international promises and agreements. Germany was bound by the treaty to not make more than 6 ships of 10000 tons, but Hitler’s Germany did not recognize this treaty and because of it was not bound by any other treaties. In fact, they had tried to become bound by the international naval limitations treaty, but denied the opportunity by the French. Hitler’s overall plan from the moment he came to power was to rapidly rearm, and while he would never refute his pre-election point of view that the Versailles treaty was invalid, he would only officially admit non-adherence to the treaty of Versailles when it was obvious that he was breaking it. In particular, Hitler intended to postpone this moment and appear to pose as little a threat as possible for as long a time as possible, in the hope that he could prevent Britain and France from opposing him together. For this reason all of the initial naval activities were unofficial and initial naval buildings of war ships were shrouded in cover names and official orders for civilian ships. Also, direct stimulation of new constructs of liners and oil tankers (justified by the real increasing demand for oil in the agricultural sector) were provided to justify the very obvious buzz of activity at the ship yards.
The undeniable symbol of this rearmament, the 6 10000 tons ships which Germany admitted to have laid down was the most controversial. Dangerous surface raiders and submarines were counterproductive to Hitler’s official policy and the plans were therefore heavily intertwined with deception, lies and counterespionage.
For the Panzerschiffe, the problem emerging from the originally proposed, but postponed designs was that they would be vulnerable to conventional heavy cruisers, to slow to follow the battleship designs intended as follow ups and were not up to date considering the experiences the Germans had acquired from their naval base at Odessa in the Soviet Union. The ships needed stronger armor, in particular deck armor against aircraft as well as speed, and this could simply not be kept within the 10-12000 tons limit. Eventually, it was decided to focus on the requirements and create something which would be part surface raider and part expendable battle cruiser in the battle line. The real design would come in at 200 m’s and 18000 tons, and therefore it was originally decided to officially order the construction of 6 10000 tons 2x3 8’’ Ostsee (Baltic Sea) cruisers with a shallow draft and then as the Versailles treaty was officially rejected, acknowledge that the ships had come in overweight at 13000 tons. This admission would still be cheating regarding the draft and would thus hide their true capabilities in speed, armor and range, but the Versailles treaty would justify the used deception. The actually intended 2x3 13,5´´ turrets would only be installed at a later time, which goes to testify that Hitler was willing to pay the price of additional turrets for the gain of deception. The initially installed 2x3 8´´ turrets would, even with the addition of a spacer to fit the barbettes of the larger 3x13.5’’ turrets, be very spacious and they would serve as installation test-beds for rapid autoloading systems, with the intentions to reuse these at a later time.
Secondary guns would have to be DP 150 mm guns. There was no question that the Reich’s future enemy would have superior number in destroyers and light cruisers and it was critical that the rapid-firing german secondaries could match the cruisers and out-gun the destroyers. On the other hand, the navy anticipated wide-spread use of naval aviation and the importance of the ability to engage enemy dive bombers and torpedo bombers could not be overstated. The loading system for rapid sustained fire had been under development since the late 1920’s, but was not fully developed yet in 1932. This resulted in rather poor heavy AA defenses with a slow rate of fire of about 8 rounds/min, but design compromises to accommodate 2 gun categories were avoided. Despite the inadequate testing of this new system, Hitler allowed it to go ahead, because it could be compensated for AA defense with lavish installment of fully automatic 37 and 20 mm FLAK cannons. The 1932 designs including both 37mm, 150 mm and 206 mm guns consequently had Germany committed to a continuous development path for gun auto-loading.
Also, in 1932, the orders were secretly placed for the new guns, steel and engines for a next generation of battleships. These would come to feature 40´´ 50/49 caliber guns with a pre-planned design feature to bore out the gun from 406 to 420 mms. It was expected that such guns and newly developed APCBC shells could ensure penetration at longer ranges. This was seen as beneficial as the next generation of German ships would by necessity be constructed to incorporate stronger deck armor and better torpedo protection against aircraft, both features which would help against underwater near-misses and deck penetrating shells. This priority was in turn a consequence of the new navy’s own intention to rely of the ship killing capabilities of aircraft and the expectation that the opposition might do the same. Accordingly, the new battleships with these attributes were heavily influenced by this requirement as combined heavy deck armor, speed, range and large guns which would optimally require massive ships. The compromise that was struck reduced the number of heavy guns, but not the caliber, as Hitler personally liked the more impressive heavy guns (cf. Design posted below). Furthermore, the emphasis of very heavy shells, speed and large numbers of DP guns to prevent interference from destroyers would allow the Germans to choose which battles to fight and they had the option of trying their luck outside the range of the opposing forces. As part of the deception it was also intended that the battleships might initially claim to be designed as 3x3 13.5 inch ships at 35000 tons, when in fact they were to be 3x2 40 inch ships at 45000 tons and the 13.5 inch guns were intended for the Panzerschiffe.
Also in 1932, the naval shipyards would receive orders for new destroyers and be told to expect new orders. Initially 6 were ordered for completion in 1934 and 6 in 1935 with the expectation that 6 new destroyers would be needed annually from 1936. These destroyers would all receive combined diesel and steam propulsion. Mann Diesel had been expecting this request and the Panzerschiffe and battleship requests since 1930 and received funding to increase capacity.
Submarines were easily the most controversial point, but the initial designs were nothing special. Crude designs intended to be quickly produced so training could commence and expertly camouflaged (as regular warehouses, factories) with submarine pens constructed inland adjacent to rivers to hide their numbers.
A next generation of submarine designs were subsequently called for and like for the panzership design teams, heavy surveillance of the teams were applied by Heydrichs Sicherheitsdienst. Crucially, this led to the apprehension of Otto Krueger. Otto Krueger had been an SIS agent since WW1 and had high reliability**. Upon his apprehension he was turned into a double agent and his handlers in the Netherlands identified. During the next couple of years two more double agents were allowed to be recruited by the British who now received constructed intelligence on surface warships and naval aviation capabilities. Credibility of this deception was initially high as it was decided to leak the later official, but still falsified displacement of 13000 tons of the new classes of Panzerships through this network before Germany admitted to have violated the Treaty of Versailles.
A subject which was initially postponed was the attempt to make aircraft carriers. Following their own experiences in Odessa, the marine saw aircraft as pivotal in the future. Hitler was however not convinced that the KM knew what they were doing and instead sent a delegation to Japan to gain inspiration for a fleet carrier. They would remain there for two years and participate in exercises and carrier operations before a fleet carrier design was submitted in 1934. Rather than building their own fleet aircraft carrier, the Kriegsmarine supported Loyds shipping in the construction of 4 liners of 22000 tons each***. These were designed with more compartmentalization than usual on civilian hips and prepared for the later addition of torpedo bulges. A low strength deck would allow the later removal of the superstructure and addition of a hangar and flight deck. These ships would be fitted with combined diesel and steam propulsion to enable a speed of 30 knots. When the ships were commissioned in 1935, the CODAS arrangement was heralded as a showcase of German technology which allowed Loyds shipping to either use the same liners for either weekly cross-atlantic trips and for very long-distance Asiatic trips.
The simultaneous ordering of 6 heavy cruisers, 4 ocean liners prompted a reassessment of the German shipbuilding capacity for larger ships which was enhanced with enlargement of 2 slipways at Howaldtswerke Hamburg and Howaldtswerke Kiel****. The official intention was that two more ocean liners would be ordered from Howaldtswerke Hamburg and Howaldtswerke Kiel in 1934.
*The German naval expansion and its rapidity, while officially within ToV limits does not go unnoticed abroad. Foreign reactions will be covered in a later chapter.
**Importance of Otto Krueger: https://books.google.dk/books?id=O0mEDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA102&lpg=PA102&dq=Otto+Kruger+submarine&source=bl&ots=QMwRAwsc1y&sig=HDDssVRo5zGuGmDnisMX4nwwXIM&hl=da&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi2ouzNx9PYAhXmC5oKHXnaB2sQ6AEIVjAI#v=onepage&q=Otto%20Kruger%20submarine&f=false
***Enlargement of the admirals classes of OTL
****[Slipway capacity in the 20000/200+ m’s class. Number of large slipways in parenthesis:
(3) AG Weser (Deschimag) Bremen: (launched Bremen of 286 m and 51000 tons), had slipways for simultaneous building of 2 admirals class liners and 20000 tons Terje Viken at the same time. Many destroyer sized vessels build simultaneously.
(2) Reichsmarinewerft Wilhelmshaven: Build Tirpitz. 2 battleships build at a time before WW1
Expanding to two 300 m ships.
(2) Blohm and Voss Hamburg: Build RMS Majestic of 291 m’s and 56000 and Leviathan simultaneously. Also Bismarck.
(2) Germania Werft Kiel: Major U-boat producer in WW1 and WW2. Slipways for building 2 BB’s at the time during WW1. Order for 816 feet battlecruiser during plan Z.
(2) Deutsche Werke Kiel: Build the Gneisenau, Blücher and the Graf Zeppelin and were designated for a H-39 BB under plan Z. Graf Zeppelin and Blücher were on the slipways at the same time. Blücher spent only 10 month on the slipways
Howaldtswerke Hamburg: Smaller ships, less than 200 m’s documented at the time. Expanding to build 200+ m liner
Howaldtswerke Kiel: Smaller ships, less than 200 m’s documented at the time. Expanding to build 200+ m liner
[Overall, the driver for a change from OTL is the early reinstallment of the emperial design agencies, the continuous research into large diesels and combined diesel and steam (CODAS) propulsion plants since the mid-20’s and the formation of a German naval aviation base in Odessa in the early 1920’s. The potential of the propulsion system for high speed and long range appealed to TTL Hitler while it had the in-build fall-back position, that it would always be as good as combined diesel or steam (CODOS) used in the German navy IOTL. The diesel focus has led to pronounced performance improvements that will have even higher impact on the German destroyers and escorts. The importance of the naval aviation base in Odessa cannot be overestimated. That experience, in essence about of Germany’s total interwar aviation experience, coupled with an emphasis on aircraft in the general reformation of the Wehrmacht leads them to believe in a future with powerful air borne torpedoes and armor piercing bombs. That has the knock-on effect that the Germans require greater bomb and torpedo protection which is difficult to maintain with their very long armored belts. Heavier deck armor combined with better targeting systems, makes it logical to consider fighting naval battles at longer ranges as a way of getting a decisive edge. Notably, the Germans are unaware that American and British designs are also preparing for longer ranged engagements event though and this design philosophy only becomes decisive with the later adjunct of radar guided gun-laying.
The audacity in the German designs ITTL stems from the peculiar limbo of German treaty adherence ITTL and IOTL. Germany is bound by ToV which it almost officially don’t respect and have not been able to be accepted into other treaties. Hitler therefore can use France as the reason why he has to lie on the Deutschland class ships and come (semi)clean when he decide to refute the ToV. He sticks with the 8’’ guns for the first ships to calm authorities abroad and they will even be installed, all the while 13,5’ and 16’’ guns are being build as the real guns for the Deutschlands and BB’s. The 13,5’’ guns are next envisioned as Germany’s official battleship guns while the 16’’ guns are kept secret and if exposed are for coastal installations.
The original 8’’ guns and turrets is a cost of deception that TTL Hitler is willing to pay, and they may later find use on a future generation of heavy cruisers.
Below, please find the Shipsharp of the official Deutschland class design and the unofficial real design (please consider the engine slide does not work and actual performance of engines at the stated weight is about twice as high. The official speed of the fake design is 32 knots and the unofficial speed of the real ship is 31,3 knots. Range is about double when going exclusively on diesels. At that speed they are slightly wet ships:
Alt Deutschland class, Germany Heavy cruiser laid down 1932
Displacement:
9.276 t light; 10.023 t standard; 12.585 t normal; 14.635 t full load
Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
(649,30 ft / 623,36 ft) x 59,06 ft x (22,97 / 25,83 ft)
(197,91 m / 190,00 m) x 18,00 m x (7,00 / 7,87 m)
Armament:
6 - 8,11" / 206 mm 45,0 cal guns - 269,01lbs / 122,02kg shells, 200 per gun
Breech loading guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1933 Model
2 x 3-gun mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
1 raised mount - superfiring
10 - 5,91" / 150 mm 45,0 cal guns - 103,86lbs / 47,11kg shells, 500 per gun
Dual purpose guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1933 Model
6 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
2 x 2 row twin mounts layout not set
2 raised mounts
16 - 1,46" / 37,0 mm 45,0 cal guns - 1,57lbs / 0,71kg shells, 1.000 per gun
Breech loading guns in deck mounts, 1933 Model
8 x Twin mounts on centreline, evenly spread
8 raised mounts
32 - 0,79" / 20,0 mm 45,0 cal guns - 0,24lbs / 0,11kg shells, 3.000 per gun
Breech loading guns in deck mounts, 1933 Model
8 x Quad mounts on centreline, forward deck aft
8 raised mounts
Weight of broadside 2.685 lbs / 1.218 kg
Armour:
- Belts: Width (max) Length (avg) Height (avg)
Main: 3,94" / 100 mm 360,89 ft / 110,00 m 9,84 ft / 3,00 m
Ends: 0,79" / 20 mm 229,66 ft / 70,00 m 9,84 ft / 3,00 m
32,81 ft / 10,00 m Unarmoured ends
Main Belt covers 89 % of normal length
- Torpedo Bulkhead - Additional damage containing bulkheads:
1,38" / 35 mm 360,89 ft / 110,00 m 16,40 ft / 5,00 m
Beam between torpedo bulkheads 52,49 ft / 16,00 m
- Gun armour: Face (max) Other gunhouse (avg) Barbette/hoist (max)
Main: 4,72" / 120 mm 3,15" / 80 mm 3,15" / 80 mm
2nd: 1,57" / 40 mm 0,79" / 20 mm 0,79" / 20 mm
4th: 0,79" / 20 mm 0,79" / 20 mm -
- Armoured deck - multiple decks:
For and Aft decks: 3,15" / 80 mm
Machinery:
Oil fired boilers, steam turbines, plus diesel motors,
ERROR: Revise drives, 3 shafts, 61.568 shp / 45.930 Kw = 28,65 kts
Range 10.500nm at 19,00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 4.612 tons
Complement:
593 - 772
Cost:
£3,914 million / $15,657 million
Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 776 tons, 6,2 %
- Guns: 776 tons, 6,2 %
Armour: 2.373 tons, 18,9 %
- Belts: 646 tons, 5,1 %
- Torpedo bulkhead: 302 tons, 2,4 %
- Armament: 410 tons, 3,3 %
- Armour Deck: 1.015 tons, 8,1 %
Machinery: 1.794 tons, 14,3 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 4.333 tons, 34,4 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 3.309 tons, 26,3 %
Miscellaneous weights: 0 tons, 0,0 %
Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
20.650 lbs / 9.367 Kg = 77,4 x 8,1 " / 206 mm shells or 3,3 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1,07
Metacentric height 2,6 ft / 0,8 m
Roll period: 15,4 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 79 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0,96
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1,59
Hull form characteristics:
Hull has a flush deck,
an extended bulbous bow and a cruiser stern
Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0,521 / 0,539
Length to Beam Ratio: 10,56 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 24,97 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 49 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 30,00 degrees
Stern overhang: 9,84 ft / 3,00 m
Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
Fore end, Aft end
- Forecastle: 30,00 %, 27,89 ft / 8,50 m, 22,97 ft / 7,00 m
- Forward deck: 30,00 %, 22,97 ft / 7,00 m, 19,69 ft / 6,00 m
- Aft deck: 20,00 %, 19,69 ft / 6,00 m, 18,04 ft / 5,50 m
- Quarter deck: 20,00 %, 18,04 ft / 5,50 m, 19,69 ft / 6,00 m
- Average freeboard: 21,42 ft / 6,53 m
Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 76,6 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 163,4 %
Waterplane Area: 25.005 Square feet or 2.323 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 150 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 110 lbs/sq ft or 539 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0,95
- Longitudinal: 1,59
- Overall: 1,00
Excellent machinery, storage, compartmentation space
Excellent accommodation and workspace room
Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather
Actual planned Deutschland design:
Deuschland, Germany Panzerschiffe laid down 1930
Displacement:
13.225 t light; 14.642 t standard; 18.215 t normal; 21.073 t full load
Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
(645,14 ft / 626,64 ft) x 71,16 ft x (27,23 / 30,52 ft)
(196,64 m / 191,00 m) x 21,69 m x (8,30 / 9,30 m)
Armament:
6 - 13,58" / 345 mm 45,0 cal guns - 1.403,62lbs / 636,67kg shells, 150 per gun
Breech loading guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1930 Model
2 x 3-gun mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
10 - 5,91" / 150 mm 55,0 cal guns - 111,16lbs / 50,42kg shells, 500 per gun
Breech loading guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1930 Model
2 x Twin mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
2 raised mounts - superfiring
6 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
24 - 1,46" / 37,0 mm 45,0 cal guns - 1,57lbs / 0,71kg shells, 2.000 per gun
Breech loading guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1930 Model
6 x Twin mounts on centreline, evenly spread
6 raised mounts
6 x Twin mounts on sides, evenly spread
Weight of broadside 9.571 lbs / 4.341 kg
Armour:
- Belts: Width (max) Length (avg) Height (avg)
Main: 3,94" / 100 mm 423,23 ft / 129,00 m 13,12 ft / 4,00 m
Ends: Unarmoured
Main Belt covers 104 % of normal length
- Torpedo Bulkhead - Strengthened structural bulkheads:
1,18" / 30 mm 524,93 ft / 160,00 m 16,40 ft / 5,00 m
Beam between torpedo bulkheads 52,49 ft / 16,00 m
- Gun armour: Face (max) Other gunhouse (avg) Barbette/hoist (max)
Main: 3,94" / 100 mm 3,15" / 80 mm 3,15" / 80 mm
2nd: 5,91" / 150 mm 1,97" / 50 mm 1,97" / 50 mm
3rd: 0,79" / 20 mm 0,39" / 10 mm 0,39" / 10 mm
- Armoured deck - multiple decks:
For and Aft decks: 3,35" / 85 mm
Machinery:
Oil fired boilers, steam turbines, plus diesel motors,
Geared drive, 3 shafts, 56.685 shp / 42.287 Kw = 26,34 kts
Range 10.000nm at 20,00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 6.431 tons
Complement:
783 - 1.019
Cost:
£6,456 million / $25,825 million
Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 1.974 tons, 10,8 %
- Guns: 1.974 tons, 10,8 %
Armour: 3.492 tons, 19,2 %
- Belts: 902 tons, 5,0 %
- Torpedo bulkhead: 376 tons, 2,1 %
- Armament: 670 tons, 3,7 %
- Armour Deck: 1.545 tons, 8,5 %
Machinery: 1.718 tons, 9,4 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 6.041 tons, 33,2 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 4.989 tons, 27,4 %
Miscellaneous weights: 0 tons, 0,0 %
Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
23.274 lbs / 10.557 Kg = 18,6 x 13,6 " / 345 mm shells or 3,5 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1,18
Metacentric height 4,1 ft / 1,2 m
Roll period: 14,8 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 60 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 1,00
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1,21
Hull form characteristics:
Hull has a flush deck,
a normal bow and a cruiser stern
Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0,525 / 0,542
Length to Beam Ratio: 8,81 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 25,03 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 47 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 30,00 degrees
Stern overhang: 6,56 ft / 2,00 m
Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
Fore end, Aft end
- Forecastle: 20,00 %, 20,67 ft / 6,30 m, 16,73 ft / 5,10 m
- Forward deck: 30,00 %, 16,73 ft / 5,10 m, 16,40 ft / 5,00 m
- Aft deck: 35,00 %, 16,40 ft / 5,00 m, 16,40 ft / 5,00 m
- Quarter deck: 15,00 %, 16,40 ft / 5,00 m, 16,40 ft / 5,00 m
- Average freeboard: 16,83 ft / 5,13 m
Ship tends to be wet forward
Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 102,7 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 121,9 %
Waterplane Area: 30.403 Square feet or 2.824 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 122 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 159 lbs/sq ft or 778 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0,97
- Longitudinal: 1,41
- Overall: 1,00
Adequate machinery, storage, compartmentation space
Excellent accommodation and workspace room
Good seaboat, rides out heavy weather easily
Edit: inconsistant Numbers. 4 large liners, not 6 mega liners.
The Navy had prepared for re-expansion since 1925 and had expanded from the laying down of 5 light cruisers in 1929. The expansion which followed had been discussed between Erich Raeder and Adolf Hitler in 1928. Hitler had come to Eric Raeder to assure him that the NSDAP decision not to back the construction of panzerschiffe, but instead 5 light cruisers was not a demotion of the Reichsmarine, but rather his honest opinion that the original plans did not go far enough. Hitler had urged Erich Raeder to consider a navy which would one day be facing Great Britain as in the last war and consequently laid a plan integrating not only the strongest possible expansion of the German navy, but also a plan which went to great lengths to hide its true purpose and mislead with regards to the real possibilities. As it became clear after the 1930 election that Hitler would be dictating future rearmament, Erich Raeder and the Reichsmarine had organized accordingly for when the Nazis came to power.
Consequently, the Reichsmarine could immediately in May 1932 initiate works into the naval base infrastructure, including longer slipways, drenching of harbors and canals and ordering of accessory ships such as logistics ships, minesweepers and E-boats. Steel mills, gun pits, turbine and diesel manufacturers had either already been expanding or were prepared to do so as the pre-planned orders went out.
The construction of two large drydock’s of 300 m’s was also starting construction in Kiel and Hamburg, in addition to the massive drydocks in existende in Wilhelmshafen and the future construction of 4 large liners for the German passenger ship industry was announced to explain this necessity for these expansions*.
As indicated, a number of naval gun designs had been prepared and more profoundly, a new ship design philosophy had been developed. Implementing it was one of the most keenly watched and secretive programs. This was directly related to Hitlers strategic emphasis on threatening Britain, but without letting them know in advance. For this reason, only a few people had the overall overview of the new designs.
Hitler overall naval political strategy was to mislead Britain by capitalizing on his long-standing opposition to the treaty of Versailles. His plan thus were to buy time by claiming to adhere to the treaty of Versailles and restore credibility afterwards by acknowledging the break of the treaty of Versailles, but not other international promises and agreements. Germany was bound by the treaty to not make more than 6 ships of 10000 tons, but Hitler’s Germany did not recognize this treaty and because of it was not bound by any other treaties. In fact, they had tried to become bound by the international naval limitations treaty, but denied the opportunity by the French. Hitler’s overall plan from the moment he came to power was to rapidly rearm, and while he would never refute his pre-election point of view that the Versailles treaty was invalid, he would only officially admit non-adherence to the treaty of Versailles when it was obvious that he was breaking it. In particular, Hitler intended to postpone this moment and appear to pose as little a threat as possible for as long a time as possible, in the hope that he could prevent Britain and France from opposing him together. For this reason all of the initial naval activities were unofficial and initial naval buildings of war ships were shrouded in cover names and official orders for civilian ships. Also, direct stimulation of new constructs of liners and oil tankers (justified by the real increasing demand for oil in the agricultural sector) were provided to justify the very obvious buzz of activity at the ship yards.
The undeniable symbol of this rearmament, the 6 10000 tons ships which Germany admitted to have laid down was the most controversial. Dangerous surface raiders and submarines were counterproductive to Hitler’s official policy and the plans were therefore heavily intertwined with deception, lies and counterespionage.
For the Panzerschiffe, the problem emerging from the originally proposed, but postponed designs was that they would be vulnerable to conventional heavy cruisers, to slow to follow the battleship designs intended as follow ups and were not up to date considering the experiences the Germans had acquired from their naval base at Odessa in the Soviet Union. The ships needed stronger armor, in particular deck armor against aircraft as well as speed, and this could simply not be kept within the 10-12000 tons limit. Eventually, it was decided to focus on the requirements and create something which would be part surface raider and part expendable battle cruiser in the battle line. The real design would come in at 200 m’s and 18000 tons, and therefore it was originally decided to officially order the construction of 6 10000 tons 2x3 8’’ Ostsee (Baltic Sea) cruisers with a shallow draft and then as the Versailles treaty was officially rejected, acknowledge that the ships had come in overweight at 13000 tons. This admission would still be cheating regarding the draft and would thus hide their true capabilities in speed, armor and range, but the Versailles treaty would justify the used deception. The actually intended 2x3 13,5´´ turrets would only be installed at a later time, which goes to testify that Hitler was willing to pay the price of additional turrets for the gain of deception. The initially installed 2x3 8´´ turrets would, even with the addition of a spacer to fit the barbettes of the larger 3x13.5’’ turrets, be very spacious and they would serve as installation test-beds for rapid autoloading systems, with the intentions to reuse these at a later time.
Secondary guns would have to be DP 150 mm guns. There was no question that the Reich’s future enemy would have superior number in destroyers and light cruisers and it was critical that the rapid-firing german secondaries could match the cruisers and out-gun the destroyers. On the other hand, the navy anticipated wide-spread use of naval aviation and the importance of the ability to engage enemy dive bombers and torpedo bombers could not be overstated. The loading system for rapid sustained fire had been under development since the late 1920’s, but was not fully developed yet in 1932. This resulted in rather poor heavy AA defenses with a slow rate of fire of about 8 rounds/min, but design compromises to accommodate 2 gun categories were avoided. Despite the inadequate testing of this new system, Hitler allowed it to go ahead, because it could be compensated for AA defense with lavish installment of fully automatic 37 and 20 mm FLAK cannons. The 1932 designs including both 37mm, 150 mm and 206 mm guns consequently had Germany committed to a continuous development path for gun auto-loading.
Also, in 1932, the orders were secretly placed for the new guns, steel and engines for a next generation of battleships. These would come to feature 40´´ 50/49 caliber guns with a pre-planned design feature to bore out the gun from 406 to 420 mms. It was expected that such guns and newly developed APCBC shells could ensure penetration at longer ranges. This was seen as beneficial as the next generation of German ships would by necessity be constructed to incorporate stronger deck armor and better torpedo protection against aircraft, both features which would help against underwater near-misses and deck penetrating shells. This priority was in turn a consequence of the new navy’s own intention to rely of the ship killing capabilities of aircraft and the expectation that the opposition might do the same. Accordingly, the new battleships with these attributes were heavily influenced by this requirement as combined heavy deck armor, speed, range and large guns which would optimally require massive ships. The compromise that was struck reduced the number of heavy guns, but not the caliber, as Hitler personally liked the more impressive heavy guns (cf. Design posted below). Furthermore, the emphasis of very heavy shells, speed and large numbers of DP guns to prevent interference from destroyers would allow the Germans to choose which battles to fight and they had the option of trying their luck outside the range of the opposing forces. As part of the deception it was also intended that the battleships might initially claim to be designed as 3x3 13.5 inch ships at 35000 tons, when in fact they were to be 3x2 40 inch ships at 45000 tons and the 13.5 inch guns were intended for the Panzerschiffe.
Also in 1932, the naval shipyards would receive orders for new destroyers and be told to expect new orders. Initially 6 were ordered for completion in 1934 and 6 in 1935 with the expectation that 6 new destroyers would be needed annually from 1936. These destroyers would all receive combined diesel and steam propulsion. Mann Diesel had been expecting this request and the Panzerschiffe and battleship requests since 1930 and received funding to increase capacity.
Submarines were easily the most controversial point, but the initial designs were nothing special. Crude designs intended to be quickly produced so training could commence and expertly camouflaged (as regular warehouses, factories) with submarine pens constructed inland adjacent to rivers to hide their numbers.
A next generation of submarine designs were subsequently called for and like for the panzership design teams, heavy surveillance of the teams were applied by Heydrichs Sicherheitsdienst. Crucially, this led to the apprehension of Otto Krueger. Otto Krueger had been an SIS agent since WW1 and had high reliability**. Upon his apprehension he was turned into a double agent and his handlers in the Netherlands identified. During the next couple of years two more double agents were allowed to be recruited by the British who now received constructed intelligence on surface warships and naval aviation capabilities. Credibility of this deception was initially high as it was decided to leak the later official, but still falsified displacement of 13000 tons of the new classes of Panzerships through this network before Germany admitted to have violated the Treaty of Versailles.
A subject which was initially postponed was the attempt to make aircraft carriers. Following their own experiences in Odessa, the marine saw aircraft as pivotal in the future. Hitler was however not convinced that the KM knew what they were doing and instead sent a delegation to Japan to gain inspiration for a fleet carrier. They would remain there for two years and participate in exercises and carrier operations before a fleet carrier design was submitted in 1934. Rather than building their own fleet aircraft carrier, the Kriegsmarine supported Loyds shipping in the construction of 4 liners of 22000 tons each***. These were designed with more compartmentalization than usual on civilian hips and prepared for the later addition of torpedo bulges. A low strength deck would allow the later removal of the superstructure and addition of a hangar and flight deck. These ships would be fitted with combined diesel and steam propulsion to enable a speed of 30 knots. When the ships were commissioned in 1935, the CODAS arrangement was heralded as a showcase of German technology which allowed Loyds shipping to either use the same liners for either weekly cross-atlantic trips and for very long-distance Asiatic trips.
The simultaneous ordering of 6 heavy cruisers, 4 ocean liners prompted a reassessment of the German shipbuilding capacity for larger ships which was enhanced with enlargement of 2 slipways at Howaldtswerke Hamburg and Howaldtswerke Kiel****. The official intention was that two more ocean liners would be ordered from Howaldtswerke Hamburg and Howaldtswerke Kiel in 1934.
*The German naval expansion and its rapidity, while officially within ToV limits does not go unnoticed abroad. Foreign reactions will be covered in a later chapter.
**Importance of Otto Krueger: https://books.google.dk/books?id=O0mEDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA102&lpg=PA102&dq=Otto+Kruger+submarine&source=bl&ots=QMwRAwsc1y&sig=HDDssVRo5zGuGmDnisMX4nwwXIM&hl=da&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi2ouzNx9PYAhXmC5oKHXnaB2sQ6AEIVjAI#v=onepage&q=Otto%20Kruger%20submarine&f=false
***Enlargement of the admirals classes of OTL
****[Slipway capacity in the 20000/200+ m’s class. Number of large slipways in parenthesis:
(3) AG Weser (Deschimag) Bremen: (launched Bremen of 286 m and 51000 tons), had slipways for simultaneous building of 2 admirals class liners and 20000 tons Terje Viken at the same time. Many destroyer sized vessels build simultaneously.
(2) Reichsmarinewerft Wilhelmshaven: Build Tirpitz. 2 battleships build at a time before WW1
Expanding to two 300 m ships.
(2) Blohm and Voss Hamburg: Build RMS Majestic of 291 m’s and 56000 and Leviathan simultaneously. Also Bismarck.
(2) Germania Werft Kiel: Major U-boat producer in WW1 and WW2. Slipways for building 2 BB’s at the time during WW1. Order for 816 feet battlecruiser during plan Z.
(2) Deutsche Werke Kiel: Build the Gneisenau, Blücher and the Graf Zeppelin and were designated for a H-39 BB under plan Z. Graf Zeppelin and Blücher were on the slipways at the same time. Blücher spent only 10 month on the slipways
Howaldtswerke Hamburg: Smaller ships, less than 200 m’s documented at the time. Expanding to build 200+ m liner
Howaldtswerke Kiel: Smaller ships, less than 200 m’s documented at the time. Expanding to build 200+ m liner
[Overall, the driver for a change from OTL is the early reinstallment of the emperial design agencies, the continuous research into large diesels and combined diesel and steam (CODAS) propulsion plants since the mid-20’s and the formation of a German naval aviation base in Odessa in the early 1920’s. The potential of the propulsion system for high speed and long range appealed to TTL Hitler while it had the in-build fall-back position, that it would always be as good as combined diesel or steam (CODOS) used in the German navy IOTL. The diesel focus has led to pronounced performance improvements that will have even higher impact on the German destroyers and escorts. The importance of the naval aviation base in Odessa cannot be overestimated. That experience, in essence about of Germany’s total interwar aviation experience, coupled with an emphasis on aircraft in the general reformation of the Wehrmacht leads them to believe in a future with powerful air borne torpedoes and armor piercing bombs. That has the knock-on effect that the Germans require greater bomb and torpedo protection which is difficult to maintain with their very long armored belts. Heavier deck armor combined with better targeting systems, makes it logical to consider fighting naval battles at longer ranges as a way of getting a decisive edge. Notably, the Germans are unaware that American and British designs are also preparing for longer ranged engagements event though and this design philosophy only becomes decisive with the later adjunct of radar guided gun-laying.
The audacity in the German designs ITTL stems from the peculiar limbo of German treaty adherence ITTL and IOTL. Germany is bound by ToV which it almost officially don’t respect and have not been able to be accepted into other treaties. Hitler therefore can use France as the reason why he has to lie on the Deutschland class ships and come (semi)clean when he decide to refute the ToV. He sticks with the 8’’ guns for the first ships to calm authorities abroad and they will even be installed, all the while 13,5’ and 16’’ guns are being build as the real guns for the Deutschlands and BB’s. The 13,5’’ guns are next envisioned as Germany’s official battleship guns while the 16’’ guns are kept secret and if exposed are for coastal installations.
The original 8’’ guns and turrets is a cost of deception that TTL Hitler is willing to pay, and they may later find use on a future generation of heavy cruisers.
Below, please find the Shipsharp of the official Deutschland class design and the unofficial real design (please consider the engine slide does not work and actual performance of engines at the stated weight is about twice as high. The official speed of the fake design is 32 knots and the unofficial speed of the real ship is 31,3 knots. Range is about double when going exclusively on diesels. At that speed they are slightly wet ships:
Alt Deutschland class, Germany Heavy cruiser laid down 1932
Displacement:
9.276 t light; 10.023 t standard; 12.585 t normal; 14.635 t full load
Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
(649,30 ft / 623,36 ft) x 59,06 ft x (22,97 / 25,83 ft)
(197,91 m / 190,00 m) x 18,00 m x (7,00 / 7,87 m)
Armament:
6 - 8,11" / 206 mm 45,0 cal guns - 269,01lbs / 122,02kg shells, 200 per gun
Breech loading guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1933 Model
2 x 3-gun mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
1 raised mount - superfiring
10 - 5,91" / 150 mm 45,0 cal guns - 103,86lbs / 47,11kg shells, 500 per gun
Dual purpose guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1933 Model
6 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
2 x 2 row twin mounts layout not set
2 raised mounts
16 - 1,46" / 37,0 mm 45,0 cal guns - 1,57lbs / 0,71kg shells, 1.000 per gun
Breech loading guns in deck mounts, 1933 Model
8 x Twin mounts on centreline, evenly spread
8 raised mounts
32 - 0,79" / 20,0 mm 45,0 cal guns - 0,24lbs / 0,11kg shells, 3.000 per gun
Breech loading guns in deck mounts, 1933 Model
8 x Quad mounts on centreline, forward deck aft
8 raised mounts
Weight of broadside 2.685 lbs / 1.218 kg
Armour:
- Belts: Width (max) Length (avg) Height (avg)
Main: 3,94" / 100 mm 360,89 ft / 110,00 m 9,84 ft / 3,00 m
Ends: 0,79" / 20 mm 229,66 ft / 70,00 m 9,84 ft / 3,00 m
32,81 ft / 10,00 m Unarmoured ends
Main Belt covers 89 % of normal length
- Torpedo Bulkhead - Additional damage containing bulkheads:
1,38" / 35 mm 360,89 ft / 110,00 m 16,40 ft / 5,00 m
Beam between torpedo bulkheads 52,49 ft / 16,00 m
- Gun armour: Face (max) Other gunhouse (avg) Barbette/hoist (max)
Main: 4,72" / 120 mm 3,15" / 80 mm 3,15" / 80 mm
2nd: 1,57" / 40 mm 0,79" / 20 mm 0,79" / 20 mm
4th: 0,79" / 20 mm 0,79" / 20 mm -
- Armoured deck - multiple decks:
For and Aft decks: 3,15" / 80 mm
Machinery:
Oil fired boilers, steam turbines, plus diesel motors,
ERROR: Revise drives, 3 shafts, 61.568 shp / 45.930 Kw = 28,65 kts
Range 10.500nm at 19,00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 4.612 tons
Complement:
593 - 772
Cost:
£3,914 million / $15,657 million
Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 776 tons, 6,2 %
- Guns: 776 tons, 6,2 %
Armour: 2.373 tons, 18,9 %
- Belts: 646 tons, 5,1 %
- Torpedo bulkhead: 302 tons, 2,4 %
- Armament: 410 tons, 3,3 %
- Armour Deck: 1.015 tons, 8,1 %
Machinery: 1.794 tons, 14,3 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 4.333 tons, 34,4 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 3.309 tons, 26,3 %
Miscellaneous weights: 0 tons, 0,0 %
Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
20.650 lbs / 9.367 Kg = 77,4 x 8,1 " / 206 mm shells or 3,3 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1,07
Metacentric height 2,6 ft / 0,8 m
Roll period: 15,4 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 79 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 0,96
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1,59
Hull form characteristics:
Hull has a flush deck,
an extended bulbous bow and a cruiser stern
Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0,521 / 0,539
Length to Beam Ratio: 10,56 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 24,97 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 49 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 30,00 degrees
Stern overhang: 9,84 ft / 3,00 m
Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
Fore end, Aft end
- Forecastle: 30,00 %, 27,89 ft / 8,50 m, 22,97 ft / 7,00 m
- Forward deck: 30,00 %, 22,97 ft / 7,00 m, 19,69 ft / 6,00 m
- Aft deck: 20,00 %, 19,69 ft / 6,00 m, 18,04 ft / 5,50 m
- Quarter deck: 20,00 %, 18,04 ft / 5,50 m, 19,69 ft / 6,00 m
- Average freeboard: 21,42 ft / 6,53 m
Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 76,6 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 163,4 %
Waterplane Area: 25.005 Square feet or 2.323 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 150 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 110 lbs/sq ft or 539 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0,95
- Longitudinal: 1,59
- Overall: 1,00
Excellent machinery, storage, compartmentation space
Excellent accommodation and workspace room
Ship has slow, easy roll, a good, steady gun platform
Excellent seaboat, comfortable, can fire her guns in the heaviest weather
Actual planned Deutschland design:
Deuschland, Germany Panzerschiffe laid down 1930
Displacement:
13.225 t light; 14.642 t standard; 18.215 t normal; 21.073 t full load
Dimensions: Length (overall / waterline) x beam x draught (normal/deep)
(645,14 ft / 626,64 ft) x 71,16 ft x (27,23 / 30,52 ft)
(196,64 m / 191,00 m) x 21,69 m x (8,30 / 9,30 m)
Armament:
6 - 13,58" / 345 mm 45,0 cal guns - 1.403,62lbs / 636,67kg shells, 150 per gun
Breech loading guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1930 Model
2 x 3-gun mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
10 - 5,91" / 150 mm 55,0 cal guns - 111,16lbs / 50,42kg shells, 500 per gun
Breech loading guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1930 Model
2 x Twin mounts on centreline ends, evenly spread
2 raised mounts - superfiring
6 x Single mounts on sides, evenly spread
24 - 1,46" / 37,0 mm 45,0 cal guns - 1,57lbs / 0,71kg shells, 2.000 per gun
Breech loading guns in turret on barbette mounts, 1930 Model
6 x Twin mounts on centreline, evenly spread
6 raised mounts
6 x Twin mounts on sides, evenly spread
Weight of broadside 9.571 lbs / 4.341 kg
Armour:
- Belts: Width (max) Length (avg) Height (avg)
Main: 3,94" / 100 mm 423,23 ft / 129,00 m 13,12 ft / 4,00 m
Ends: Unarmoured
Main Belt covers 104 % of normal length
- Torpedo Bulkhead - Strengthened structural bulkheads:
1,18" / 30 mm 524,93 ft / 160,00 m 16,40 ft / 5,00 m
Beam between torpedo bulkheads 52,49 ft / 16,00 m
- Gun armour: Face (max) Other gunhouse (avg) Barbette/hoist (max)
Main: 3,94" / 100 mm 3,15" / 80 mm 3,15" / 80 mm
2nd: 5,91" / 150 mm 1,97" / 50 mm 1,97" / 50 mm
3rd: 0,79" / 20 mm 0,39" / 10 mm 0,39" / 10 mm
- Armoured deck - multiple decks:
For and Aft decks: 3,35" / 85 mm
Machinery:
Oil fired boilers, steam turbines, plus diesel motors,
Geared drive, 3 shafts, 56.685 shp / 42.287 Kw = 26,34 kts
Range 10.000nm at 20,00 kts
Bunker at max displacement = 6.431 tons
Complement:
783 - 1.019
Cost:
£6,456 million / $25,825 million
Distribution of weights at normal displacement:
Armament: 1.974 tons, 10,8 %
- Guns: 1.974 tons, 10,8 %
Armour: 3.492 tons, 19,2 %
- Belts: 902 tons, 5,0 %
- Torpedo bulkhead: 376 tons, 2,1 %
- Armament: 670 tons, 3,7 %
- Armour Deck: 1.545 tons, 8,5 %
Machinery: 1.718 tons, 9,4 %
Hull, fittings & equipment: 6.041 tons, 33,2 %
Fuel, ammunition & stores: 4.989 tons, 27,4 %
Miscellaneous weights: 0 tons, 0,0 %
Overall survivability and seakeeping ability:
Survivability (Non-critical penetrating hits needed to sink ship):
23.274 lbs / 10.557 Kg = 18,6 x 13,6 " / 345 mm shells or 3,5 torpedoes
Stability (Unstable if below 1.00): 1,18
Metacentric height 4,1 ft / 1,2 m
Roll period: 14,8 seconds
Steadiness - As gun platform (Average = 50 %): 60 %
- Recoil effect (Restricted arc if above 1.00): 1,00
Seaboat quality (Average = 1.00): 1,21
Hull form characteristics:
Hull has a flush deck,
a normal bow and a cruiser stern
Block coefficient (normal/deep): 0,525 / 0,542
Length to Beam Ratio: 8,81 : 1
'Natural speed' for length: 25,03 kts
Power going to wave formation at top speed: 47 %
Trim (Max stability = 0, Max steadiness = 100): 50
Bow angle (Positive = bow angles forward): 30,00 degrees
Stern overhang: 6,56 ft / 2,00 m
Freeboard (% = length of deck as a percentage of waterline length):
Fore end, Aft end
- Forecastle: 20,00 %, 20,67 ft / 6,30 m, 16,73 ft / 5,10 m
- Forward deck: 30,00 %, 16,73 ft / 5,10 m, 16,40 ft / 5,00 m
- Aft deck: 35,00 %, 16,40 ft / 5,00 m, 16,40 ft / 5,00 m
- Quarter deck: 15,00 %, 16,40 ft / 5,00 m, 16,40 ft / 5,00 m
- Average freeboard: 16,83 ft / 5,13 m
Ship tends to be wet forward
Ship space, strength and comments:
Space - Hull below water (magazines/engines, low = better): 102,7 %
- Above water (accommodation/working, high = better): 121,9 %
Waterplane Area: 30.403 Square feet or 2.824 Square metres
Displacement factor (Displacement / loading): 122 %
Structure weight / hull surface area: 159 lbs/sq ft or 778 Kg/sq metre
Hull strength (Relative):
- Cross-sectional: 0,97
- Longitudinal: 1,41
- Overall: 1,00
Adequate machinery, storage, compartmentation space
Excellent accommodation and workspace room
Good seaboat, rides out heavy weather easily
Edit: inconsistant Numbers. 4 large liners, not 6 mega liners.
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So as promised, an update on early naval rearmament. The really original feature in this is off course the pre-expanded naval Building capacity and the turret carrusel. This enable Hitler to start of with 8'' Deutschland which is a kind of standard ship design and much less controversial than what the Weimar republic did IOTL and he will be able to advocate a small caliber of future battleship guns.
Hope it fares well, this gets technical beyond my expertise, but I have tried to address a number of arguments against German naval rearmament in other TL's and they do link to the POD.
Hope it fares well, this gets technical beyond my expertise, but I have tried to address a number of arguments against German naval rearmament in other TL's and they do link to the POD.
I just caught up with this and look forward to following along. It is clear you have done your research and thought this out. Thank you for the hard work. This isn’t a period I am particularly well versed in so I can’t make too many comments, but I was wondering what has happened with the more radical and uncontrollable sections of the OTL-SA which have been excluded ITTL, are they flocking to other movements or the communist underground? Or do they just turn into street thugs.
It is a very good question. Some more turned communist (now largely arrested as IOTL), some were street thugs, quite a few got jobs as Industry were hiring in the 1930 period. Immigrants from Agricultural sector then replaced them. It (1929-32) was certainly a period of turmoil and the contrast to the new regime is quite pronounced.
Chapter 22: Development of the German Aero-engine industry and the Luftwaffe
Chapter 22: Development of the German Aero-engine industry and the Luftwaffe
The events normally attributed the later success if the Luftwaffe was the fusion of Daimler and Benz which Hitler was able to showcase and use to address funding for German aero-engine development in 1926.
The main aircraft and aero-engine producers had since this day been able to obtain funding for engine prototype designs resulting in a major boost to German R&D efforts and ressources. From 1930 funding had started to pour in for real and a major wind-tunnel facility had been opened outside Munich- available to all major aircraft producers.
For brevity, the focus of this chapter will be on the piston engines and aircraft most important for the early revitalization of the Luftwaffe from 1935 and the R&D developments before this time frame, rather than the biplanes and trainers which formed the beginning of the Luftwaffe expansion. Most renowned among these engines are the DB600 and Jumo211 and Jumo205 Diesel, all with their first run in 1930. By 1932 the designs had shown considerable maturity and were expected as available as test-beds for future aircraft and platform for further development.
Germany also produced Radial engines from Bramo and BMW. Both Bramo and BMW had quickly set up production of its BMW132 based on the Pratt-Whitney Hornett and Bramo 323 based on a Bristol Jupiter engine. These were originally 9 cylinder engines.
From 1930 it had been anticipated that lavish funding would be available to higher performing engines and in 1932 the RLM set out rules to stimulate competition without duplication.
Both DB and Jumo were tasked with new development projects based on their first designs. These would be evolutionary (eg. Superchargers, direct fuel injection, high-pressure coolant), new engines based on the proven layout for instance by allowing higher volume or increasing rpm, and brand new developments. Hitler, quite uniquely saw a need for ever increasing aircraft engine output and the RLM set DB on the path of 16 cylinder inline diesels and petrol engines with Jumo pursuing 24 cylinder engines in the Jumo222 and Jumo223’s. These were long term projects with basic funding made available to try out different variations on the original designs.
Similarly BMV were funded to pursue 14 cylinder engines in the BMW801 and Bramo would pursue 18 cylinder engines.
For aircraft, the RLM would set available biplanes designs in production and issue calls for new aircraft. These would include a single-seat fighter (sportsplane), a two-seat heavy fighter (two-person sports plane), an attack aircraft (mail plane), medium passenger aircraft (bomber), long-range passenger aircraft (heavy bomber) and transport aircraft (transport aircraft).
In four of these categories, Heinkel would prove the victor. In an age of biplanes, Heinkel was far advanced with the He-70 Blitz design and decided to convert the basic shape with elliptical gull wings into what would become the He-112 (fighter), He-111 (bomber) and He-118 (attack aircraft). Junkers would prove an exception with its rugged and effective Ju52 design and Do 17 was selected as a back-up or supplement to He-111. For a heavy fighter Robert Lusser* designed the He-113, basically a twin engine fighter with pilot and rear gunner. For the heavy bomber Willy Messerschmitt would device the Ju-89 and Dornier the Do19 aircraft which would prove insufficiently capable compared to He-111.
These prototypes started to appear in 1933-34, beat the competition in 1934-35 and entered production in 1935-36 based on the mass produced DB600 and Jumo210 engines. However, the massive Heinkel dominance caused an uproar among the competition and the potential monopoly of all advanced aircraft engineering which started to materialize from 1934 did not appeal to Hitler. Consequently, and in agreement with the long-term perspective of Hitler’s focus on advanced weaponry, a second generation of calls went out in 1935 and these were expected to be based on the new DB601 engines or Jumo211. For these calls, Hitler would personally insist that Heinkel would put in an effort in the heavy bomber category.
Additionally, an instrument was put in place were the RLM could dictate licensing terms to allow other aircraft producers a chance to outperform the original winners.
This policy was also the reason why the serious contenders, Heinkel, Junkers, Focke-Wulf, Bayersche Flugzeugwerke, Dornier, Fieseler, Arado and Blohm & Voss all received contracts to construct large air craft assembly plants in 1934. Similar contracts had already been granted to DB, Jumo, BMW and Bramo for engine production,
*Robert Lusser was at Heinkel until 1933 IOTL.
[sorry for this Heinkel wank, but in 1932, The He70 was in the works and years ahead of the competition, and this design formed the basis of He-112 and He111. Also in 1932, Robert Lusser who made Bf110 and (Bf108 and Bf109) was employed at Heinkel (anyone feel like making TTL versions with a mixed Heinkel/Lusser inspiration). Heinkel & Co. will however be quite overwhelmed by these early successes and the competition will be quite fierce next time around]
Edit:
Below follows the official He-113 design of TTL from Cortz#9. The He-112 is equivalent to He-112A of OTL but the power will jump from 690 HP to 1100 HP. Any performance estimates?
He-118 starts out as OTL, but later receives considerably more powerful engines providing a payload of 1000 kg. He-111 is as OTL depending on the engine as are the Do17.
The events normally attributed the later success if the Luftwaffe was the fusion of Daimler and Benz which Hitler was able to showcase and use to address funding for German aero-engine development in 1926.
The main aircraft and aero-engine producers had since this day been able to obtain funding for engine prototype designs resulting in a major boost to German R&D efforts and ressources. From 1930 funding had started to pour in for real and a major wind-tunnel facility had been opened outside Munich- available to all major aircraft producers.
For brevity, the focus of this chapter will be on the piston engines and aircraft most important for the early revitalization of the Luftwaffe from 1935 and the R&D developments before this time frame, rather than the biplanes and trainers which formed the beginning of the Luftwaffe expansion. Most renowned among these engines are the DB600 and Jumo211 and Jumo205 Diesel, all with their first run in 1930. By 1932 the designs had shown considerable maturity and were expected as available as test-beds for future aircraft and platform for further development.
Germany also produced Radial engines from Bramo and BMW. Both Bramo and BMW had quickly set up production of its BMW132 based on the Pratt-Whitney Hornett and Bramo 323 based on a Bristol Jupiter engine. These were originally 9 cylinder engines.
From 1930 it had been anticipated that lavish funding would be available to higher performing engines and in 1932 the RLM set out rules to stimulate competition without duplication.
Both DB and Jumo were tasked with new development projects based on their first designs. These would be evolutionary (eg. Superchargers, direct fuel injection, high-pressure coolant), new engines based on the proven layout for instance by allowing higher volume or increasing rpm, and brand new developments. Hitler, quite uniquely saw a need for ever increasing aircraft engine output and the RLM set DB on the path of 16 cylinder inline diesels and petrol engines with Jumo pursuing 24 cylinder engines in the Jumo222 and Jumo223’s. These were long term projects with basic funding made available to try out different variations on the original designs.
Similarly BMV were funded to pursue 14 cylinder engines in the BMW801 and Bramo would pursue 18 cylinder engines.
For aircraft, the RLM would set available biplanes designs in production and issue calls for new aircraft. These would include a single-seat fighter (sportsplane), a two-seat heavy fighter (two-person sports plane), an attack aircraft (mail plane), medium passenger aircraft (bomber), long-range passenger aircraft (heavy bomber) and transport aircraft (transport aircraft).
In four of these categories, Heinkel would prove the victor. In an age of biplanes, Heinkel was far advanced with the He-70 Blitz design and decided to convert the basic shape with elliptical gull wings into what would become the He-112 (fighter), He-111 (bomber) and He-118 (attack aircraft). Junkers would prove an exception with its rugged and effective Ju52 design and Do 17 was selected as a back-up or supplement to He-111. For a heavy fighter Robert Lusser* designed the He-113, basically a twin engine fighter with pilot and rear gunner. For the heavy bomber Willy Messerschmitt would device the Ju-89 and Dornier the Do19 aircraft which would prove insufficiently capable compared to He-111.
These prototypes started to appear in 1933-34, beat the competition in 1934-35 and entered production in 1935-36 based on the mass produced DB600 and Jumo210 engines. However, the massive Heinkel dominance caused an uproar among the competition and the potential monopoly of all advanced aircraft engineering which started to materialize from 1934 did not appeal to Hitler. Consequently, and in agreement with the long-term perspective of Hitler’s focus on advanced weaponry, a second generation of calls went out in 1935 and these were expected to be based on the new DB601 engines or Jumo211. For these calls, Hitler would personally insist that Heinkel would put in an effort in the heavy bomber category.
Additionally, an instrument was put in place were the RLM could dictate licensing terms to allow other aircraft producers a chance to outperform the original winners.
This policy was also the reason why the serious contenders, Heinkel, Junkers, Focke-Wulf, Bayersche Flugzeugwerke, Dornier, Fieseler, Arado and Blohm & Voss all received contracts to construct large air craft assembly plants in 1934. Similar contracts had already been granted to DB, Jumo, BMW and Bramo for engine production,
*Robert Lusser was at Heinkel until 1933 IOTL.
[sorry for this Heinkel wank, but in 1932, The He70 was in the works and years ahead of the competition, and this design formed the basis of He-112 and He111. Also in 1932, Robert Lusser who made Bf110 and (Bf108 and Bf109) was employed at Heinkel (anyone feel like making TTL versions with a mixed Heinkel/Lusser inspiration). Heinkel & Co. will however be quite overwhelmed by these early successes and the competition will be quite fierce next time around]
Edit:
Below follows the official He-113 design of TTL from Cortz#9. The He-112 is equivalent to He-112A of OTL but the power will jump from 690 HP to 1100 HP. Any performance estimates?
He-118 starts out as OTL, but later receives considerably more powerful engines providing a payload of 1000 kg. He-111 is as OTL depending on the engine as are the Do17.
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So Chapter 22 as compared to OTL is very favorable to the Luftwaffe. But it is the way TTL Hitler wants it. Göring is not on morphine so it becomes as Hitler wants it. Can we move up the engines by 1-3 years? With a 1926 departure time I think its plausible. Heinkel beeing the Winner is simply matter of timing. 1935, B108/9 was better then He70/112A, but not in 1933-4 ITTL when the designer still Works at Heinkel. Please feel free to speculate what Lusser might do in Heinkel ITTL. I think it is also to early for the Stuka, but I am willing to stand corrected.
If Heinkel gets the fighter contract earlier than Messeschmitt did IOTL, is it possible that Heinkel would design a zestörer heavy fighter with radial engines? Would there be enough DB inline engines to go around this early in the timeline?
I am very open to what a heinkel design would look like. Unlike the other designs, this one would not be modelled on a preceding design. It is a good idea.
Heinkel He-113B Hörnise twin engine heavy fighter or Zestörer.
Length: 36 ft. 8 in.
Height: 10 ft 4 in.
Wingspan: 50 ft 2 in.
Powerplant: 2 Daimler Benz DB600A liquid-cooled inverted V-12, 986 hp
Max speed: 324 mph.
Range: 7,150 mls.
Service ceiling: 28,000 ft.
Armament: 4 × 20 mm MG FF/M cannons.
1 x 7.92 mm MG-17 machine gun.
Length: 36 ft. 8 in.
Height: 10 ft 4 in.
Wingspan: 50 ft 2 in.
Powerplant: 2 Daimler Benz DB600A liquid-cooled inverted V-12, 986 hp
Max speed: 324 mph.
Range: 7,150 mls.
Service ceiling: 28,000 ft.
Armament: 4 × 20 mm MG FF/M cannons.
1 x 7.92 mm MG-17 machine gun.
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I started with a pic of a Heinkel He-70, its similar to the He-111. The front view has nose from a Fw-187, wings from an Me-410. Side view has sections from an Me-110, He-70 and a Nakajima N-1.
Wow, that looks Sweet. The first prototypes would use db600 and I wonder if the wing thicknes is too slim for mid-1930’s. Definately a cool updated version.Heinkel He-113B Hörnise twin engine heavy fighter or Zestörer.
Length: 36 ft. 8 in.
Height: 10 ft 4 in.
Wingspan: 50 ft 2 in.
Powerplant: 2 Daimler Benz DB601B-1 liquid-cooled inverted V-12, 809 kW (1,085 hp)1,100 PS each.
Max speed: 344 mph.
Range: 1,150 mls.
Service ceiling: 33,000 ft.
Armament: 2 × 20 mm MG FF/M cannons.
1 x 7.92 mm MG-17 machine gun.
So if I am not mistaken, German primary fighter, at least for the forseeable future is going to be He-112? How much its airframe can it be upgraded during its lifetime, especially considering that heavier, more powerful engines, heavier armament and protection will be needed to keep it relevant when compared to foreign designs?
Me-109 was rather good in those terms, and it managed to remain competitive to other aircraft practically till the end of the war. Then again, its undercarriage and its takeoff characteristics were not ideal, and many pilots and airframes were lost because of them.
It is also interesting to see more interest in strategic bombers, unlike in OTL, and designs not saddled with demands to be able of dive bombing.
Lastly, they at least have a much better planning for future designs and engines, with rational plans especially in regards to bigger, more powerful engines, something that will certainly pay dividends later on.
Great work, keep it up.
Me-109 was rather good in those terms, and it managed to remain competitive to other aircraft practically till the end of the war. Then again, its undercarriage and its takeoff characteristics were not ideal, and many pilots and airframes were lost because of them.
It is also interesting to see more interest in strategic bombers, unlike in OTL, and designs not saddled with demands to be able of dive bombing.
Lastly, they at least have a much better planning for future designs and engines, with rational plans especially in regards to bigger, more powerful engines, something that will certainly pay dividends later on.
Great work, keep it up.
Thanks. I think I need to redo the wings from the bird's-eye view.
Will change engine and slightly lower the performance stats.
Chapter 23: Development of the Heer and the Panzer Corps
Chapter 23: Development of the Heer and the Panzer corps
The defining feature of the resurging Deutsches Heere was undoubtedly the tanks and the various armored fighting vehicles. The organization would be the brain child of Heinz Guderian with the impetus from Adolf Hitler who insisted in an over dimensioned support and logistics structure.
With a rapidly growing industry producing various tractor designs Guderian originally envisioned three vehicles. A cruiser tank, an infantry tank and a heavy breakthrough tank. These tanks would become the Panzer I and Panzer II respectively armed with a 37 mm anti-tank gun and a 75mm/L24 anti-infantry gun.
These tanks showed excellent reliability although were cramped in their design with limited upgrade potential. The Chassis of either tankt would however from the onset be used for a number of vehicles. The Panzer I as an armored personnel carrier (The Katze) and including ammunition carrier and tanker versions, and the Panzer II as a self-propelled artillery piece and a self-propelled anti-tank gun, the StuGII.
Such fully tracked designs supplemented with propelled 88 mm AA guns and 150 mm artillery pieces would form the backbone of two battalions in each of the Panzer divisions with the remainder transported in half-tracks. In contrast, primarily half-tracks and regular trucks would transport the battalions the mobilized infantry divisions and their defensive strength would be greatly augmented by StuGII units.
A number of multi-turreted designs and the early heavy tank prototypes were cancelled. Hitler wanted a simple reliable design with the maximum reliability for its intended role and were cancelled. A final design was proposed for a heavy tank, the Tiger, with a strengthened suspension system and wide track was selected for further development, but it was more a looker than a viable design for a number of years, unable to offer heavier armor than the type 2 and still provide the mobility requested by Hitler.
Here is a set of drawings provied by Cortz#9 and Claymore on the AFV thread:
The defining feature of the resurging Deutsches Heere was undoubtedly the tanks and the various armored fighting vehicles. The organization would be the brain child of Heinz Guderian with the impetus from Adolf Hitler who insisted in an over dimensioned support and logistics structure.
With a rapidly growing industry producing various tractor designs Guderian originally envisioned three vehicles. A cruiser tank, an infantry tank and a heavy breakthrough tank. These tanks would become the Panzer I and Panzer II respectively armed with a 37 mm anti-tank gun and a 75mm/L24 anti-infantry gun.
These tanks showed excellent reliability although were cramped in their design with limited upgrade potential. The Chassis of either tankt would however from the onset be used for a number of vehicles. The Panzer I as an armored personnel carrier (The Katze) and including ammunition carrier and tanker versions, and the Panzer II as a self-propelled artillery piece and a self-propelled anti-tank gun, the StuGII.
Such fully tracked designs supplemented with propelled 88 mm AA guns and 150 mm artillery pieces would form the backbone of two battalions in each of the Panzer divisions with the remainder transported in half-tracks. In contrast, primarily half-tracks and regular trucks would transport the battalions the mobilized infantry divisions and their defensive strength would be greatly augmented by StuGII units.
A number of multi-turreted designs and the early heavy tank prototypes were cancelled. Hitler wanted a simple reliable design with the maximum reliability for its intended role and were cancelled. A final design was proposed for a heavy tank, the Tiger, with a strengthened suspension system and wide track was selected for further development, but it was more a looker than a viable design for a number of years, unable to offer heavier armor than the type 2 and still provide the mobility requested by Hitler.
Here is a set of drawings provied by Cortz#9 and Claymore on the AFV thread:
So, the updates in chapter 23 might appear a bit hindsighted, but they are reflected in the very different situation in wich this TL takes place. In this TL, Guderian gets what he wants and he gets it earlier, and Hitler takes it even further. The fighting requirements are collected in the 4 newly formed panzer divisions include tracked self-propelled AA, Artilley, personnel and supply transport.
The Tiger needed som further teething and a stonger engine before it reaches maturity in 1938, but the Panzer I and II are ready in 1934 and the first 4 panzer divisions have their tanks in 1936.
See this link for the drawings on the AFV thread.
https://www.alternatehistory.com/fo...vehicles-part-2.357730/page-363#post-17050411
The Tiger needed som further teething and a stonger engine before it reaches maturity in 1938, but the Panzer I and II are ready in 1934 and the first 4 panzer divisions have their tanks in 1936.
See this link for the drawings on the AFV thread.
https://www.alternatehistory.com/fo...vehicles-part-2.357730/page-363#post-17050411
Chapter 24. German reconnaissance, naval aviation aircraft and heavy bombers.
Chapter 24. German reconnaissance, naval aviation aircraft and heavy bombers.
While getting what would be the most numerous aircraft and bombers in production had been the first priority, other specialist aircraft were needed. Notable among such aircraft were the fast reconnaissance aircraft, the Bf-116 by Willy Messerschmitt (see insert below) featuring Jumo205 diesel engines, a long-term contract awarded to Dornier to produce heavy flying boats using Jumo 205 diesels and to Arado for light flying boats using the DB lines of gasoline engines. A potentially future carrier based torpedo bomber and naval strike aircraft was also requested which would turn out as the Fi-167. Fi-167 would also later see use as a close air support aircraft and would be used in a night attack role. Such aircraft would enter production in 1936-7 and performed the important role of stimulating an interim generation of aircraft designs. Meanwhile, from 1935 interim conclusions for future requests would appear, which included a new air superiority fighter with extended loiter time, a carrier version of such aircraft, a radial engine equipped tank destroyer aircraft*, a second generation twin-engine bomber and an extremely long-range heavy bomber. The future aircraft would be based on upgraded versions of the DB and JUMO engines (Jumo 211/Jumo213, DB605/DB603 and the extremely long range bombers would be based on either Jumo222, Jumo223 or DB604 16 cylinder engines. The requirement for such an aircraft was strike capability deep beyond the Urals or the west coast of the USA**. It was clear to everyone that this just not possible at this time, but it meant that a long-term research perspective was put into engine developments, cowlings, radiators and wing designs to reduce draft, and multi-stage turbo and superchargers to increase altitude performance. In the interim, and to stimulate the production competence, a call was made for a bomber capable of carrying a large bomb load from Germany to Moscow.
Depiction of the Bf-116 by Willy Messerschmidt. After losing the competition for the heavy fighter, Willy Messerschmidt decided to reengineer his contender around the Jumo205 diesel which was a wise decision. The Bf116 would be put into service as a reconnaissance aircraft, and later versions would be used in a multitude of roles. Courtesy of Cortz#9
*The Germans had obtained access to documented US assisted Construction of large "tractor" factories and knew the Soviets would be fielding tanks in the 10's of thousands.
**Hitler from the onset had his eyes set on the United States as the home of international Judaism and wanted the strike capability, even though he would not dare to communicate this priority even to his own generals.
While getting what would be the most numerous aircraft and bombers in production had been the first priority, other specialist aircraft were needed. Notable among such aircraft were the fast reconnaissance aircraft, the Bf-116 by Willy Messerschmitt (see insert below) featuring Jumo205 diesel engines, a long-term contract awarded to Dornier to produce heavy flying boats using Jumo 205 diesels and to Arado for light flying boats using the DB lines of gasoline engines. A potentially future carrier based torpedo bomber and naval strike aircraft was also requested which would turn out as the Fi-167. Fi-167 would also later see use as a close air support aircraft and would be used in a night attack role. Such aircraft would enter production in 1936-7 and performed the important role of stimulating an interim generation of aircraft designs. Meanwhile, from 1935 interim conclusions for future requests would appear, which included a new air superiority fighter with extended loiter time, a carrier version of such aircraft, a radial engine equipped tank destroyer aircraft*, a second generation twin-engine bomber and an extremely long-range heavy bomber. The future aircraft would be based on upgraded versions of the DB and JUMO engines (Jumo 211/Jumo213, DB605/DB603 and the extremely long range bombers would be based on either Jumo222, Jumo223 or DB604 16 cylinder engines. The requirement for such an aircraft was strike capability deep beyond the Urals or the west coast of the USA**. It was clear to everyone that this just not possible at this time, but it meant that a long-term research perspective was put into engine developments, cowlings, radiators and wing designs to reduce draft, and multi-stage turbo and superchargers to increase altitude performance. In the interim, and to stimulate the production competence, a call was made for a bomber capable of carrying a large bomb load from Germany to Moscow.
Depiction of the Bf-116 by Willy Messerschmidt. After losing the competition for the heavy fighter, Willy Messerschmidt decided to reengineer his contender around the Jumo205 diesel which was a wise decision. The Bf116 would be put into service as a reconnaissance aircraft, and later versions would be used in a multitude of roles. Courtesy of Cortz#9
*The Germans had obtained access to documented US assisted Construction of large "tractor" factories and knew the Soviets would be fielding tanks in the 10's of thousands.
**Hitler from the onset had his eyes set on the United States as the home of international Judaism and wanted the strike capability, even though he would not dare to communicate this priority even to his own generals.