The Alaska class were the "great white elephants" of the US Navy in WW2. Their conception went back to the start of the war, when limiting treaties became obsolete, based on a rumored IJN "cruiser killer". The US Navy studied a new standard of "large cruiser" by default of a better terms. Some even dubbed them "battlecruisers" but there is now a consensus they were just their own thing. The Japanese B64 projected super-cruisers were never completed, nor the German P-class in Z plan, leaving the three Alaska class pretty solitary worldwide and in US service, seeing little service in WW2 as well as postwar due to their enormous maintenance cost. #ww2 #usn #usnavy #pacificwar

USS Alaska
USS Alaska, colorized by Hirootoko Jr.

Design Genesis

Origins going back to "treaty cruisers"

It's a long debate, but which had been still not fully settled to this day: How much the conventional treaty cruisers impacted new warfare concepts in the interwar, due to the ban on new battleships. We can trace back indeed the genesis of the Alaska class to post-Washington treaty dicussions in all admiralties round the world. By definining the caliber 8-inches for "heavy cruisers", assorted with a displacement limited (and the 6-in caliber) for light cruisers, the treaty defined a new standard which -as some admiralties believed- could alleviate the lack of battleships for some operation outside the traditional frame of cruisers, inherited from frigates.

Thes new cruisers were based on a brand new standard initiated by the Royal Navy, which already looked a "cruiser killers", the Hawkins class, first to have 7.5 in guns (which was rounded to 8-in later). They had been created to deal with German commerce raiders (those of Von Spee in particular) and be posted in far away overseas, but when completed they had no more purposed and were single-out for their oddity. Standard British cruisers were "light" in post-WWI definition, as any other cruiser in the world, with 6-in guns only.


USS Northampton, one of the early USN treaty heavy cruisers

Deprived of their precious battleships, the admiralties looked at these 10,000 tonnes new ships and wondered, how much 8-in guns we can cram into these ships ? Many believed that having eight or nine of them firing HE shells twice as fast as any battleship gun could just outperform -added to superior speed to choose the engagement timing- any capital ship. The threat of battlecruiser in 1922 was now a remote chance. They had been banned and only the British retained three of these. Thus, the heavy cruiser became the new thing for these early interwar navies, a new territory to explore. And indeed, the light cruiser standard was soon sidelined and all navies started to crank out heavy cruisers as if there was no tomorrow.

Soon, the trend was "more gun, more speed" at the detriment of the armour. The logic is speed and the capacity to outrange any adversary whatever his ships might be was a deciding factor.For example, the Hawkins 7.5 in guns (191 mm) reached 14,200 yards (13,000 m). Not bad consideing battleship guns of the 12-in caliber BL 12-inch Mk VIII gun (obsolete by then) reached 10,000 yds effective. But sure, BL 15-inch Mark I were able to reach 33,000 yards.

The first US heavy cruisers however, the Pensacola class, tried to pack a punch for a small tonnage, below 8,000 tonnes if possible. Their ten 8-inch/55-caliber gun were an amazing attempt to do more cruisers on the allocated global tonnage, with more guns -ten- than anything afloat at the time. And these guns reached a target at 30,050 yards (27,480 m), so almost the same as any battleship.Thus, some already expressed the fear that if an enemy navy used such cruisers, they had to answer in nature (same type) or find a ship providing a competitive advantage, a "cruiser killer".

The Deutschland class "pocket battleships"


The game changer in 1929 was the launch in Germany of the Deutschland-class "pocket battleships". They completely rewrote the rules. Based on 10,000 tonnes, they brought a kind of artillery that can surclass any heavy cruiser, while retaining a speed advantage over any capital ship of the time. The U.S. Navy therefore sought to counter these, fearing that might start a new arms race (which happened with the French Dunkerque class) and made heavy cruisers already obsolete if this became a new trend. Planning for ships able to counter these in a more concrete way emerged in 1936 after the deployment of the Scharnhorst-class.

The new unseen Japanese threat


This was compounded in 1936 as Japan retired from all treaties, and became super-secretive about its naval plans. Rumors grew that Japan was building its own new large cruiser class, the B-64 class, precisely as "cruiser-killers" capable of seeking out and destroying post-treaty heavy cruisers and between limited armor protection (vs. 12-in shells only) to preserve a speed of 31–33 knots and their 12-in artilley. However, as shown in the WW2 IJN cruiser lineage, this fear was based on partly bogus intel.The Japanese already in 1918 with Hiraga's "Design X" were Large Cruisers which were caracterized by four single shielded 305mm/45 (12 in) Type 37 Cannons, never approved.

However in 1937 came the first serious incentive to get he new USN "large cruisers" design going. The so-called “Chichibu Kadekuru” hypothetical Large Cruiser class designed as “heavy armored cruisers” according to US documentation of the time, with four planned, rated as 12-15.000 tons, 30 knots, six 12-in guns (probably 2x3 or 3x2). In a memo they were suspected to be "Japanese Deutschlands", cheating on treaties. However of course this class emerged from combined erroneous informations between interpretation of what the Japanese said after 1936, misinformation or simply False information fabricated to convince the congress to vote for new warships.

But this was enough to motivate wargames and extrapolations which only fed the cause of larger heavy cruisers. In a strange twist of fate, this program was soon learned by the Japane, which in answer imediately started a "real programm", the B-65 class. A Japanese “fake” which turned real, forcing to upgrade the B64 had the Soviet Navy start to plan the Stalingrad class

Author's reconstruction of the B64
Author's reconstruction of the B64

The B64 “cruiser killer” had a moderately size artillery while displacing 32,000/34,800 tonnes based on 802ft 6in oa x 89ft 3in wide hull, 160,000 shp for 33 knots, with 7.5-in armour immune against heavy cruiser's shells at a time the Japanese ignored the Alaska class completely. The most interesting aspect was their triple 12.2 in guns battery in three triple turrets. They were dubbed much later "midget Yamatos". These were a real project, moderately documented, and aimed at US treaty cruisers and post-treaty cruisers (so after September 1939). The Baltimore class were of course considered.

Design of the B-64 started in 1939 whereas test were carried out with the new long rangee 12.2-in (310 mm) guns. The design was completed in 1941. However when the USS Alaska construction was revealed, and specs confirmed, the armament was changed by the IJN admiralty to 14.2-in (360 mm) guns in a 3x2 configuration, and approved in 1942. Eventually by that time, the IJN had other prorities, and none was laid down. The upgraded B65 were not much longer “cruisers” only based on their speed and armour. They could be seen as a new version of the Deustchland concept, based on a greater wartime tonnage. In the end however, they were considered in most publications as capital ships, no longer "cruisers", leaving the Alaska class program unmoved in any way (see later).

Start of the design

The initial impetus in 1931 with the Deutschland class did not was followed by any action, but the 1937 Japanese "super cruisers" of the B-64 class, alleged to be more powerful than the current US heavy cruisers. It's in 1938 that the General Board asked the Bureau of Construction and Repair (BuC&R) to conduct a "comprehensive study of all types of naval vessels for consideration for a new and expanded building program". President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the time was still very much interested in naval matters, more than previous presidents, and may have taken a lead role in further developments.

He notably allegedly wanted to counter IJN raiding abilities, which could in turn would enable the USN to answer German pocket battleships, existing and planned, as advanced by some authors. These were only informal discussion and they were never recorded, thus impossible to verify. Some authors also speculated this was "politically motivated" and not strategically planned, even encountering some opposition from the Admiralty. Roosevelt after all also put his personal weight in the conversion of Cleveland class hulls into "fast light carriers", something also opposed by the Navy, and in particular admiral Ernest King, and still won his case based on authority alone.

Design of the class

A tortuous design process

The Alaska class faced numerous changes and modifications along the way in its layout in 1939, fed by the intervention of departments and individuals along the way. This explained why the design was also delayed. Before September 1939, treaties went into the way of such ships: They fit nowhere and were already beyond tonnage limits in all categories. At least nine different layouts were discussed between C&R (later BuShips) and BuOrd:
The latter went from a 6,000-ton Atlanta-class AA cruiser (not shown here) to a variety of "overgrown" heavy cruisers with triple turrets, or even a 38,000-ton "super baltimore":


Scheme S511-06 Heavy Cruiser Study: Preliminary design plan dated 18 January 1940: Largest size cruiser (Baltimore like) based on a 38,700 tons standard displacement. The main battery shows no less than twelve (4x3) 12"/50 guns, with a secondary battery of 8x2 5-in/38 guns, for 212,000 hp and 33.5 knots, and a hull 850 x 99/104.5 x 31.5 feet plus good Anti-torpedo side protection (four internal bulkheads) as shown in the section. Judged too ambitious. The final decision was to not go beyond 25,000 tonnes.


Scheme S511-07 Heavy Cruiser Study: "Proposed Heavy Cruiser - CA2-A", 19 January 1940. Large cruiser proposal, 25,600 tons standard. Main battery: 3x3 12-in/50 guns, 6x2 5-in/38 guns, 150,000 horsepower for 33.5 knots. Hull 800 x 90 x 26.8 feet and good ASW side protection with four internal bulkheads as shown here in the hull section drawing. It had a rounded stern, generous aft section beam as for battleships and two aft catapults, one crane. Still in profile, this looked like a beefed up Baltimore.


Scheme S511-14 Heavy Cruiser Study: "Heavy Cruiser Study - Scheme 2" dated 19 March 1940. The smallest proposal studied based on 15,750 tons standard displacement. 4x3 8"/55 guns, 6x2 5"/38 guns, 120,000 hp, 700 x 72 x 23.5 ft hull.


Scheme S511-15 Heavy Cruiser Study: "Heavy Cruiser Study - Scheme 3" dated 20 March 1940. Baltimore-like heavy cruiser, based on 17,300 tons standard but with 3x2 12"/50 guns (plus 6x2 5"/38) for 120,000 hp and a 710 x 74 x 24.5 ft hull.


Scheme S511-16 Heavy Cruiser Study: "Heavy Cruiser Study - Scheme 4-A - "Convertible" dated 10 April 1940: A glorified Baltimore, reaching 17,500 tons standard with twelve 8"/55 guns (4x3) but convertible to 3x2 12"/50 guns twin turret mounted in the 1st, 2nd and 4th barbettes. She would have been seconded by twelve 5"/38 (6x2) guns based on 120,000 hp for 33.1 knots. Dimensions 710 x 74.5 x 24.7 feet. Scheme 4B was 6x 12-in/50 guns based on 17,850 tons, 25 feet draft, 33 knots.


Scheme S511-17 Heavy Cruiser Study: "12-Inch Gun Cruiser Study, CA2F" with hull sections for Schemes. The closest to the final design. Note in particular the "cruiser style" superstructures and bridge in particular. Later she went to a battleship style tower-structure instead.Preliminary design plan prepared for the General Board dated 19 June 1940 for a ship displacing 24,700 tons standard, 28,300 tons trials with her main battery, seven 12"/50 guns (2x2 and 1x3 aft), twelve 5"/38 guns (plus light AA) for 150,000 hp and 33 knots. This was a 750 eet by 84 and 29 feet in beam and draught. The plan was 1:32 scale. Like for all these profiles, this was part of "Spring Styles Book" at the U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

The final General Board adopted a consensus view. In an attempt to keep the displacement under 25,000 tons, the ships were to have a limited underwater protection making them easy preys for Japanese torpedoes and or even shells in a plunging trajectory, even large shell's close hits.The final design agreed on was a "scaled-up Baltimore" with the same machinery as the Essex-class aircraft carriers, meaning a greater beam, in order to retain 33 knots. The consensus also fell on nine 12-inch guns in three triple turrets and standard belt and deck protection against 10-inch gunfire.

The Alaskas passed the critical stage as being budgeted in September 1940. They were however part of a much larger order called the Two-Ocean Navy Act in the most significant USN extension of its history. However the Essex-class being ordered at the same time (in large numbers) meant that from their primary surface-to-surface role, carrier group protectoion was added in her primary roles, a capability favored by Admiral King, which as said before, did not liked the Alaska's concept overall. It was a concession whuch did not hampered mich the ship's overall capabilities. In that escort role, their large hull had as side effect far more stability, making them far more valuable base for AA upgrade and additions than heavy cruisers. At the same time, they were the "insurance card" against reported Japanese super cruisers in case. Some also saw these ships kept for escort a way to free up cruisers for their intended role of scouting and preying on enemy communications lines.

Hull and general design


Final design, as published in ONI
The final hull displaced 29,771 long tons (30,249 t) standard and 34,253 long tons (34,803 t) full load, so way more than the intended 25,000 tonnes standard. It was a compromise between the designs shown above. The hull seen from above, was less shaped like a battleship (pear style), narrow forward for very fine entries, and bulkier aft. It was not shaped as a larger Baltimore-class ship either, with a transom stern. Instead, it was a compromise between the two, with a bulkier aft section, fine entries but still narrow-waist and with a near-transom rounded stern.


Design of the after deck house, NARA

She had a flush-deck hull also, with a prow gradually raised to the point it towered twice as high compared to the stern, for good sea keeping. The final version even included a bulwark.The hull was 791 ft 6 in (241.25 m) long at the waterline and 808 ft 6 in (246.43 m) overall for a beam of 91 ft 9.375 in (28.0 m) at the largest section aft, and a draft rabging from 27 ft 1 in (8.26 m) mean up to 31 ft 9.25 in (9.68 m) when fully loaded.

USS Missouri and Alaska in Norfolk 1944, helping to appreciate the different in hull shape.

Armour protection layout

Main Protection:

The main armor scheme was a compromise from several early design studies. The base line was the full protection offered against any 8 inch shells at any range. She had her 12 inch guns to essentially out-range any of these cruisers.
-Armor Belt 9 inches thick, tapered down at the bottom to 5 inches (228.6-127mm) with an inclination downwards to 10°, and external. It covered more of the waterline than a conventional cruiser.
-Deck armor varied by three layers between 3.8 to 4 in (97–102 mm) instead of the 1-3 inches thick (16mm to 76mm) initially planned, the thickest being the bottom of the citadel under the waterline.
-Weather (main) deck: 1.4 in (36 mm)
-Splinter (third) deck: 0.625 in (15.9 mm)
-conning tower was armored with 10.6 inches sides (269 mm) walls, with a 5 inches (127mm) roof.
-Turrets: 12.8 in (330 mm) face, 5 in (130 mm) roof, 5.25–6 in (133–152 mm) side and 5.25 in (133 mm) rear.
-Barbettes: 11–13 in (280–330 mm)

ASW Protection:

This was the "poor child" of the design. Still, the underwater protection was designed to resist a 700 lb TNT torpedo warhead with variations of early designs showing a 500lb charge as minimum to narrow the waist and reduce weight, unknowingly of the Type-93 “Long Lance” Torpedo (which boasted a 480 kg (1,100lb) warhead...The torpedo itself was found and examined in 1943 and of the Alaska’s underwater defense was better than any due to better longitudinal stiffening due to a longer main armor it was well below Battleship standards of the time. Still, she was provided a double bottom instead of the planned triple bottom. However the double bottom design was reinforced by the ammunition magazines to make for a stronger double bottom design, and without increased weight or strength compared to a triple bottom design, a clever compromise.

Powerplant

Alaska's auxiliary dieselsThe Alaska combined four propeller shafts driven by General Electric steam turbines each, double stage and with double-reduction gearing, fed in turn by eight Babcock & Wilcox boilers.The Alaska Class used very high pressure (up to 634 psi) boilers, had for the first time reliable double-reduction gears for her steam turbines helping improving efficiency, reducing total weight for the same targeted speed. By 1936, the boiler standard was 600 psi at 850° F and a large pressure enabled speeding up the turbines more for a total output of 180,000 horsepower versus 150,000 horsepower for a lower pressure machinery of the same size and weight.

There was a catch however, as these extreme pressured had not been tested throughly yet so these figures were something to kept relatively expecptional, or not abuse for it to cause any damage for an extended length of time. Thanks to this output, a top speed of 31 kts could be obtained for long periods, helped in part by a favourable hull ratio of 8.8. (The average cruiser was 10, the average battleship 6). This final powerplant enabled an normal top speed of 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph).

But when overloading the turbines, the ship was even able to maintain runs of 35 kts for a short run. Still, some in the Navy complained that she could have been equipped with the same machinery as a battleship, and retired from it an even greater output (such as 200,000 horsepower) and a speed estimated to 36-37 knots as a result, on par with a Scharnhorst or the estimated speed of a B-64/65.


USS Alaska in a tight turn, 1944. The class was not very agile, having a very large turning cicle and bleeding speed fast.

This would havd allowed an Alaska to prey on cruisers as intended, and chase down nearly any other ship while enabling to flee even the latest generation of fast battleships. However at the time her machinery was first designed, she was to be used against ships believed to be slower than her, so the additional machinery weight and additional cost was not considered justified, especially if that was going to need any more sacrifice in protection, already compromised.

Armament

Main: Three triple 12-in/50 guns

USS Guam in a firing exercizeAs built, the Alaska class had nine 12-inches/50 caliber Mark 8 guns.
They were mounted in three triple turrets, two turrets forward and one aft. The "2-A-1" configuration was classic, used by US heavy cruisers as well as modern battleships.
The latest 12-in guns manufactured for the U.S. Navy of the Mark 7 were intended for the Wyoming-class (1912) and gun technology went quite a long way since.

The Mark 8 was still based on the Mark 7, but of far better quality and refinement as well as with a longer caliber. As stated by the ordnance, it was "by far the most powerful weapon of its caliber ever placed in service". Design process started in 1939. The final ordnance piece weighted 121,856 pounds (55,273 kg), barrel and breech. It was tested and shown able to sustain 2.4 to 3 rounds a minute on average, versus one on the Mark 7.

Its tailored shells weighted 1,140-pound (520 kg) each. The Mark 18 armor-piercing (AP) was able to cross 38,573 yards (35,271 m) range when fired from an elevation of 45° (which was far better than the Wyoming's Mark 7). Each of these had a calculated 344-shot barrel life, more than the 16"/50 Mark 7 of the Iowa class. This made the Alaska indeed, the best armed cruisers of World War II, estimated equal or superior to the venerable battleship standard 14"/45, thus they would have been also a nightmare for any IJN capital ship in case.

The turrets simply retook the Iowa-class design, but smaller of course and adapted in several ways:
-Two-stage powder hoist (1-stage on Iowa), making them safer and faster.
-Projectile rammer transferring shells from storage to the "barillet" feeding the guns. (Later this proved unsatisfactory, and not installed onr Hawaii)
Only ten turrets were manufacture, with one spare at $1,550,000 apiece. They ended as the most expensive gun/turret combo ever purchased.

Secondary


USS Alaska's secondary battery in fire drill
The secondary battery of the Alaska class comprised twelve dual-purpose (anti-air and anti-ship) 5-in/38 (six twin mounts, four on the superstructure sides, two centerline fore and aft as in all designs but the first). This ensured better arc of fire overall, although some argued that she could have crammed three per side with some design revision. Given the performances of these, this was still good enough completed by an extensive AA, more than any other cuiser in US inventory. Full history and specs.

AA

The light anti-aircraft armament as planned was fifty-six (56) barrels of 40 mm Bofors guns, spread on the decks through fourteen quad mounts. Full specsFor close-in air defence (the smaller bubble), thirty four (34) 20 mm single barrels Oerlikon guns were provided, placed in various positions across the decks. As a reminder, a Baltimore boasted 48×40 mm and 24×20 mm and 60x40 mm/36x20 mm on a North Carolina in 1945. Full specs of the 20mm Oerlikon

Air Park

Curtiss SC Seahawk being recovered by USS Alaska
Curtiss SC Seahawk being recovered by USS Alaska after climbing on the landing mat, awaiting pickup by the ship's crane. This model was piloted by Lieutenant Jess R. Faulconer, Jr., USNR. 6 March 1945 (cc)

As planned for completion in 1943, the first two would have been equipped with four Vought OS2U Kingfisher, and the third by the more modern Curtiss SC Seahawk. However photos shows generally the latter. Nothing was planned for USS Hawaii.


Curtiss SC from USS Alaska, March 1945 (from the photo above), author's profileClose view of the catapults, USS Alaska

Liveries


MS32/7C design scheme for USS Alaska.


USS Alaska in Measure 32, design 7c


USS Alaska in Measure 22, 1945USS Guam as completed in measured 32/7c. All: From shipbucket, author Ian B. Roberts, wikimedia under CC licence.

Construction & Fate

Construction


Launch of USS Alaska

The Alaska class was to have six ships laid down originally. But when it became apparent that the concepts behind appeared already obsolete, the next three scheduled to be laid down by June 1943 were canceled. The two completed in wartime, USS Guam and Alaska, were launched in 1943, and USS Hawaii in March 1945, and where the first two were completed in June and September 1944, the last wasnot. One reason fpor the delays before and during construction was a sudden and dramatic shortage of steel. Already anticipated for smaller ships, misc. vessels started to be built in wood, and like in WWI, concrete made its return for many projects (or vital ships for the USN morale like the ice cream barge).

USS Alaska was ordered as CB-1, at New York Shipbuilding Corporation, Camden, on 9 September 1940. She was laid down on 17 December 1941, launched 15 August 1943 and completed on 17 June 1944, so almost four years. She was place in reserve as soon as 17 February 1947 and mothballed until sold for BU at Newark in 1961.USS Guam (CB-2), named after the island and territory, soon to be under Japanese occupation, was laid down on 2 February 1942, launched on 12 November 1943 and completed on 17 September 1944. She had the same fate as her sister and ended BU at Baltimore in 1961.USS Hawaii (CB-3) was delayed and laid down on 20 December 1943, CBC-1 on 3 November 1945 when launched, mothballed without completion but many projects. Eventually discarded and sold for BU at Baltimore, 1960.

USS Philippines (Commonwealth of the Philippines) as CB-4 was to be laid down when cancelled by June 1943.
USS Puerto Rico as CB-5 went through the same fate.
USS Samoa (American Samoa) as CB-6 suffered the same fate.

Evaluation

They proved in operation that they were a difficult concept to deal with, leacking their intended adversary, reduced to fire support duties and AA escort (something any other ship can do) while being very expensive in maintenance, crew, and in the 1950s eventually outclassed by missiles. These dinosaurs had no place in the fleet and they were placed in reserve in 1947 already.

About their "recycling"

In 1958, the Bureau of Ships prepared two feasibility studies for a guided-missile cruisers conversion one, with removalof all armament and fitting of four different missile systems, jusged way too costly at $160 million, followed a halving this conversion, to the aft part, at $82 million, still overpriced in a context of budget cutting. They were sold for scrap after being stricken in 1960, but the near complete USS Hawaii was also considered for a conversion very early. She would have been in fact the first USN guided-missile cruiser, and this would have lasted until 26 February 1952 before being cancelled.

Her conversion to a "large command ship" followed (CBC-1) like Northampton, but on 9 October 1954 she was back at CB-3 and eventually stricken on 9 June 1958 sold for BU one year before her sisters (more detail later). It should be mentioned that the admiralty as early as 1942 explored the possibility of converting the ships while very early in construction, into aircraft carriers. The sad fate of these ships, seeing only a couple years of active service, is to be placed at the same level of the many massive spending for little results in the end for the taxpayer's money. Like Howard Hugues's "spruce goose" which was to replace liberty ships, or the dramatically mediocre and complete industrial disaster that was Brewster.

USS Alaska
USS Alaska in july 1944

⚙ Alaska specifications as built

Displacement29,780 t. standard -34 253 t. Full Load
Dimensions (246.43 x 27.76 x 9.70 m)
Propulsion4 shafts GE turbines, 8 Babcock & Wilcox boilers, 150,000 hp
Top Speed33 knots ()
Range????
Armament3x3 12-in, 3x2 5-in/38 DP, 14×4 40mm, 34x 20 mm AA, see notes
ProtectionBelt 220, turrets 315, bridges 80-100, blockhouse 270 mm
Crew1,417

US Navy ww2 USS Alaska (CB-1)


USS Alaska off Philly NyD, 30 July 1944

USS Alaska being completed by June 1944, commissioned on 17 June under command of Captain Peter K. Fischler steamed down to Hampton Roads escorted by destroyers USS Simpson and Broome to be deployed for her shakedown cruise in the Chesapeake Bay and Caribbean, notably off Trinidad, escorted by USS Bainbridge and Decatur. She returned to Philadelphia Navy Yard for post-shakedown fixes and alterationsn receivig notably four Mk 57 fire control directors for her secondary battery. On 12 November 1944 she left Philadelphia with USS Thomas E. Fraser for two weeks of extra trials off Guantánamo Bay in Cuba, and left on 2 December, for the Pacific via the Panama Canal, arriving in San Diego on the 12th. Gun crews started a training in shore bombardment and AA screening accoridng to her future tasks.

On 8 January 1945, USS Alaska left California for Pearl Harbor (13 January), participating in more training, assigned to Task Group 12.2 bound for Ulithi, on 29 January, arriving on 6 February and merged into Task Group 58.5 (TF 58 - Fast Carrier Task Force). TG 58.5 was assigned to the screen, and USS Alaska in particular was assigned to the veteran carriers USS Enterprise and Saratoga. They head for Japan on 10 February for air strikes against Tokyo and its area, in impunity, and USS Alaska was transferred to TG 58.4, supporting the assault on Iwo Jima. She screened the carriers for 19 days and was back to Ulithi fore resupply and rest.


USS Alaska in the Atlantic, 1944

USS Alaska was back with TG 58.4 for the campaign of Okinawa, assigned to screening USS Yorktown and Intrepid leaving Ulithi on 14 March bound for an area southeast of Kyushu for the first air strikes with USS Alaska having her first battle: The Japanese launched a massive Kamikaze attack and her anti-aircraft gunners claimed a Yokosuka P1Y bomber trying to hit USS Intrepid. It's her radars that launched the alert of another impending attack and ten minutes later, her gunners spotted and shot at by error a lone Grumman F6F Hellcat fighter, the pilot was uninjured. Later she downed a Yokosuka D4Y "Judy".

When USS Franklin was badly damaged by bomb hits and a kamikaze, USS Alaska and USS Guam, now in the same unit, as well as two other cruisers and destroyers were detached, forming 58.2.9 in order to escort the crippled Franklin to Ulithi. They were attacked and USS Alaska claimed another D4Y. It happened that gunfire from one of her 5-inch guns accidentally caused flash burns on several men nearby which became her only casualties of war. She became fighter director due to her better air search radar, vectoring fighters in interception along the way, and downed a Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu. On 22 March at last TG 58.2.9 arrived in Ulithi, Alaska departing immediately to return to TG 58.4.



She went on screening aircraft carriers off Okinawa but on 27 March, was detached for the bombardment of Minamidaitō, soon joined by Guam and two light cruisers and escorted by DesRon 47. The night of 27–28 March she landed 55 12-inch shells, 352 5-inch on target. After refuelling they were back to Okinawa to support the landings from 1 April. On the 11th, there was another air raid and she downed one Japanese plane, assisted a second and claimed what was possibly a rare Ohka "Baka" piloted rocket-bomb. On 16 April she claimed three, assisted with three. The routine went on and she was never hit.


USS Alaska under air attack in 1945

USS Alaska returned to Ulithi for a resplenishment, she arrived on 14 May, still assigned to the same group, which just changed name for TG 38.4. She was soon back to Okinawa to resume her anti-aircraft defense role and by 9 June she was detached with Guam to bombard Oki Daitō. She was sent to San Pedro Bay (Leyte Gulf) for rest and maintenance, until 13 July, then reassigned to Cruiser Task Force 95 (Rear Admiral Francis S. Low.). On 16 July, Alaska and Guam made a sweep into the East China, Yellow Seas, sinking any Japanese shipping on sight. On 23 July they joined a major raid into the estuary of the Yangtze River, off Shanghai. She learned about the Japanese surrender on 15 August.


Guam and Alaska at anchor off the coast of China, 1945

On the 30th, Alaska left Okinawa for Japan, with the 7th Fleet occupation force, and moved to Incheon (Korea) on 8 September to support operations until 26 September, headed for Tsingtao to support the 6th Marine Division, until 13 November and bacl to Incheon for her first take on Operation Magic Carpet, with troops aboard, just demobilized. She left for San Francisco, and from there, after resplenishment, corssed Panama for the Atlantic on 13 December, arrived in Boston Navy Yard (18 December) for reserve preparations. She left on 1 February 1946 for Bayonne in New Jersey, to be berthed in reserve. On 13 August, she was placed in reserve, still able to be refitted for service, and was not decommissioned until 17 February 1947. For her WW2 service she was awarded three battle stars.

In 1958, BuShips made two feasibility studies by demand of the board to see if the large cruisers were suitable for a conversion as large guided missile cruisers. The guns turrets were to be removed and four different missile systems installed, but at a cost of $160 million this was denied and the second sty left the forward battery intact and missiles installed aft, now down at $82 million, but it was shelved again. The large ships were too costly to operate and of little use at that stage, and Alaska was stricken for good on 1 June 1960, sold on the 30th and BU by Lipsett Division, Luria Brothers.

US Navy ww2 USS Guam (CB-2)


USS Guam in shakedown off Trinidad, 13 November 1945
USS Guam was was completed by September, commissioned on the 17th under command of Captain Leland Lovette. She left Philadelphia on 17 January 1945, after her shakedown cruise in the Carribean, sailed through the Panama Canal and after a stp to San Diego, sailed to Pearl Harbor (8 February), being visited there was Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal. On 3 March, she sailed to Ulithi, for her first deployment, joining her sister Alaska on 13 March. Under command of Admiral Arthur W. Radford, her group was tasked to raid the Kyushu and Shikoku as part of TF 58, arriving on 18 March. There, she soon faced her first kamikazes and bombers attacks, USS Guam being detached to escort USS Franklin back to Ulithi until 22 March.



At her return she was assigned to Cruiser Division 16 (CruDiv 16), part of TG 58.4 deployed off Okinawa. The night of 27–28 March, saw her shelling a Japanese airfield on Minamidaitō. She was back at screening carriers during the operations off Nansei Shoto, until 11 May. After resplenishment at Ulithi she was back off Okinawa with TG 38.4, part of reaorganized TF 38 (Halsey's 3rd Fleet). She screened carriers during the sweeps of Kyushu. USS Guam and Alaska were detached again for shelling airfields at Oki Daitō on 9 June. Her group was sent for a refit and long resplenishment and rest at San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf, from 13 June to mid-July.



USS Guam at Philly NYD, October 1944 and in the Delaware River in January 1945

Back to Okinawa where the campaign was mostly over, USS Guam was reassigned to TF 95 as flagship for Rear Admiral Francis S. Low with USS Alaska. This cruiser force was deployed on 16 July for a sweep into the East China and Yellow Seas, targeting shipping, but with meagre results. They did the same on the Yangtze river with a large force, with three battleships and three escort carriers, off Shanghai, but again, this was pretty uneventful. The force was back off Okinawa by 7 August.

USS Guam became flagship of the "North China Force" (RADM Low) tasked to show the flag in the region between Tsingtao, Port Arthur, and Dalian. On 8 September 1945, as the war ended, USS Guam entered Jinsen in Korea to provide cover for the occupation. She left Jinsen on 14 November for San Francisco with many demobilized Army soldiers, arriving on 3 December. On the 5th, she sailed out for Bayonne, New Jersey, demobilized, then decommissioned on 17 February 1947. Although part of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet, conversion projects went to nil and she was stricken on 1 June 1960, sold on 24 May 1961 to Boston Metals Co., Baltimore, towed there on 10 July 1961. She likely earned two battle stars for her service.

US Navy ww2 USS Hawaii (CB-3)


Launch of USS Hawaii on 3 November 1945, the war has ended for months by then and her fate was very uncertain

Like the Montana-class battleships and rest of the Alaska-class, USS Hawaii saw her construction suspended in May 1942. Materials and facilities were diverted for other more urgent constructions. Over 4,000 long tons of steel plates pre-assembled for Hawaii were reused from July 1942. USS Hawaii returned on the construction queue on 25 May 1943 but not CB-4, CB-5 and CB-6, cancelled for good on 24 June 1943. USS Hawaii's keel was laid on 20 December 1943, she was launched on 3 November 1945, but completion work was halted in February-April 1947 due to a massive budget reduction, when she was 82.4% complete with her main battery turrets fitted, superstructure almost complete, to be removed as she entered the reserve fleet, Philadelphia NyD.



In construction, details of the bridge and stack area

From there, her "purgatory" commence. Built far too late based on a concept that was proven wrong (Her prewar concept of "cruiser killer" was now completely obsolete), apart for screening and shore bombardment like her sister, there was little esle to do for her. And there were many ships that can do the same more efficiently.Thus, the admiralty board started a serie of plans to have her converted. Here is this story:

S-511-50 "Aircraft Carrier, Converted from 12" Cruiser (Class CB 1-6)"
First Aircraft carrier conversion (1942): Preliminary design plan prepared for the General Board to explore possible carrier conversions of CB type cruiser hulls under construction.

The "Advance Print" plans were dated 3 January 1942, represents what could have been the conversion of USS Hawaii and folloinwg ships if cancelled mid-construction. This was eventually similar external appearance to the Essex (CV-9) class, but with lower freeboard, two aircraft elevators, one catapult, and a somewhat shorter 839 feet long flight deck offset to the port side. Aircraft capacity was also inferior, perhaps around 70 aircraft adn the design would have had reduced steaming endurance, modest ASW protection. But overall far more valuable than any of the CVLs. "Spring Styles Book", Naval Historical Center, U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Second conversion project (1948): Hawaii was the first considered under project SCB 26 conversion to an aircraft carrier, but on a modernized package. She owould have been fitted with an aircraft crane, two aircraft catapults on the stern and looked similar to a completed Graf Zeppelin-class in some ways. One of the particulars of her designs was to be able to launch the JB-2 "Loon" cruise missile, from a hydraulic catapult installed on her forward flight deck. The conversion was authorized in 1948, scheduled to be completed in 1950 under the designation of CBG-3. It was canceled in 1949 as all plans to equip ships with ballistic missiles based on the danger presented by the volatility of the rocket fuels and unreliable guidance systems at the time.

Guided-missile cruiser designs (1946-48)
Similar to the unfinished battleship Kentucky, USS Hawaii was to become a test platform for guided missiles development by September 1946. As CB(SW) she would have been rearmed with sixteen 3-inch (76 mm) L70 guns (8x2) for conventional close defence, and missiles mounted toward the bow, with in additional two "missile launching pits" (early ancestors of modern VLS) located near the stern. Armor was removed, but the plan was never carried out, probably based on cost concerns.

In 1948, project SCB 26A proposed her conversion to a Ballistic Guided Missile Ship. She would have been fitted with 12 vertical launchers based on the German V-2 (short-range ballistic missiles) and 6 launchers for the new SSM-N-2 Triton surface-to-surface cruise missile. The latter was more reliable as a cruise missile and the design process was approved by September 1946. Designers settled on a guided missile weighting 36,000-pound (16,000 kg) and ramjet-powered paired with solid-fuel rocket boosters to reach 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km) at Mach 1.6–2.5, in 1950. The final version was awaited by 1965, but between the SSM-N-9/RGM-15 Regulus II and UGM-27 Polaris submarine-launched cruise missile coming, the project was terminated in 1957. The design was also modified to fire the XPM (Experimental Prototype Missile) instead of the Triton, until cancelled for the RIM-8 Talos.

Large command ship (1951)
SCB 83 was another attempt to complete the hull with a valuable addition to the USN: The project started in August 1951 was similar to the USS Northampton on a larger scale, with more expansive flag facilities, fully capable radar and communication systems to be an organic part of a carrier task force. No facility for amphibious operations was procured and armament comprised an impressive array of ...sixteen 5"/54 caliber guns in single mounts. Her superstructures would have been tailored to support the AN/SPS-2 on top of a forward towerand AN/SPS-8 on the aft superstructure and a lighter SC-2 mounted on top of a short tower, aft of the stack to "tropospheric scatter communications".

USS Hawaii could also have carried two Mk37/25 fire-control directors fore and aft of the superstructure for her main guns. Conversion was eventually authorized as CBC-1 on 26 February 1952 and it was even integrated in the 1952 budget. The hull saw the removal of her 12" turrets and delays were imposed to enable extra experience from USS Northampton to be analyzed before the conversion design was even finalized. Some in the admiralty believed a light carrier such as USS Wright -Saipan class) could have reached the same objective at a much smaller cost overall, and the conversion was cancelled in 1953.

Polaris launching ship
In February 1957 the project "Polaris Study–CB-3" was published, and she would have been modified to house and operate twenty Polaris missiles mounted in silos where the third main turret would have been. It was completed by two Talos surface-to-air missile launchers fore and aft with reloads, two Tartar SAMs on either side of the superstructure and an ASROC ASWR in place of the second main turret. But it stayed at paper stage. On 9 June 1958 at last, USS Hawaii was struck from the Register and she was sold to Boston Metals, Baltimore, on 15 April 1959; towed there on 6 January 1960 and broken up.


USS Hawaii being towed away for scrapping, 20 June 1959

"Large Cruisers", the debate on Alaska's categorization

The US Navy designation was 'large cruiser' (CB) -there is no signification in the second letter- and most leading reference works consider them as such, or more colloquially "cruiser killers". Various other works alternately described these as neo-battlecruisers, despite the US Navy officially never classified them as such. The Alaskas were named after outer territories or insular areas of the United States, a reflection of their intermediate status, between larger battleships and heavy cruisers. They really were isolated in their own branch.

The Baltimore rose to 17,000 tons at full load, whereas Prinz Eugen reached 20,000 tons. However their main armament still remained eight or nine 8-in (203 mm) cannons. With the Alaska, went for the 12-in or 305 mm caliber, a call nack to early pre-dreadnoughts. Their distribution and the general outlook brought them much closer to contemporary battleships, hence the term "battle cruisers" sometimes put forward. This take into account their speed of 33 knots and relatively light armor. But in that case what are the Iowa class ? What would have been the Montanas ?So the Alaska class, along with the Dutch Design 1047 battlecruisers, Japanese Design B-65 were the only known fully realized "heavy cruisers killers" ever built, described alternatively in the litterature "super cruisers", "large cruisers" or even "unrestricted cruisers" (from treaties).

The case for "battlecruisers" was never never official and a bit lazy as designation, reserved for true capital ships, which were not. Early in its development, however the designation "CC" used for the Lexington class was given, casting doubt.


USS Alaska in manoeuvers in front of USS Missouri, 1944

However, this designation was changed to "CB" of "large cruiser" (created for her) and all the teams and personal involved at design stage were discouraged to use the term "battlecruiser" at any level. The U.S. Navy named the ship as overseas U.S. territories rather than states or cities to symbolize this intermediate status further.The Alaska class with their final superstrcture though looked more toward US battleships in appearance and their displacement was indeed twice that of a Baltimore class, just 5,000 tons shy of the Washington Treaty's battleship standard displacement limit (35,000 long tons). They were even longer than a King George V class or North Carolina class.

The final package made them proof against German "pocket battleships" (11-in shells) both Deutschland and Scharnhorst-class but they were plagued by an inadequate underwater protection, even inferior to the French Dunkerque or German Scharnhorst. They needed a close destroyer escort at all time, which was fine if they stayed in the same task force, but defeated their use as a "cruiser hunter", or by taking chances at full speed.

As for providing an adequate AA protection to the task force, their secondary battery was lacking compared to their displacement, twice as much as a Baltimore class. They had the same 5-in/38 gun battery, albeir compansatd by a better light AA and a margin to add more. Part of this was explained by their adoption of broadside aircraft catapult like older US cruisers and unlike battleships, sacrificing a lage portion of the superstructure. They would have been better off with rear catapults, enabling a shoehorn an extra pair of 5-in/38 turrets.

They also possessed aircraft hangars and single large rudder, so less redundancy than a battleship, and combined to their great length made for a turning radius of 800 yd (730 m) exceeding even larger battleships and carriers, and making them quite unwieldy, beeding precious speed in excess for any manoeuver and defeating the purpose of chasing down cruisers in the first place. Author Richard Worth summed up this by declaring that their had the "size of a battleship but the capabilities of a cruiser". Yet they proved as expensive to build and maintain as any battleship, which combined by overall lesser capabilities and armor deficiencies with no advantage in speed compared to the Iowa class, did not favored their case long-term.

And still, many publications of the time, out of official reach, went on calling her a battlecruiser. Official navy magazine All Hands for example in its article describe "The Guam and her sister ship Alaska are the first American battle cruisers ever to be completed as such." Author Chris Knupp noted that these ships not only retook the same recipes, but "fulfilled the battlecruiser role by creating a larger, more powerful heavy cruiser whose design already offered less armor and higher speed, but by enlarging the ship they gained the heavier firepower". Their armour-displacement ratio was indeed 28.4%, and it was even inferior to a ship built as such, like HMS Hood (32%) and only the Lexington-class had the same 28.5%. Armament-wise she was weak if compared to WWI standards, but on paper as her lighter guns had performances way above and beyond those of the "classic battlecruisers" still in service in WW2. So again, pleading her cause as battlecruiser.

Read More

CQM takes sextan reading on USS Alaska, 1945

Books

"Alaska III (CB-1)". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History and Heritage Command. 11 June 2015.
Cressman, Robert (2000). The Official Chronology of the U.S. Navy in World War II. NIP
Egan, Robert S. (March 1971). "The US Navy's Battlecruisers". Warship International. International Naval Research Organization. VIII
Gardiner, Robert & Chesneau, Roger (eds.). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1922–1946.
Friedman, Norman (1984). U.S. Cruisers: An Illustrated Design History. NIP.
Garzke, William H. Jr.; Dulin, Robert O. Jr (1976). Battleships: United States Battleships in World War II. NIP
Rohwer, Jürgen (2005). Chronology of the War at Sea, 1939–1945: The Naval History of World War Two. NIP
Breyer, Siegfried (1973). Battleships and Battle Cruisers, 1905–1970. Garden City, New York: Doubleday.
Dulin, Robert O., Jr.; Garzke, William H., Jr. (1976). Battleships: United States Battleships in World War II. NIP
"Hawaii". Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships. Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command.
Parsch, Andreas (2003). "SSM-N-2". designation-systems.net.
Scarpaci, Wayne (April 2008). Iowa Class Battleships and Alaska Class Large Cruisers Conversion Projects 1942–1964. Nimble Books LLC.
"USS Hawaii (CB-3); 1940 program – never completed". Navy Department, Naval History & Heritage Command.
Whitley, M. J. (1995). Cruisers of World War Two: An International Encyclopedia. NIP.

Links

ussalaskacb-1.com
commons.wikimedia.org
en.wikipedia.org

ibiblio.org/hyperwar/ Various designs and biblio about the Alaska
The Modern Cruiser: The Evolution of the Ships that Fought the Second World War By Robert C. Stern

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❢ Abbreviations & acronyms
    AAAnti-Aircraft
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    CAArmoured/Heavy cruiser
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    HPHigh Pressure
    hphorizontal
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    ircironclad
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    kwkilowatt
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    LFC// Flak (AA)
    LCG// Gunboat
    LCG(L)/// Large
    LCG(M)/// Medium
    LCG(S)/// Small
    LCI// Infantry
    LCM// Mechanized
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    LCP(R)/// Rocket
    LCS// Support
    LCT// Tanks
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    LCU// Utility
    locolocomotive (boiler)
    LSCLanding ship, support
    LSD// Dock
    LSF// Fighter (direction)
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    LSS// Stern chute
    LST// Tank
    LSV// Vehicle
    LPlow pressure
    lwllenght waterline
    mmetre(s)
    MModel
    MA/SBmotor AS boat
    maxmaximum
    MGMachine Gun
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    NCnon condensing
    nhpnominal horsepower
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    sqsquare
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    TNTTrinitroluene
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    TTTorpedo Tube
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    UHFUltra High Frequency
    VadmVice Admiral
    VCVertical compound
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    VDSVariable Depth Sonar
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    VLFVery Low Frequency
    VQL/ quadruple expansion
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    VTE/ triple expansion
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    VSE/ Simple Expansion
    wksWorks
    wlwaterline
    WTWireless Telegraphy
    xnumber of
    YdYard
    Organizations
    GIUKGreenland-Iceland-UK
    BuShipsBureau of Ships
    DBMGerman Navy League
    GBGreat Britain
    DNCDirectorate of Naval Construction
    EEZExclusive Economic Zone
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    MSAMaritime Safety Agency
    NATO
    RAFRoyal Air Force
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    ussrUnion of Socialist Republics
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    UNUnited Nations Org.
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  • Decres cruiser (1866)
  • Desaix cruiser (1866)
  • Limier class cruisers (1867)
  • Linois cruiser (1867)
  • Chateaurenault cruiser (1868)
  • Infernet class Cruisers (1869)
  • Bourayne class Cruisers (1869)
  • Cruiser Hirondelle (1869)

  • Curieux class sloops (1860)
  • Adonis class sloops (1863)
  • Guichen class sloops (1865)
  • Sloop Renard (1866)
  • Bruix class sloops (1867)
  • Pique class gunboats (1862)
  • Hache class gunboats (1862)
  • Arbalete class gunboats (1866)
  • Etendard class gunboats (1868)
  • Revolver class gunboats (1869)
Marinha do Brasil 1870 Marinha do Brasil
  • Barrozo class (1864)
  • Brasil (1864)
  • Tamandare (1865)
  • Lima Barros (1865)
  • Rio de Janeiro (1865)
  • Silvado (1866)
  • Mariz E Barros class (1866)
  • Carbal class (1866)
Turkish Ottoman navy 1870 Osmanlı Donanması
  • Osmanieh class Bd.Ironclads (1864)
  • Assari Tewfik (1868)
  • Assari Shevket class Ct. Ironclads (1868)
  • Lufti Djelil class CDS (1868)
  • Avni Illah class cas.ironclads (1869)
  • Fethi Bulend class cas.ironclads (1870)
  • Barbette ironclad Idjalleh (1870)
  • Messudieh class Ct.Bat.ships (1874)
  • Hamidieh Ct.Bat.Ironclads (1885)
  • Abdul Kadir Battleships (project)

  • Frigate Ertrogul (1863)
  • Selimieh (1865)
  • Rehberi Tewkik (1875)
  • Mehmet Selim (1876)
  • Sloops & despatch vessels
Turkish Ottoman navy 1870 Marina Do Peru
  • Monitor Atahualpa (1865)
  • CT. Bat Independencia (1865)
  • Turret ship Huascar (1865)
  • Frigate Apurimac (1855)
  • Corvette America (1865)
  • Corvette Union (1865)
Portuguese Navy 1870 Marinha do Portugal
  • Bartolomeu Dias class (28-guns) steam frigates
  • Sagris (14 guns) steam corvette
  • Vasco Da Gama (74 guns) Ship of the Line
  • Dom Fernando I e Gloria (50) Sailing Frigate
  • Dom Joao I class (14 guns) Sailing corvettes
  • Portuguese Side-wheel steamers
Regia Marina 1870 Regia Marina 1870
Imperial Japanese navy 1870 Nihhon Kaigun 1870
  • Ironclad Ruyjo (1868)
  • Ironclad Kotetsu (1868)
  • Frigate Fujiyama (1864)
  • Frigate Kasuga (1863)
  • Corvette Asama (1869)
  • Gunboat Raiden (1856)
  • Gunboat Chiyodogata (1863)
  • Teibo class GB (1866)
  • Gunboat Mushun (1865)
  • Gunboat Hosho (1868)
Prussian Navy 1870 Preußische Marine 1870
  • Prinz Adalbert (1864)
  • Arminius (1864)
  • Friedrich Carl (1867)
  • Kronprinz (1867)
  • K.Whilhelm (1868)
  • Arcona class Frigates (1858)
  • Nymphe class Frigates (1863)
  • Augusta class Frigates (1864)
  • Jäger class gunboats (1860)
  • Chamaleon class gunboats (1860)
Russian mperial Navy 1870 Russkiy Flot 1870
  • Ironclad Sevastopol (1864)
  • Ironclad Petropavlovsk (1864)
  • Ironclad Smerch (1864)
  • Pervenetz class (1863)
  • Charodeika class (1867)
  • Admiral Lazarev class (1867)
  • Ironclad Kniaz Pojarski (1867)
  • Bronenosetz class monitors (1867)
  • Admiral Chichagov class (1868)
  • S3D Imperator Nicolai I (1860)
  • S3D Sinop (1860)
  • S3D Tsessarevich (1860)
  • Russian screw two-deckers (1856-59)
  • Russian screw frigates (1854-61)
  • Russian screw corvettes (1856-60)
  • Russian screw sloops (1856-60)
  • Varyag class Corvettes (1862)
  • Almaz class Sloops (1861)
  • Opyt TGBT (1861)
  • Sobol class TGBT (1863)
  • Pishtchal class TGBT (1866)
Swedish Navy 1870 Svenska marinen
  • Ericsson class monitors (1865)
  • Frigate Karl XIV (1854)
  • Frigate Stockholm (1856)
  • Corvette Gefle (1848)
  • Corvette Orädd (1853)
Norwegian Navy 1870 Søværnet
  • Skorpionen class (1866)
  • Frigate Stolaf (1856)
  • Frigate Kong Sverre (1860)
  • Frigate Nordstjerna (1862)
  • Frigate Vanadis (1862)
  • Glommen class gunboats (1863)
Union Union Navy ☍ See the Page
Confederate Confederate Navy ☍ See the Page
Union 'Old Navy'(1865-1885) ☍ See the Page
  • Dunderberg Bd Ironclad (1865)
  • Wampanoag class frigates (1864)
  • Frigate Chattanooga & Idaho (1864)
  • Frigate Idaho (1864)
  • Java class frigates (1865)
  • Contookook class frigates (1865)
  • Frigate Trenton (1876)
  • Swatara class sloops (1865)
  • Alaska class sloops (1868)
  • Galena class sloops (1873)
  • Enterprise class sloops (1874)
  • Alert class sloops (1873)
  • Alarm torpedo ram (1873)
  • Intrepid torpedo ram (1874)

⚑ 1890 Fleets

Argentinian Navy 1898 Armada de Argentina
  • Parana class (1873)
  • La Plata class (1875)
  • Pilcomayo class (1875)
  • Ferre class (1880)
Austro-Hungarian Navy 1898 K.u.K. Kriegsmarine
  • Custoza (1872)
  • Erzherzog Albrecht (1872)
  • Kaiser (1871)
  • Kaiser Max class (1875)
  • Tegetthoff (1878)

  • Radetzky(ii) class (1872)
  • SMS Donau(ii) (1874)
  • SMS Donau(iii) (1893)

  • Erzherzog Friedrich class (1878)
  • Saida (1878)
  • Fasana (1870)
  • Aurora class (1873)
Chinese Imperial Navy 1898 Imperial Chinese Navy
  • Hai An class frigates (1872)
Danish Navy 1898 Dansk Marine
  • Tordenskjold (1880)
  • Iver Hvitfeldt (1886)
  • Skjold (1896)
  • Cruiser Fyen (1882)
  • Cruiser Valkyrien (1888)
Hellenic Navy 1898 Nautiko Hellenon
  • Spetsai class (1889)
  • Nauarchos Miaoulis (1889)
  • Greek Torpedo Boats (1881-85)
  • Greek Gunboats (1861-84)
Haitian Navy 1914Marine Haitienne
  • Gunboat St Michael (1970)
  • Gunboat "1804" (1875)
  • Gunboat Dessalines (1883)
  • Gunboat Toussaint Louverture (1886)
Koninklije Marine 1898 Koninklije Marine
  • Konigin der Netherland (1874)
  • Draak, monitor (1877)
  • Matador, monitor (1878)
  • R. Claeszen, monitor (1891)
  • Evertsen class CDS (1894)
  • Atjeh class cruisers (1876)
  • Cruiser Sumatra (1890)
  • Cruiser K.W. Der. Neth (1892)
  • Banda class Gunboats (1872)
  • Pontania class Gunboats (1873)
  • Gunboat Aruba (1873)
  • Hydra Gunboat class (1873)
  • Batavia class Gunboats (1877)
  • Wodan Gunboat class (1877)
  • Ceram class Gunboats (1887)
  • Combok class Gunboats (1891)
  • Borneo Gunboat (1892)
  • Nias class Gunboats (1895)
  • Koetei class Gunboats (1898)
  • Dutch sloops (1864-85)
Marine Française 1898 Marine Nationale ☍ See the Page
  • Friedland CT Battery ship (1873)
  • Richelieu CT Battery ship (1873)
  • Colbert class CT Battery ships (1875)
  • Redoutable CT Battery ship (1876)
  • Courbet class CT Battery ships (1879)
  • Amiral Duperre barbette ship (1879)
  • Terrible class barbette ships (1883)
  • Amiral Baudin class barbette ships (1883)
  • Barbette ship Hoche (1886)
  • Marceau class barbette ships (1888)

  • Cerbere class Arm.Ram (1870)
  • Tonnerre class Br.Monitors (1875)
  • Tempete class Br.Monitors (1876)
  • Tonnant ironclad (1880)
  • Furieux ironclad (1883)
  • Fusee class Arm.Gunboats (1885)
  • Acheron class Arm.Gunboats (1885)
  • Jemmapes class (1892)
  • Bouvines class (1892)

  • La Galissonière Cent. Bat. Ironclads (1872)
  • Bayard class barbette ships (1879)
  • Vauban class barbette ships (1882)
  • Prot. Cruiser Sfax (1884)
  • Prot. Cruiser Tage (1886)
  • Prot. Cruiser Amiral Cécille (1888)
  • Prot. Cruiser Davout (1889)
  • Forbin class Cruisers (1888)
  • Troude class Cruisers (1888)
  • Alger class Cruisers (1891)
  • Friant class Cruisers (1893)
  • Prot. Cruiser Suchet (1893)
  • Descartes class Cruisers (1893)
  • Linois class Cruisers (1896)
  • D'Assas class Cruisers (1896)
  • Catinat class Cruisers (1896)

  • R. de Genouilly class Cruisers (1876)
  • Cruiser Duquesne (1876)
  • Cruiser Tourville (1876)
  • Cruiser Duguay-Trouin (1877)
  • Laperouse class Cruisers (1877)
  • Villars class Cruisers (1879)
  • Cruiser Iphigenie (1881)
  • Cruiser Naiade (1881)
  • Cruiser Arethuse (1882)
  • Cruiser Dubourdieu (1884)
  • Cruiser Milan (1884)

  • Parseval class sloops (1876)
  • Bisson class sloops (1874)
  • Epee class gunboats (1873)
  • Crocodile class gunboats (1874)
  • Tromblon class gunboats (1875)
  • Condor class Torpedo Cruisers (1885)
  • G. Charmes class gunboats (1886)
  • Inconstant class sloops (1887)
  • Bombe class Torpedo Cruisers (1887)
  • Wattignies class Torpedo Cruisers (1891)
  • Levrier class Torpedo Cruisers (1891)
Marinha do Brasil 1898 Marinha do Brasil
Marinha do Portugal 1898 Marinha do Portugal
Marina de Mexico 1898 Mexico
  • GB Indipendencia (1874)
  • GB Democrata (1875)
Turkish Ottoman navy 1898 Osmanlı Donanması
  • Cruiser Heibtnuma (1890)
  • Cruiser Lufti Humayun (1892)
  • Cruiser Hadevendighar (1892)
  • Shadieh class cruisers (1893)
  • Turkish TBs (1885-94)
Regia Marina 1898 Regia Marina
  • Pr. Amadeo class (1871)
  • Caio Duilio class (1879)
  • Italia class (1885)
  • Ruggero di Lauria class (1884)
  • Carracciolo (1869)
  • Vettor Pisani (1869)
  • Cristoforo Colombo (1875)
  • Flavio Goia (1881)
  • Amerigo Vespucci (1882)
  • C. Colombo (ii) (1892)
  • Pietro Micca (1876)
  • Tripoli (1886)
  • Goito class (1887)
  • Folgore class (1887)
  • Partenope class (1889)
  • Giovanni Bausan (1883)
  • Etna class (1885)
  • Dogali (1885)
  • Piemonte (1888)
  • Staffeta (1876)
  • Rapido (1876)
  • Barbarigo class (1879)
  • Messagero (1885)
  • Archimede class (1887)
  • Guardiano class GB (1874)
  • Scilla class GB (1874)
  • Provana class GB (1884)
  • Curtatone class GB (1887)
  • Castore class GB (1888)
Imperial Japanese navy 1898 Nihhon Kaigun
  • Ironclad Fuso (1877)
  • Kongo class Ironclads (1877)

  • Cruiser Tsukushi (1880)
  • Cruiser Takao (1888)
  • Cruiser Yaeyama (1889)
  • Cruiser Chishima (1890)
  • Cruiser Tatsuta (1894)
  • Cruiser Miyako (1898)

  • Frigate Nisshin (1869)
  • Frigate Tsukuba (acq.1870)
  • Kaimon class CVT (1882)
  • Katsuragi class SCVT (1885)
  • Sloop Seiki (1875)
  • Sloop Amagi (1877)
  • Corvette Jingei (1876)
  • Gunboat Banjo (1878)
  • Maya class GB (1886)
  • Gunboat Oshima (1891)
German Navy 1898 Kaiserliche Marine
  • Ironclad Hansa (1872)
  • G.Kurfürst class (1873)
  • Kaiser class (1874)
  • Sachsen class (1877)
  • Ironclad Oldenburg (1884)

  • Ariadne class CVT (1871)
  • Leipzig class CVT (1875)
  • Bismarck class CVT (1877)
  • Carola class CVT (1880)
  • Corvette Nixe (1885)
  • Corvette Charlotte (1885)
  • Schwalbe class Cruisers (1887)
  • Bussard class (1890)

  • Aviso Zieten (1876)
  • Blitz class Avisos (1882)
  • Aviso Greif (1886)
  • Wacht class Avisos (1887)
  • Meteor class Avisos (1890)
  • Albatross class GBT (1871)
  • Cyclop GBT (1874)
  • Otter GBT (1877)
  • Wolf class GBT (1878)
  • Habitch class GBT (1879)
  • Hay GBT (1881)
  • Eber GBT (1881)
  • Rhein class Monitors (1872)
  • Wespe class Monitors (1876)
  • Brummer class Arm.Steamers (1884)
Russian Imperial Navy 1898 Russkiy Flot
Marina do Peru Marina Do Peru
  • Lima class Cruisers (1880)
  • Chilean TBs (1879)
Swedish Navy 1898 Svenska Marinen
Norwegian Navy 1898 Søværnet
  • Lindormen (1868)
  • Gorm (1870)
  • Odin (1872)
  • Helgoland (1878)
  • Tordenskjold (1880)
  • Iver Hvitfeldt (1886)
Royal Navy 1898 Royal Navy 1898
  • Hotspur (1870)
  • Glatton (1871)
  • Devastation class (1871)
  • Cyclops class (1871)
  • Rupert (1874)
  • Neptune class (1874)
  • Dreadnought (1875)
  • Inflexible (1876)
  • Agamemnon class (1879)
  • Conqueror class (1881)
  • Colossus class (1882)
  • Admiral class (1882)
  • Trafalgar class (1887)
  • Victoria class (1890)
  • Royal Sovereign class (1891)
  • Centurion class (1892)
  • Renown (1895)

  • HMS Shannon (1875)
  • Nelson class (1876)
  • Iris class (1877)
  • Leander class (1882)
  • Imperieuse class (1883)
  • Mersey class (1885)
  • Surprise class (1885)
  • Scout class (1885)
  • Archer class (1885)
  • Orlando class (1886)
  • Medea class (1888)
  • Barracouta class (1889)
  • Barham class (1889)
  • Pearl class (1889)
  • 1870-90 Torpedo Boats
  • Spanish Navy 1898 Armada 1898
    • Ironclad Pelayo (1887)

    • Aragon class (1879)
    • Velasco class (1881)
    • Isla de Luzon (1886)
    • Alfonso XII class (1887)
    • Reina Regentes class (1887)
    • Infanta Maria Teresa class (1890)
    • Emperador Carlos V (1895)
    • Cristobal Colon (1896)
    • Princesa de Asturias class (1896)

    • Destructor class (1886)
    • Temerario class (1891)
    • TGunboat Filipinas (1892)
    • De Molina class (1896)
    • Furor class (1896)
    • Audaz class (1897)
    • Spanish TBs (1878-87)
    • Fernando class gunboats (1875)
    • Concha class gunboats (1883)
    US Navy 1898 1898 US Navy US Navy 1898☍ See the Page
    • USS Maine (1889)
    • USS Texas (1892)
    • Indiana class (1893)
    • USS Iowa (1896)

    • Amphitrite class (1876)
    • USS Puritan (1882)
    • USS Monterey (1891)

    • Atlanta class (1884)
    • USS Chicago (1885)
    • USS Charleston (1888)
    • USS Baltimore (1888)
    • USS Philadelphia (1889)
    • USS San Francisco (1889)
    • USS Newark (1890)
    • USS New York (1891)
    • USS Olympia (1892)
    • Cincinatti class (1892)
    • Montgomery class (1893)
    • Columbia class (1893)
    • USS Brooklyn (1895)

    • USS Vesuvius (1888)
    • USS Katahdin (1893)
    • USN Torpedo Boats (1886-1901)
    • GB USS Dolphin (1884)
    • Yorktown class GB (1888)
    • GB USS Petrel (1888)
    • GB USS Bancroft (1892)
    • Machias class GB (1891)
    • GB USS Nashville (1895)
    • Wilmington class GB (1895)
    • Annapolis class GB (1896)
    • Wheeling class GB (1897)
    • Small gunboats (1886-95)
    • St Louis class AMC (1894)
    • Harvard class AMC (1888)
    • USN Armoured Merchant Cruisers
    • USN Armed Yachts

    WW1

    ☉ Entente Fleets

    US ww1 US Navy ☍ See the Page
    British ww1 Royal Navy ☍ See the Page
    French ww1 Marine Nationale ☍ See the Page
    Japan ww1 Nihhon Kaigun ☍ See the Page
    Russia ww1 Russkiy Flot ☍ See the Page
    Italy ww1 Regia Marina

    ✠ Central Empires

    German Navy 1914 Kaiserliche Marine
    austria-hungary ww1 KuK Kriesgmarine
    turkey ww1 Osmanli Donmanasi
    • Barbarossa class battleships (1892)
    • Yavuz (1914)
    • Cruiser Mecidieh (1903)
    • Cruiser Hamidieh (1903)
    • Cruiser Midilli (1914)
    • Namet Torpedo cruisers (1890)
    • Sahahani Deria Torpedo cruisers (1892)
    • Destroyers class Berk-Efshan (1894)
    • Destroyers class Yarishar (1907)
    • Destroyers class Muavenet (1909)
    • Berk i Savket class Torpedo gunboats (1906)
    • Marmaris gunboat (1903)
    • Sedd ul Bahr class gunboats (1907)
    • Isa Reis class gunboats (1911)
    • Preveze class gunboats (1912)
    • Turkish WW1 Torpedo Boats
    • Turkish Armed Yachts (1861-1903)
    • Turkish WW1 Minelayers

    ⚑ Neutral Countries

    Americas
    Argentinian navy Argentina
    Brazilian Navy Brazil
    Chilean Navy 1914 Chile
    Cuban Navy 1914 Cuba
    • Gunboat Baire (1906)
    • Gunboat Patria (1911)
    • Diez de octubre class GB (1911)
    • Sloop Cuba (1911)
    Haitian Navy 1914 Haiti
    • Gunboat Dessalines (1883)
    • GB Toussaint Louverture (1886)
    • GB Capois la Mort (1893)
    • GB Crete a Pierot (1895)
    Mexican Navy Mexico
    • Cruiser Zatagosa (1891)
    • GB Plan de Guadalupe (1892)
    • Tampico class GB (1902)
    • N. Bravo class GB (1903)
    Peruvian Navy 1914 Peru
    • Almirante Grau class (1906)
    • Ferre class subs. (1912)
    Europe
    Bulgarian Navy Bulgaria
    • Cruiser Nadezhda (1898)
    • Drski class TBs (1906)
    Danish Navy 1914 Denmark
    • Skjold class (1896)
    • Herluf Trolle class (1899)
    • Herluf Trolle (1908)
    • Niels Iuel (1918)
    • Hekla class cruisers (1890)
    • Valkyrien class cruisers (1888)
    • Fyen class crusiers (1882)
    • Danish TBs (1879-1918)
    • Danish Submarines (1909-1920)
    • Danish Minelayer/sweepers
    Greek Royal Navy Greece
    Dutch Empire Navy 1914 Netherlands
    • Eversten class (1894)
    • Konigin Regentes class (1900)
    • De Zeven Provincien (1909)
    • Dutch dreadnought (project)
    • Holland class cruisers (1896)
    • Fret class destroyers
    • Dutch Torpedo boats
    • Dutch gunboats
    • Dutch submarines
    • Dutch minelayers
    Norwegian Navy 1914 Norway
    • Haarfarge class (1897)
    • Norge class (1900)
    • Norwegian Monitors
    • Cr. Frithjof (1895)
    • Cr. Viking (1891)
    • DD Draug (1908)
    • Norwegian ww1 TBs
    • Norwegian ww1 Gunboats
    • Sub. Kobben (1909)
    • Ml. Fröya (1916)
    • Ml. Glommen (1917)
    Portuguese navy 1914 Portugal
    • Coastal Battleship Vasco da Gama (1875)
    • Cruiser Adamastor (1896)
    • Sao Gabriel class (1898)
    • Cruiser Dom Carlos I (1898)
    • Cruiser Rainha Dona Amelia (1899)
    • Portuguese ww1 Destroyers
    • Portuguese ww1 Submersibles
    • Portuguese ww1 Gunboats
    Romanian Navy 1914 Romania
    Spanish Armada Spain
    Swedish Navy 1914 Sweden
    Asia
    Chinese navy 1914 China
    Thai Empire Navy 1914 Thailand
    • Maha Chakri (1892)
    • Thoon Kramon (1866)
    • Makrut Rajakumarn (1883)

    ⚏ WW1 3rd/4th rank navies

    ✈ WW1 Naval Aviation

    US naval aviation USN
    • Boeing model 2/3/5 (1916)
    • Aeromarine 39 (1917)
    • Curtiss H (1917)
    • Curtiss F5L (1918)
    • Curtiss VE-7 (1918)
    • Curtiss NC (1918)
    • Curtiss NC4 (1918)
    RNAS RNAS
    • Short 184 (1915)
    • Fairey Campania (1917)
    • Felixtowe F2 (1916)
    • Felixtowe F3 (1917)
    • Felixtowe F5 (1918)
    • Sopwith Baby (1917)
    • Fairey Hamble Baby (1917)
    • Fairey III (1918)
    • Short S38 (1912)
    • Short Admiralty Type 166 (1914)
    • Short Admiralty Type 184 (1915)

    • Blackburn Kangaroo
    • Sopwith 1-1/2 Strutter
    • Sopwith Pup
    • Sopwith Cuckoo 1918
    • Royal Aircraft Factory Airships
    German Imperial naval aviation Marineflieger
    • Albatros W.4 (1916)
    • Albatros W.8 (1918)
    • Friedrichshafen Models
    • Gotha WD.1-27 (1918)
    • Hansa-Brandenburg series
    • L.F.G V.19 Stralsund (1918)
    • L.F.G W (1916)
    • L.F.G WD (1917)
    • Lübeck-Travemünde (1914)
    • Oertz W series (1914)
    • Rumpler 4B (1914)
    • Sablatnig SF (1916)
    • Zeppelin-Lindau Rs series
    • Kaiserlichesmarine Zeppelins
    French naval aviation French Naval Aviation
    • Borel Type Bo.11 (1911)
    • Nieuport VI.H (1912)
    • Nieuport X.H (1913)
    • Donnet-Leveque (1913)
    • FBA-Leveque (1913)
    • FBA (1913)
    • Donnet-Denhaut (1915)
    • Borel-Odier Type Bo-T(1916)
    • Levy G.L.40 (1917)
    • Blériot-SPAD S.XIV (1917)
    • Hanriot HD.2 (1918)
    • Zodiac Airships
    Italian naval aviation Italian Naval Aviation
    • Ansaldo SVA Idro (1916)
    • Ansaldo Baby Idro (1915)
    • Macchi M3 (1916)
    • Macchi M5 (1918)
    • SIAI S.12 (1918)
    Russian naval aviation Russian Naval Aviation
    • Grigorovich M-5 (1915)
    • Grigorovich M-9 (1916)
    • Grigorovich M-11 (1916)
    • Grigorovich M-15 (1916)
    • Grigorovich M-16 (1916)
    • Grigorovich M-16 (1916)
    ✠ K.u.K. SeeFliegkorps
    • Lohner E (1914)
    • Lohner L (1915)
    • Oeffag G (1916)
    IJN Aviation IJN Air Service
    • IJN Farman 1914
    • Yokosho Rogou Kougata (1917)
    • Yokosuka Igo-Ko (1920)

    WW2

    ✪ Allied ww2 Fleets

    US ww2 US Navy
    British ww2 Royal Navy ☍ See the Page
    French ww2 Marine Nationale ☍ See the Page
    Soviet ww2 Sovietskiy Flot ☍ See the Page
    Royal Canadian Navy Royal Canadian Navy ☍ See the Page
    Royal Australian Navy Royal Australian Navy ☍ See the Page
    Koninklije Marine, Dutch Navy ww2 Dutch Navy ☍ See the Page
    Chinese Navy Chinese Navy 1937 ☍ See the Page

    ✙ Axis ww2 Fleets

    Japan ww2 Imperial Japanese Navy ☍ See the Page
    italy ww2 Regia Marina ☍ See the Page
    German ww2 Kriegsmarine ☍ See the Page

    ⚑ Neutral Navies

    Armada de Argentina Argentinian Navy ☍ See the Page
    Marinha do Brasil Brazilian Navy ☍ See the Page
    Armada de Chile Chilean Navy ☍ See the Page
    Søværnet Danish Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Niels Iuel (1918)
    • Danish ww2 Torpedo-Boats
    • Danish ww2 submarines
    • Danish ww2 minelayer/sweepers
    Merivoimat Finnish Navy ☍ See the Page
    Hellenic Navy Hellenic Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Greek ww2 Destroyers
    • Greek ww2 submarines
    • Greek ww2 minelayers
    Marynarka Vojenna Polish Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Cruiser ORP Dragon
    • Cruiser ORP Conrad
    • Brislawicka class Destroyers
    • Witcher ww2 Destroyers
    • Minelayer Gryf
    • Wilk class sub.
    • Orzel class sub.
    • Jakolska class minesweepers
    • Polish Monitors
    Portuguese navy ww2 Portuguese Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Douro class DDs
    • Delfim class sub
    • Velho class gb
    • Albuquerque class gb
    • Nunes class sloops
    Romanian Navy Romanian Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Romanian ww2 Destroyers
    • Romanian ww2 Submarines
    Royal Norwegian Navy Sjøforsvaret ☍ See the Page
    • Norwegian ww2 Torpedo-Boats
    Spanish Armada Spanish Armada ☍ See the Page
    Svenska Marinen Svenska Marinen ☍ See the Page
    • Sverige class CBBs (1915)
    • Gustav V class CBBs (1918)
    • Interwar Swedish CBB projects

    • Tre Kronor class (1943)
    • Gotland (1933)
    • Fylgia (1905)

    • Ehrernskjold class DDs (1926)
    • Psilander class DDs (1926)
    • Klas Horn class DDs (1931)
    • Romulus class DDs (1934)
    • Göteborg class DDs (1935)
    • Mode class DDs (1942)
    • Visby class DDs (1942)
    • Öland class DDs (1945)

    • Swedish ww2 TBs
    • Swedish ww2 Submarines
    • Swedish ww2 Minelayers
    • Swedish ww2 MTBs
    • Swedish ww2 Patrol Vessels
    • Swedish ww2 Minesweepers
    Türk Donanmasi Turkish Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Kocatepe class Destroyers
    • Tinaztepe class Destroyers
    • İnönü class submarines
    • Submarine Dumplumpynar
    • Submarine Sakarya
    • Submarine Gur
    • Submarine Batiray
    • Atilay class submarines
    Royal Yugoslav Navy Royal Yugoslav Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Cruiser Dalmacija
    • Dubrovnik class DDs
    • Beograd class DDs
    • Osvetnik class subs
    • Hrabi class subs
    • Gunboat Beli Orao
    Royal Thai Navy Royal Thai Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Taksin class
    • Ratanakosindra class
    • Sri Ayuthia class
    • Puket class
    • Tachin class
    • Sinsamudar class sub
    minor navies Minor Navies ☍ See the Page

    ✈ Naval Aviation

    Latest entries | WW1 | Cold War
    US naval aviation USN aviation ☍ See the Page
    Fleet Air Arm ☍ See the Page
    IJN aviation ☍ See the Page
    • Mitsubishi 1MF (1923)
    • Nakajima A1N (1930)
    • Nakajima A2N (1932)
    • Mitsubishi A5M "Claude" (1935)
    • Nakajima A4N (1935)
    • Mitsubishi A6M "zeke" (1940)
    • Nakajima J1N Gekko "Irving" (1941)
    • Mitsubishi J2M Raiden "Jack" (1942)
    • Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden "George" (1942)
    • Nakajima J5N Tenrai (1944)

    • Aichi S1A Denko* (1944)
    • Mitsubishi A7M reppu* (1944)
    • Mitsubishi J8M1 Shusui* (1945)
    • Mitsubishi J8M2 Shusui-kai* (1945)
    • Kyushu J7W Shinden* (1945)
    • Nakajima J9Y Kikka* (1945)

    • Mitsubishi 1MT (1922)
    • Mitsubishi B1M (1923)
    • Mitsubishi B2M (1932)
    • Kugisho B3Y (1932)
    • Aichi D1A "Susie" (1934)
    • Yokosuka B4Y "Jean" (1935)
    • Mitsubishi B5M "Mabel" (1937)
    • Nakajima B5N "Kate" (1937)
    • Aichi D3A "Val" (1940)
    • Nakajima B6N "Jill" (1941)
    • Aichi B7A "Grace" (1942)
    • Nakajima C6N Saiun "Myrt" (1942)
    • Yokosuka D4Y "Judy" (1942)
    • Yokosuka MXY-7 "Baka" (1944)

    • Mitsubishi G3M "Nell" (1935)
    • Mitsubishi G4M "Betty" (1941)
    • Kawanishi P1Y Ginga "Frances" (1943)
    • Kyushu Q1W Tokai "Lorna" (1943)
    • Tachikawa Ki-74 "Patsy" (1944)
    • Nakajima G8N Renzan "Rita" (1944)

    • Mitsubishi K3M "Pine" (1930)
    • Nakajima C2N1 (1931)
    • Yokosuka K5Y1 "Willow" (1933)
    • Nakajima L1N1 (1937)
    • Kawanishi H6K2/4-L (1938)
    • Kyushu K10W1 "Oak" (1941)
    • Kyushu K11W1 Shiragiku (1942)
    • Mitsubishi L4M1 (1942)
    • Nakajima G5N Shinzan "Liz" (1942)
    • Yokosuka L3Y "Tina" (1942)
    • Kyushu Q1W1-K "Lorna"(1943)
    • Aichi M6A1-K Nanzan (1943)
    • Yokosuka MXY-7K-1 "Kai" (1944)
    • Yokosuka MXY-8 Akigusa (1945)

    • Hiro H1H (1926)
    • Yokosuka E1Y (1926)
    • Nakajima E2N (1927)
    • Aichi E3A (1929)
    • Yokosuka K4Y (1930)
    • Nakajima E4N (1931)
    • Nakajima E8N "Dave" (1935)
    • Kawanishi E7K "Alf" (1935)
    • Kawanishi E11K1 (1937)
    • Aichi E11A "Laura" (1938)
    • Watanabe E9W (1938)
    • Watanabe K8W* (1938)
    • Mitsubishi F1M "pete" (1941)
    • Nakajima E14Y "Glen" (1941)
    • Aichi E13A "Jake" (1941)
    • Aichi H9A (1942)
    • Nakajima A6M2-N (1942)
    • Kawanishi E15K Shiun (1942)
    • Kawanishi N1K1 "Rex" (1943)
    • Aichi E16A "Zuiun" (1944)
    • Aichi M6A1 Seiran (1945)

    • Kawanishi E11K* (1937)
    • Kawanishi H6K "Mavis" (1938)
    • Kawanishi K6K* (1938)
    • Kawanishi H6K3 (1939)
    • Kawanishi K8K (1940)
    • Kawanishi H8K "Emily" (1942)
    • Yokosuka H5Y "Cherry" (1936)

    • Mitsubishi 2MR (1923)
    • Yokosho K1Y (1924)
    • Yokosuka K2Y (1928)
    • Mitsubishi K3M "Pine" (1930)
    • Hitachi LXG1 (1934)
    • Kyushu K10W "Oak" (1943)
    Italian Aviation ☍ See the Page
    French Aeronavale ☍ See the Page
    • Levasseur PL5/9 (1924)
    • Wibault 74 (1926)
    • CAMS 37 (1926)
    • Gourdou-Leseurre GL.300 series (1926-39)
    • Levasseur PL7 (1928)
    • Levasseur PL10 (1929)
    • Latécoere 290 (1931)
    • Breguet 521/22/23 (1931)
    • Leo H257 bis (1932)
    • Latécoere 300 series (1932)
    • Morane 226 (1934)
    • Dewoitine 376 (1934)
    • Latécoere 321 (1935)
    • Potez 452 (1935)
    • Latécoere 38.1 (1936)
    • Loire 210 (1936)
    • Leo H43 (1936)
    • Levasseur PL107 (1937)
    • Loire 130 (1937)
    • Dewoitine HD.730 (1938)
    • Latecoere 298 (1938)
    • LN 401 (1938)
    Soviet Naval Aviation
    Luftwaffe (Naval) ☍ See the Page
    • Arado 197 (1937)
    • Fieseler Fi-167 (1938)
    • Junkers Ju-87C (1938)
    • Messerschmitt Me 109T (1941)
    • Messerschmitt 155 (1944)

    • Heinkel HE 1 (1921)
    • Caspar U1 (1922)
    • Dornier Do J Wal (1922)
    • Dornier Do 16 ‘Wal’ (1923)
    • Heinkel HE 2 (1923)
    • Junkers A 20/Ju 20 (1923)
    • Rohrbach Ro II (1923)
    • Rohrbach Ro III (1924)
    • Dornier Do D (1924)
    • Dornier Do E (1924)
    • Junkers G 24 (1924)
    • Rohrbach Ro IV (1925)
    • Heinkel HD 14 (1925)
    • Heinkel HE 25 (1925)
    • Heinkel HE 26 (1925)
    • Heinkel HE 24 (1926)
    • Heinkel HE 4 (1926)
    • Junkers W 33/34 (1926)
    • Heinkel HE 5 (1926)
    • Rohrbach Ro VII Robbe (1926)
    • Rohrbach Ro V Rocco (1927)
    • Heinkel HE 31 (1927)
    • Heinkel HE 8 (1927)
    • Arado W II (1928)
    • Heinkel HD 9 (1928)
    • Heinkel HD 16 (1928)
    • Heinkel He 55 (1929)
    • Heinkel He 56 (1929)
    • Arado SSD I (1930)
    • Junkers Ju 52w (1930)
    • Heinkel HE 42 (1931)
    • Heinkel He 50 (1931)
    • Heinkel He 59 (1931)
    • Arado Ar 66 (1932)
    • Heinkel He 58 (1932)
    • Junkers Ju 46 (1932)
    • Klemm Kl 35bW (1932)
    • Heinkel He 62 (1932)
    • Heinkel He 60 (1933)
    • Heinkel He 51w (1933)
    • Arado Ar 95 (1937)
    • Arado Ar 196 (1937)
    • Arado Ar 199 (1939)
    • Blohm & Voss Ha 139 (1936)
    • Blohm & Voss BV 138 (1937)
    • Blohm & Voss Ha 140 (1937)
    • Blohm & Voss BV 222 (1938)
    • Blohm & Voss BV 238 (1942)
    • Dornier Do 24/318 (1937)
    • Dornier Do 18 (1935)
    • Dornier Do 26 (1938)
    • Dornier Do 22 (1938)
    • DFS Seeadler (1936)
    • Focke-Wulf Fw 58W (1935)
    • Focke-Wulf Fw 62 (1937)
    • Heinkel He 114 (1936)
    • Heinkel He 115 (1936)
    • Heinkel He 119 (1936)
    Dutch Naval Aviation
    • Fokker W.3 (1915)
    • Fokker T.II (1921)
    • Fokker B.I/III (1922)
    • Fokker B.II (1923)
    • Fokker T.III (1924)
    • Fokker T.IV (1927)
    • Fokker B.IV (1928)
    • Fokker C.VII W (1928)
    • Fokker C.VIII W (1929)
    • Fokker C.XI W (1934)
    • Fokker C.XIV-W (1937)
    • Fokker T.VIII-W (1939)

    ☢ The Cold War

    ☭ WARSAW PACT

    Sovietskaya Flota Sovietskiy flot ☍ See the Page
    Warsaw Pact cold war navy Warsaw Pact Navies ☍ See the Detail
    • Albania
    • Bulgaria
    • Czechoslovakia
    • Hungary
    • Volksmarine East Germany
    • Parchim class corvettes (1985)
    • Hai class sub-chasers (1958)
    • Volksmarine's minesweepers
    • Volksmarine's FAC
    • Volksmarine's Landing ships
    • ORP Warzsawa (1970)
    • ORP Kaszub (1986)
    • Polish Landing ships
    • Polish FACs
    • Polish Patrol ships
    • Polish Minesweepers
    • Missile Destroyer Muntenia (1982)
    • Tetal class Frigates (1981)
    • Romanian river patrol crafts

    ✦ NATO

    bundesmarine Bundesmarine ☍ See the Page
    Dutch Navy Danish Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Hvidbjornen class Frigates (1962)
    • Frigate Beskytteren (1976)
    • Peder Skram class Frigates (1965)
    • Thetis class frigates (1989)
    • Bellona class corvettes (1955)
    • Niels Juel class corvettes (1979)

    • Delfinen class submarines (1958)
    • Narhvalen class submarines (1970)

    • Bille class Torpedo Boats (1946)
    • Flyvefisken class Torpedo Boats (1954)
    • Falken class Torpedo Boats (1960)
    • Soloven class Torpedo Boats (1962)
    • Willemoes class FAC (1976)
    • Flyvefisken class FAC (1989)
    • Daphne class Patrol Boats (1960)
    • Danish Minelayers
    • Danish Minesweepers
    Dutch Navy Dutch Navy ☍ See the Page
    • CV Karel Doorman (1948)
    • De Zeven Provinciën class cruisers (1945)
    • Holland class DDs (1953)
    • Friesland class DDs (1953)
    • Roodfier class Frigates (1953)
    • Frigate Lynx (1954)
    • Van Speijk class Frigates (1965)
    • Tromp class Frigates (1973)
    • Kortenaer class frigates (1976)
    • Van H. class Frigates (1983)
    • K. Doorman class Frigates (1988)
    • Dolfijn clas sub. (1959)
    • Zwaardvis class subs. (1970)
    • Walrus class subs. (1985)
    • ATD Rotterdam (1990s)
    • Dokkum class minesweepers (1954)
    • Alkmaar class minesweepers (1982)
    Hellenic Navy Hellenic Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Hydra class FFs (1990)
    • Greek cold war Subs
    • Greek Amphibious ships
    • Greek MTBs/FACs
    • Greek Patrol Vessels
    Eire Irish Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Eithne class PBs (1983)
    • Cliona class PBs
    • Deidre/Emer class PBs
    • Orla class fast PBs
    Marina Militare Marina Militare ☍ See the Page
      Aircraft Carriers
    • Giuseppe Garibaldi (1983)
    • Conte di Cavour (2004)*
    • Trieste (2022)*
    • Cruisers
    • Missile cruiser Garibaldi (1960)
    • Doria class H. cruisers (1962)
    • Vittorio Veneto (1969)
    • Destroyers

    • Impetuoso class (1956)
    • Impavido class (1957)
    • Audace class (1971)
    • De La Penne class (1989)
    • Orizzonte class (2007)*
    • Frigates
    • Grecale class (1949)
    • Canopo class (1955)
    • Bergamini class (1960)
    • Alpino class (1967)
    • Lupo class (1976)
    • Maestrale class (1981)
    • Bergamini class (2013)*
    • Thaon di Revel class (2020)*
    • Corvettes (OPV)
    • Albatros class (1954)
    • De Cristofaro class (1965)
    • Minerva class (1987)
    • Cassiopeia class (1989)
    • Esploratore class (1997)*
    • Sirio class (2003)*
    • Commandanti class (2004)*
    • Submarines
    • Toti class (1967)
    • Sauro class (1976)
    • Pelosi class (1986)
    • Sauro class (1992)*
    • Todaro class (2006)*
    • Attack/Amphibious ships
    • San Giorgio LSD (1987)
    • Gorgona class CTS (1987)
    • Italian Landing Crafts (1947-2020)
    • Misc. ships
    • Folgore PB (1952)
    • Lampo class PBs (1960)
    • Freccia class PBs (1965)
    • Sparviero class GMHF (1973)
    • Stromboli class AOR (1975)
    • Anteo SRS (1980)
    • Etna class LSS (1988)
    • Vulcano AOR (1998)*
    • Elettra EWSS (2003)*
    • Etna AOR (2021)*
    • Mine warfare ships
    • Lerici class (1982)
    • Gaeta class (1992)*
    Marine Française Marine Nationale ☍ See the Page
      Battleships
    • Jean Bart (1949)
    • Aircraft/Helicopter carriers
    • Dixmude (1946)
    • Arromanches (1946)
    • Lafayette class light carriers (1954)
    • PA 28 class project (1947)
    • Clemenceau class (1957)
    • Jeanne d'Arc (1961)
    • PA 58 (1958)
    • PH 75/79 (1975)
    • Charles de Gaulle (1994)

    • Cruisers
    • De Grasse (1946)
    • Chateaurenault class (1950)
    • Colbert (1956)

    • Destroyers
    • Surcouf class (1953)
    • Duperre class (1956)
    • La Galissonniere class (1960)
    • Suffren class (1965)
    • Aconit (1970)
    • Tourville class (1972)
    • G. Leygues class (1976)
    • Cassard class (1985)

    • Frigates
    • Le Corse class (1952)
    • Le Normand class (1954)
    • Cdt Riviere class (1958)
    • Estiennes D'Orves class (1973)
    • Lafayette class (1990)

    • Corvettes
    • Estiennes D'Orves class (1973)
    • Floreal class (1990)

    • Submarines
    • La Creole class (1940)
    • Narval class (1954)
    • Arethuse class (1957)
    • Daphne class (1959)
    • Gymnote test SSBN (1964)
    • Le Redoutable SSBN (1967)
    • Agosta SSN (1974)
    • Rubis SSN (1979)
    • Amethyste SSN (1988)
    • Le Triomphant SSBN (started 1989)

    • Amphibian Ships
    • Issole (1958)
    • EDIC class (1958)
    • Trieux class (1958)
    • Ouragan lass (1963)
    • Champlain lass (1973)
    • Bougainville (1986)
    • Foudre class (1988)
    • CDIC lass (1989)

    • Misc. ships
    • Le Fougueux class (1958)
    • La Combattante class (1964)
    • Trident class (1976)
    • L'Audacieuse class (1984)
    • Grebe class (1989)
    • Sirius class (1952)
    • Circe class (1972)
    • Eridan class (1979)
    • Vulcain class (1986)
    RCAN RCAN ☍ See the Page
    • HCMS Bonaventure (1957)
    • St Laurent class DDE (1951)
    • Algonquin class DDE (1952)
    • Restigouche class DDs (1954)
    • Mackenzie class DDs (1961)
    • Annapolis class DDH (1963)
    • Iroquois class DDH (1970)

    • River (mod) 1955
    • Tribal class FFs (Pjct)
    • City class DDH (1988)

    • Ojibwa class sub. (1964)
    • Kingston class MCFV (1995)
    Royal Navy Royal Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Cold War Aircraft Carriers
    • Centaur class (1947)
    • HMS Victorious (1957)
    • HMS Eagle (1946)
    • HMS Ark Royal (1950)
    • HMS Hermes (1953)
    • CVA-01 class (1966 project)
    • Invincible class (1977)

    • Cold War Cruisers
    • Tiger class (1945)

    • Destroyers
    • Daring class (1949)
    • 1953 design (project)
    • Cavendish class (1944)
    • Weapon class (1945)
    • Battle class (1945)
    • FADEP program (1946)
    • County class GMD (1959)
    • Bristol class GMD (1969)
    • Sheffield class GMD (1971)
    • Manchester class GMD (1980)
    • Type 43 GMD (1974)

    • British cold-war Frigates
    • Rapid class (1942)
    • Tenacious class (1941)
    • Whitby class (1954)
    • Blackwood class (1953)
    • Leopard class (1954)
    • Salisbury class (1953)
    • Tribal class (1959)
    • Rothesay class (1957)
    • Leander class (1961)
    • BB Leander class (1967)
    • HMS Mermaid (1966)
    • Amazon class (1971)
    • Broadsword class (1976)
    • Boxer class (1981)
    • Cornwall class (1985)
    • Duke class (1987)

    • British cold war Submarines
    • T (conv.) class (1944)
    • T (Stream) class (1945)
    • A (Mod.) class (1944)
    • Explorer class (1954)
    • Strickleback class (1954)
    • Porpoise class (1956)
    • Oberon class (1959)
    • HMS Dreanought SSN (1960)
    • Valiant class SSN (1963)
    • Resolution class SSBN (1966)
    • Swiftsure class SSN (1971)
    • Trafalgar class SSN (1981)
    • Upholder class (1986)
    • Vanguard class SSBN (started)

    • Assault ships
    • Fearless class (1963)
    • HMS Ocean (started)
    • Sir Lancelot LLS (1963)
    • Sir Galahad (1986)
    • Ardennes/Avon class (1976)
    • Brit. LCVPs (1963)
    • Brit. LCM(9) (1980)

    • Minesweepers/layers
    • Ton class (1952)
    • Ham class (1947)
    • Ley class (1952)
    • HMS Abdiel (1967)
    • HMS Wilton (1972)
    • Hunt class (1978)
    • Venturer class (1979)
    • River class (1983)
    • Sandown class (1988)

    • Misc. ships
    • HMS Argus ATS (1988)
    • Ford class SDF (1951)
    • Cormorant class (1985)
    • Kingfisger class (1974)
    • HMS Jura OPV (1975)
    • Island class OPVs (1976)
    • HMS Speedy PHDF (1979)
    • Castle class OPVs (1980)
    • Peacock class OPVs (1982)
    • MBT 538 class (1948)
    • Gay class FACs (1952)
    • Dark class FACs (1954)
    • Bold class FACs (1955)
    • Brave class FACs (1957)
    • Tenacity class PCs (1967)
    • Brave class FPCs (1969)
    Armada de espanola - Spanish cold war navy Spanish Armada ☍ See the Page
    • Dédalo aircraft carrier (1967)
    • Principe de Asturias (1982)

    • Alava class DDs (1946)
    • Audaz class DDs (1955)
    • Oquendo class DDs (1956)
    • Roger de Lauria class (1967)

    • Baleares class FFs (1971)
    • Descubierta class FFs (1978)
    • Numancia class FFs (1987)

    • Pizarro class gunboats (1944)
    • Artevida class Cvs (1952)
    • Serviola class Cvs (1990)
    • Spanish cold-war submarines
    • Spanish FACs
    • Spanish Minesweepers
    Svenska Marinen Svenska Marinen ☍ See the Page
    • Tre Kronor class (1946)
    • Öland class DDs (1945)
    • Halland class DDs (1952) (1945)
    • Ostergotland class DDs (1956)
    • Spica III class Corvettes (1984)
    • Goteborg class Corvettes (1989)

    • U1 class subs (mod.1963)
    • Hajen class subs (1954)
    • Sjoormen class subs (1967)
    • Nacken class subs (1978)
    • Vastergotland class subs (1986)
    • Gotland class subs (1995)

    • T32 class MTBs (1951)
    • T42 class MTBs (1955)
    • Plejad class FACs (1951)
    • Spica I class FACs (1966)
    • Spica II class FACs (1972)
    • Hugin class FACs (1973)
    • Swedish Patrol Boats
    • Swedish minesweepers
    • Swedish Icebreakers
    Taiwanese Navy Taiwanese Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Kwang Hua class FFs (1991)
    • Kwang Hua II class FFs (1993)
    • Hai Lung class sub. (1986)
    • LCU 1466 class LCU (1955)
    • Fuh Chow class FAC
    • Lung Chiang class FAC
    • Hai Ou class FAC(M)
    • MWW 50 class minehunters
    Turkish Navy Turkish Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Berk class FFs (1971)
    • Atilay class sub. (1974)
    • Cakabey class LST
    • Osman Gazi class LST
    • Turkish Fast Attack Crafts
    • Turkish Patrol Boats
    US Navy USN (cold war) ☍ See the Page

    ☯ ASIA

    Chinese Navy ☍ See the Page
    Indian Navy Indian Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Vikrant class CVs (1961)
    • Viraat class CVs (1986)

    • Cruiser Delhi (1948)
    • Cruiser Mysore (1957)
    • Raja class DDs (1949)
    • Rajput class DDs (1980)
    • Delhi class DDs (1990)

    • Khukri class FFs (1956)
    • Talwar class FFs (1958)
    • Brahmaputra class FFs (1957)
    • Nilgiri class FFs (1968)
    • Godavari class FFs (1980)

    • Kusura class subs (1970)
    • Shishumar class subs (1984)
    • Sindhugosh class subs (1986)

    • Indian Amphibious ships
    • Indian corvettes (1969-90)
    • Khukri class corvettes (1989)
    • SDB Mk.2 class PBs (1977)
    • Vikram class OPVs (1979)
    • Sukanya class OPVs (1989)
    Indonesia Indonesian Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Fatahilla class Frigates (1977)
    • Pattimura class corvettes (1956)
    • Indonesian Marines
    • Indonesian Mine Vessels
    • Indonesian FAC/OPVs
    JMSDF JMSDF ☍ See the Page
      JMSDF Destroyers
    • Harukaze class DD (1955)
    • Ayanami class DD (1957)
    • Murasame class DD (1958)
    • Akizuki class DD (1959)
    • Amatukaze missile DD (1963)
    • Yamagumo class DDE (1965)
    • Takatsuki class DD (1966)
    • Minegumo class DDE (1967)
    • Haruna class DDH (1971)
    • Tachikaze class DD (1974)
    • Shirane class DDH (1978)
    • Hatsuyuki class DDs (1980)
    • Hatakaze class DDs (1984)
    • Asigiri class DDs (1986)
    • Kongo class DDs (started 1990)

    • JMSDF Frigates
    • Akebono class FFs (1955)
    • Isuzu class FFs (1961)
    • Chikugo class FFs (1970)
    • Ishikari class FFs (1980)
    • Yubari class FFs (1982)
    • Abukuma class FFs (1988)

    • JMSDF submarines
    • Oyashio class Sub. (1959)
    • Hayashio class Sub. (1961)
    • Natsushio class Sub. (1963)
    • Oshio class Sub. (1964)
    • Uzushio class Sub. (1970)
    • Yushio class Sub. (1979)
    • Harushio class Sub. (1989)

    • JMSDF Misc. ships
    • Japanese Landing Ships
    • Japanese Large Patrol Ships
    • Japanese Patrol Crafts
    • Japanese Minesweepers
    • Japanese Sub-chasers
    North Korean Navy North Korean Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Najin class Frigates
    • Experimental Frigate Soho
    • Sariwan class Corvettes

    • Sinpo class subs.
    • Sang-O class subs.
    • Yono class subs.
    • Yugo class subs.

    • Hungnam class LCM
    • Hante class LST
    • Songjong class HVC
    • Sin Hung/Ku Song FACs
    • Anju class FACs
    • Iwon class FACs
    • Chaho class FACs
    • Hong Jin class FAC-G
    • Sohung class MTBs
    • Sinpo class MTBs
    • Nampo class FALC
    Philippines Navy Philippines Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Datu Kalantian class Frigates (1976)
    • Bacolod City class LS(L)
    • Philippino Patrol Crafts
    Rep. of Korea Navy ROKN ☍ See the Page
    • Ulsan class frigates (1980)
    • Pohang class corvettes (1984)
    • Dong Hae class corvettes (1982)
    • Han Kang class patrol corvettes (1985)
    • Chamsuri (PKM 268) PBs (1978)
    • ROKS coast guard vessels
    • Paek Ku class FAC (1975)
    • Kang Keong class minehunters (1986)
    Taiwanese Navy Taiwanese Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Kwang Hua class FFs (1991)
    • Kwang Hua II class FFs (1993)
    • Hai Lung class sub. (1986)
    • LCU 1466 class LCU (1955)
    • Fuh Chow class FAC
    • Lung Chiang class FAC
    • Hai Ou class FAC(M)
    • MWW 50 class minehunters

    ☪ MIDDLE EAST

    Israeli Navy IDF Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Eilat class Corvettes (1993)
    • SAAR 5 Project
    • SAAR 1 FAC
    • SAAR 4 FAC
    • SAAR 4.5 FAC
    • Dvora class FAC
    • Shimrit class MHFs
    • IDF FACs/PBs
    • Etzion Geber LST
    • Ash class LCT
    Iranian Navy Iranian Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Destroyer Artemiz (1965)
    • Bayandor class FFs (1963)
    • Alvand class FFs (1969)
    • Khalije Fars class DDs (2016)*

    ♅ OCEANIA

    Australian Navy RAN ☍ See the Page
    • HMAS Sydney (1948*)
    • HMAS Melbourne (1955*)
    • Tobruk class DDs (1947)
    • Voyager class DDs (1952)
    • Perth class MDD (1963)
    • Quadrant class FFs (1953)
    • Yarra class FFs (1958)
    • Swan class FFs (1967)
    • Adelaide class MFFs (1978)
    • Anzac class MFFs (1990s)
    • Oxley class subs (1965)
    • Collins class subs (1990s)
    • Australian Amphibious ships
    • Fremantle class PBs
    RNZN Royal New Zealand Navy ☍ See the Page
    • HMNZS Royalist (1956)
    • Pukaki class patrol Crafts (1974)
    • Moa class patrol crafts (1983)
    • HMNZS Aotearoa (2019)*

    ☩ South America

    Armada de argentina Argentina ☍ See the Page
    • ARA Independencia (1958)
    • ARA Veinticinco de Mayo (1968)
    • Belgrano class cruisers (1951)
    • Almirante Brown class Frigates (1981)
    • Mantilla class corvettes (1981)
    • Espora class corvettes (1982)
    • Salta class submarines (1972)
    • Santa Cruz class submarines (1982)
    Brazilian Navy Brazilian Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Minas Gerais aircraft carrier (1956)
    • Cruiser Barroso (1951)
    • Cruiser Tamandare (1951)
    • Acre class destroyers (1945)
    • Niteroi class Frigates (1974)
    • Ihnauma class Frigate (1986)
    • Tupi class submarines (1987)
    • Brazilian patrol ships
    Chilean Navy Chilean Navy ☍ See the Page
    • O'Higgins class cruisers
    • Lattore Cruiser (1971)
    • Almirante class destroyers (1960)
    • Prat class M. Destroyers (1982)
    • Almirante Lynch class Frigates (1972)
    • Thomson class subs (1982)
    • Small surface combatants
    Peruvian Navy Peruvian Navy ☍ See the Page
    • Almirante Grau(ii) class
    • Almirante Grau(iii) class
    • Abtao class sub.
    • PR-72P class corvettes
    • Velarde class OPVs

    ℣ AFRICA

    Egyptian Navy Egyptian Navy ☍ See the Page
    • October class FAC/M (1975)
    • Ramadan class FAC/M (1979)
    SADF South African Navy ☍ See the Page
    ☫ Minor cold war/modern Navies Algerian NavyAzerbaijani NavyBangladesh NavyBarheini NavyBolivian NavyCambodian NavyComoros NavyCosta Rica NavyCroatian NavyCuban NavyDjibouti NavyDominican Republic NavyEquadorian NavyEstonian NavyEthiopian NavyFinnish NavyGeorgian NavyHaitian NavyHonduras NavyIcelandic NavyIraqi NavyJordanian NavyKuwaiti NavyLatvian NavyLebanese NavyLiberian NavyLibyan NavyLithuanian NavyMauritanian NavyMexican NavyMorrocan NavyNicaraguan NavyNorwegian NavyOmani NavyPakistani NavyParaguaian NavyQatari NavySan Salvador NavySaudi NavySerbian NavySingaporean NavySlovenian NavySomalian NavySudanese NavySyrian NavyThai NavyTunisian NavyUAE NavyUruguayan NavyVenezuelan NavyVietnamese NavyYemeni NavyZanzibar Navy

    ✚ MORE

    ⚔ Cold War Naval Events
    • ⚔ Indochina War naval ops
    • ⚔ Korean War naval ops
    • ⚔ 1956 intervention in Suez
    • ⚔ 1960 Cuban crisis
    • ⚔ 1960 US/Soviet compared strenghts
    • ⚔ 1963-69 Algerian war naval ops
    • ⚔ Naval warfare in Vietnam
    • ⚔ Middle East naval fights
    • ⚔ 1980 Falkland wars
    • ⚔ 1990 Gulf War
    ⚔ Modern Navies
    ✈ Cold War Naval Aviation See the full section
    Seaplanes
    • Grumman Mallard 1946
    • Edo OSE-1 1946
    • Short Solent 1946

    • de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver 1947
    • Grumman Albatross 1947
    • Hughes H-4 Hercules (completed & first flight, prototype)
    • Saunders-Roe SR.A/1 1947 (jet fighter seaplane prototype)
    • Short Sealand 1947

    • Martin P5M Marlin 1948
    • Supermarine Seagull ASR-1 1948 (prototype successor to the Walrus)
    • Nord 1400 Noroit 1949
    • Norsk Flyindustri Finnmark 5A (interesting Norwegian prototype)
    • SNCASE SE-1210 French prototype flying boat 1949

    • Convair R3Y Tradewind USN patrol flying boat 1950
    • Goodyear Drake (proto seaboat) 1950
    • de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter 1951 (RCAN)
    • Saunders-Roe Princess 1952 (RN requisition possible)

    • Convair F2Y Sea Dart Prototype delta jet fighter seaplane 1953
    • Martin P6M SeaMaster strategic bomber flying boat 1955

    • Ikarus Kurir H 1957

    • Shin Meiwa UF-XS prototype 1962
    • Shin Meiwa PS-1 patrol flying boat 1967
    • Canadair CL-215 1967 water bomber, some operated by the RCAN
    • GAF Nomad patrol australian land/floatplane 1971
    • Harbin SH-5 Main PLAN patrol flying boat 1976
    • Cessna 208 Caravan transport flotplane (some navies) 1982
    • Dornier Seastar prototype 1984

    • Patrol Planes
    • ATR 42 MP Surveyor (Italy, 1984)
    • ATR 72 MP (Italy 1988)

    • ATR 72 ASW (France, 1988)
    • Breguet Atlantic (France 1965)
    • Nord 1402 Noroit (France 1949)

    • Avro Shackleton (UK 1949)
    • BAE Nimrod MRA4 (UK 2004)
    • Britten-Norman Defender/Islander (UK 1970)
    • Fairey Gannet (UK 1949)
    • Hawker-Siddeley Nimrod (UK 1967)

    • Beechcraft King Air (USA 1963)
    • Basler BT-67 (USA 1990)
    • Boeing 737 Surveiller (USA 1967)
    • Boeing P-8 Poseidon (USA 2009)
    • Lockheed P-2 Neptune (USA, 1945)
    • Lockheed P-3 Orion (USA 1959)
    • Martin P4M Mercator (USA 1946)
    • Convair P5Y (USA 1950)
    • Douglas/BSAS Turbo Dakota (USA 1991)

    • Bombardier DHC-8 MPA/MSA (Can 2007)
    • Canadair CP-107 Argus (Can 1957)

    • CASA C-212 MPA (Spain 1971)
    • CASA/IPTN CN-235 MPA/HC-144 Ocean Sentry (Spain 1983)
    • CASA C-295 MPA (Spain 1997)

    • Diamond DA42 Guardian (Austria 2002)

    • Dornier 228 (Germany 1981)

    • Embraer EMB 111 Bandeirante (Brazil 1968)
    • Embraer R-99 (Brazil 2001)
    • Embraer P-99 (Brazil 2003)

    • Fokker F27 200-MAR (NL 1955)
    • Fokker F27 Maritime Enforcer (NL 1955)

    • IAI 1124N Sea Scan (Israel 1977)

    • Kawasaki P-1 (Japan 2007)
    • Kawasaki P-2J (Japan 1966)

    • Saab Swordfish (Sweden 2016)
    • Shaanxi Y-8F,Q,X (China 1984)
    • Short Seavan (UK 1976)

    • Beriev Be-8 1947
    • Beriev Be-6 1949
    • Beriev R-1 turbojet prototype seaplane 1952
    • Beriev Be-10 1956
    • Beriev Be-12 Chaika 1960
    • Beriev Be-40/A-40 Albatross prototypes 1986
    • Chetverikov TA-1 1947
    • Ilyushin Il-38 'May' (USSR 1967)
    • Myasishchev 3M/3MD (USSR 1956)
    • Tupolev Tu-16T/PL/R/RM/SP (USSR 1952)
    • Tupolev Tu-95MR (USSR 1961)
    • Tupolev Tu-142 (USSR 1968)

    • Carrier Planes
      USN
    • Douglas A-3 Skywarrior
    • Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
    • Douglas A2D Skyshark
    • Douglas AD Skyraider
    • Douglas F3D Skynight
    • Douglas F4D Skyray
    • Grumman A-6 Intruder
    • Grumman AF Guardian
    • Grumman C-1 Trader
    • Grumman C-2 Greyhound
    • Grumman E-1 Tracer
    • Grumman E-2 Hawkeye
    • Grumman EA-6B Prowler
    • Grumman F-9 Cougar
    • Grumman F9F Panther
    • Grumman F-11 Tiger
    • Grumman F-14 Tomcat ➚
    • Grumman S-2 Tracker
    • Lockheed Martin F-35B
    • Lockheed S-3 Viking ➚
    • McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
    • McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk
    • McDonnell FH Phantom
    • McDonnell F2H Banshee
    • McDonnell F3H Demon
    • McDonnell-Douglas AV-8B Harrier II
    • McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
    • North American A-5 Vigilante
    • North American AJ Savage
    • North American FJ Fury
    • North American T-2 Buckeye
    • North American T-28 Trojan
    • Vought A-7 Corsair
    • Vought F-8 Crusader
    • Vought F6U Pirate
    • Vought F7U Cutlass
    • Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
    • Boeing EA-18G Growler
    • RN
    • Blackburn Buccaneer
    • Boulton Paul Sea Balliol
    • BAe Sea Harrier
    • de Havilland Sea Vampire
    • de Havilland Sea Venom
    • de Havilland Sea Vixen
    • Fairey Gannet
    • Hawker Sea Hawk
    • Short Seamew
    • Westland Wyvern
    • Marine Nationale
    • Breguet Alizé
    • Dassault Étendard IV
    • Dassault Super Étendard
    • Dassault Rafale M
    • Fouga CM.175 Zéphyr M
    • SNCASE Aquilon
    • Soviet Navy
    • Sukhoi Su-25UTG/UBP
    • Sukhoi Su-33
    • Yakovlev Yak-38

    Navy Helicopters
      Chinese PLAN:
    • Harbin Z-5 (1958)
    • Harbin Z-9 Haitun (1981)
    • Changhe Z-8 (1985)
    • Harbin Z-20 (in development)
    • Italy:
    • Agusta Bell AB-205 (1961)
    • Agusta Bell AB-212 (1971)
    • Agusta AS-61 (1968)
    • India:
    • Hal Dhruv (Indian Navy)
    • France:
    • Alouette II (1955)
    • Alouette III (1959)
    • Super Frelon (1965)

    • Cougar ()
    • Panther ()
    • Super Cougar H225M ()
    • Fennec ()
    • MH-65 Dolphin ()
    • UH-72 Lakota ()
    • Germany:
    • MBB Bo 105 (1967)
    • NHIndustries NH90
    • Japan:
    • Mitsubishi H-60 (1987)
    • Poland:
    • PZL W-3 Sokół (1979)
    • Romania:
    • IAR 330M (1975)
    • United Kingdom:
    • Westland Lynx (1971)
    • Westland Scout (1960) RAN
    • Westland Sea King (1969)
    • Westland Wasp (1962)
    • Westland Wessex (1958)
    • Westland Whirlwind (1953)
    • Westland WS-51 Dragonfly (1948)
    • USA:
    • Gyrodyne QH-50 DASH
    • Hiller ROE Rotorcycle (1956)
    • Piasecki HRP Rescuer (1945)
    • Bell UH-1N Twin Huey (1969)
    • SH-2 Seasprite (1959)
    • SH-2G Super Seasprite (1982)
    • CH-53 Sea Stallion (1966)
    • SH-60 Seahawk (1979)
    • Sikorsky S-61R (1959)
    • MH-53E Sea Dragon (1974)
    • ussr:
    • Kamov Ka 20 (1958)
    • Ka-25 "Hormone" (1960)
    • Ka-27 "Helix" (1973)
    • Ka-31 (1987)
    • Ka-35 (2015)
    • Ka-40 (1990)
    • Mil-Mi 2 (1949)
    • Mil Mi-4 (1952)
    Civilian ♆ WW1 US Shipping Board
    MORE !