Charles Martel

13.9

Charles Martel

Cruiser | France | Tier VIII

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price110000 exp

Purchase price8,900,000

Hit Points30,800

Main Battery

203 mm/50 Mle 1931 in a turret3 х 3 pcs.

Rate of Fire5 shots/min.

Reload Time12 sec.

Rotation Speed6 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time30 sec.

Firing Range15.98 km.

Maximum Dispersion143 m.

HE Shell203 mm HE OEA Mle 1927

Maximum HE Shell Damage2,800

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell15 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity850 m./s.

HE Shell Weight123.82 kg.

AP Shell203 mm AP OPf Mle 1936

Maximum AP Shell Damage4,800

Initial AP Shell Velocity820 m./s.

AP Shell Weight134 kg.

Secondary Armament #1

100 mm/45 Mle 1930 on an Mle 1931 mount5 х 2 pcs.

Firing Range7.6 km.

Rate of Fire15 shots/min.

Reload Time4 sec.

HE Shell100 mm HE OEA Mle 1928

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,400

Initial HE Shell Velocity780 m./s.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell6 %

Torpedo Tubes

550 mm tube lance-torpilles2 х 3 pcs.

Rate of Fire0.67 shots/min.

Reload Time90 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

Torpedo550 mm 23DT

Maximum Damage14,833

Torpedo Speed60 knot

Torpedo Range9 km.

AA Defense

100 mm/45 Mle 1930 on an Mle 1931 mount5 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second34

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

20 mm Oerlikon on a Mk.4 mount8 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second28.8

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

37 mm/70 Mle 1935 on an ACAD Mle 1936 mount4 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second48.4

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

40 mm Bofors on a Mk.3 mount4 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second30.4

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed32.5 knot

Turning Circle Radius690 m.

Rudder Shift Time13.8 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range13.27 km.

Air Detectability Range7.16 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

13.9

Charles Martel

Cruiser | France | Tier VIII

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price110000 exp

Purchase price8,900,000

Hit Points38,000

Main Battery

203 mm/55 Mle 1934 in a turret3 х 3 pcs.

Rate of Fire5.45 shots/min.

Reload Time11 sec.

Rotation Speed7 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time25.71 sec.

Firing Range17.58 km.

Maximum Dispersion143 m.

HE ShellIDS_PFPA022_203MM_55_1931_HE

Maximum HE Shell Damage2,800

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell15 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity876 m./s.

HE Shell Weight123.82 kg.

AP Shell203 mm AP OPf Mle 1936

Maximum AP Shell Damage4,900

Initial AP Shell Velocity845 m./s.

AP Shell Weight134 kg.

Secondary Armament #1

100 mm/45 Mle 1930 on an Mle 1931 mount5 х 2 pcs.

Firing Range7.6 km.

Rate of Fire15 shots/min.

Reload Time4 sec.

HE Shell100 mm HE OEA Mle 1928

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,400

Initial HE Shell Velocity780 m./s.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell6 %

Torpedo Tubes

550 mm tube lance-torpilles2 х 3 pcs.

Rate of Fire0.67 shots/min.

Reload Time90 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

Torpedo550 mm 23DT

Maximum Damage14,833

Torpedo Speed60 knot

Torpedo Range9 km.

AA Defense

100 mm/45 Mle 1930 on an Mle 1931 mount5 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second34

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

20 mm Oerlikon on a Mk.4 mount16 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second57.6

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

37 mm/70 Mle 1935 on an ACAD Mle 1936 mount4 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second48.4

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

40 mm Bofors on a Mk.2 mount4 х 4 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second63.6

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed32.5 knot

Turning Circle Radius690 m.

Rudder Shift Time9.8 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range13.27 km.

Air Detectability Range7.16 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

VIII

8,900,000

Charles Martel — French Tier VIII cruiser.

A heavy cruiser project (Project C5A3) designed to rival potential adversaries: new ships of this type that were being built in Germany. The main difference from the previous ships was manifested in the enhancement of the ship's main guns located in triple turrets.

Modules

	Rate of Fire (shots/min)	180° Turn Time (sec)	Maximum Dispersion (m)	Maximum HE Shell Damage (HP)	Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell (%)	Maximum AP Shell Damage (HP)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
203 mm/50 Mle 1931 in a turret	5	30	143	2,800	15	4,800		0	730,000
203 mm/55 Mle 1934 in a turret	5.5	25.7	143	2,800	15	4,900		20,000	1,550,000

	Hit Points (HP)	Armor (mm)	Armor (mm)	Main Turrets (pcs.)	Secondary Gun Turrets (pcs.)	AA Mounts (pcs.)	Torpedo Tubes (pcs.)	Hangar Capacity (pcs.)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Charles Martel (A)	30,800	6	140	3	5	8/4/4/5	2			0	1,000,000
Charles Martel (B)	38,000	6	140	3	5	16	2			28,000	2,100,000

	Rate of Fire (shots/min)	Torpedo Tubes Reload Time (sec)	180° Turn Time (sec)	Maximum Damage (HP)	Torpedo Speed (knot)	Torpedo Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
550 mm 23DT	0.7	90	7.2	14,833	60	9		0	620,000

	IDS_SHIP_PARAM_SUO_INCREASE_DIST (%)	Maximum Firing Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
PCA n° 8 Mle 1		0		0	550,000
PCA n° 8 Mle 2		0		15,000	1,200,000

	Maximum Speed (knot)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Propulsion: 100,000 hp	32.5		0	620,000

Compatible Upgrades

Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Slot 4
Slot 5

Player Opinion

Performance

As a Tier VIII cruiser with quick-turning 203mm turrets, fast shells, and good speed, Charles Martel performs much like a quicker-firing and slightly speedier Mogami (due to her access to the Engine Boost  consumable) with greater main battery range. Captains familiar with her contemporary in the US cruiser line — Baltimore — will be familiar with her main battery arrangement, but should welcome the addition of torpedoes to their arsenal.

The anti-air and turning capabilities are roughly analogous to Mogami, but Martel is slightly superior in both respects. Her shell penetration and HE fire chance are slightly worse, but Martel makes up for it in faster main battery rate of fire. Overall, Charles Martel is a strong ship at Tier VIII that can simply be described as a better Mogami.

Pros:

• Excellent firepower for a heavy cruiser, respectable reload time with good shell damage
• 17.6km main gun range, very high for a cruiser
• Access to 9km torpedoes, useful for kiting or point blank rushes
• Fastest Tier VIII cruiser when Engine Speed Boost is active
• Great maneuverability for a heavy cruiser, with a relatively small turning radius and decent rudder shift time
• Access to Main Battery Reload Booster, dramatically increasing her firepower for a short time

Cons:

• Below average HP pool and mediocre armor protection
• Rudder is prone to incapacitation
• Vulnerable citadel, sits above the waterline
• Mediocre surface detection
• Poor Anti-Air suite, ineffective against even Tier VIII Carriers

Research

Hull (B) should be researched ASAP for a significant health boost and faster rudder shift time. On top of this, Hull (B) is mandatory for researching the next tech tree ship Saint Louis. Then research the upgraded main batteries for slightly faster firing guns. The Fire Control System module is useful, but not necessary if the player wants to quickly move on to Saint Louis.

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades

The following upgrades are recommended for Charles Martel:

Slot 1

• Main Armaments Modification 1

Slot 2

• Engine Room Protection if the player does find their rudder easily incapacitated or
• Engine Boost Modification 1 - Engine boost lasts much longer, letting her stay mobile for significantly longer periods of time

Slot 3

• Aiming Systems Modification 1 - Improved dispersion allows more shells to land on target

Slot 4

• Steering Gears Modification 1 - Useful for offsetting her mediocre rudder shift time OR
• Propulsion Modification 1 - Better if the player often uses the engine to dodge, or if steering gears is taken in Slot 5

Slot 5

• Concealment System Modification 1  (for players looking to go concealment build) or
• Steering Gears Modification 2 (for players that like to kite and dodge shells at longer ranges)

Commander Skills

Last Stand is critical as French cruisers are prone to steering damage.

Recommended Commander Skills
Cost (points)	Attack				Defense
1	Grease the Gears +15% main battery traverse speed.	Swift Fish +5% torpedo speed.	Consumables Specialist −7.5% cooldown time of all Consumables except:  Damage Control Party   Repair Party .	Gun Feeder -40% time to switch shell type.	Incoming Fire Alert Receive a warning of a salvo fired at your ship from more than 4.5km. ★★	Last Stand The ship remains able to move and maneuver - slowly - while the engine or steering gears are incapacitated. ★★
2	Demolition Expert +1% chance of main and secondary HE shells causing a fire. +15% to the fragmentation damage area of HE ordnance fired at submarines.	Fill the Tubes -10% torpedo tubes reload time.	Consumables Enhancements +10% action time of Hydroacoustic Search, Surveillance Radar, Smoke Generator, & Engine Boost. ★★	Eye in the Sky Spotting Aircraft: • +2 charges • -50% cooldown time.	Priority Target The detection indicator will show the number of enemies targeting you with main battery. ★	Focus Fire Training In an active priority AA sector: •  +1.5% (to 5%) immediate damage. •  +25% continuous damage. •  +1 flak burst per salvo. −10% aircraft preparation time. −15% reload time of Airstrike armament..
3	Heavy HE and SAP Shells +10% HE and SAP shell damage. +15% ship detectability guns 149mm and up.	Pack a Punch +15% torpedo damage. +20% secondary battery range..	Adrenaline Rush -0.2% reload time of all armaments per 1% HP lost +0.2% AA continuous damage per 1% HP lost. ★★★	Heavy AP Shells +5% damage for AP shells 190mm and larger.	Superintendent +1 charge to all consumables. ★★	Survivability Expert +450 HP per ship tier. ★★
4	Top Grade Gunner -10% reload time of secondary batteries If enemy ship is spotted within detectability range, -8% reload time of main battery. ★★★	Outnumbered If there are fewer allies than visible enemies within the ship's base main caliber firing range: +8% ship speed -10% main battery dispersion.	Radio Location Shows the direction to the nearest enemy ship. The enemy is alerted that a bearing has been taken..	Inertial Fuse for HE Shells +25% armor penetration of HE shells Base fire chance reduced by half.	Concealment Expert -10% detectability range of the ship. ★★★	AAA & ASW Expert +25% continuous AA and flak damage. +15% damage inflicted by depth charges. While AAA is active: −50% ship consumables reload time..
Key: ★★★ - Extremely Useful      ★★ - Frequently Useful      ★ - Occasionally Useful     No stars - Not Useful

Consumables

Charles Martel can equip the following consumables:

• Slot 1: Damage Control Party 
• Slot 2: Defensive AA Fire  or Hydroacoustic Search 
• Slot 3: Catapult Fighter 
• Slot 4: Engine Boost 
• Slot 5: Main Battery Reload Booster 

Signals

As with other French cruisers, the most recommended signal flags are Victor Lima (), India X-Ray (), and Juliet Charlie (). Victor Lima & India X-Ray increase the fire chance while also increasing chances Martel getting flooding and being detonated, thus Juliet Charlie is used to counter the debuff effect. Sierra Mike () can also be handy for getting around to places, as this increases Martel’s speed to a good 34.1 knots, which can then be increased another 20% by Engine Boost .

Recommended Signal Flags
Combat
Juliet Charlie -100% to the risk of magazine detonation. ★★★	Juliet Yankee Bissotwo -20% to flooding duration.	India Yankee -20% to fire duration.	Hotel Yankee -20% to damage received when ramming the enemy. +50% to damage dealt when ramming the enemy. ★	Victor Lima +1% chance for HE bombs and shells with a caliber above 160mm causing a fire. +0.5% chance for bombs and smaller shells causing a fire. +4% chance of torpedoes causing flooding. ★★★	India X-Ray +1% chance for HE bombs and shells with a caliber above 160mm causing a fire. +0.5% chance for bombs and smaller shells causing a fire. +5% to the risk of your ship's magazine detonating. ★★★
Juliet Whiskey Unaone +15% chance of causing flooding. +5% to the risk of your ship's magazine detonating.	Mike Yankee Soxisix +5% to secondary battery maximum firing range. -5% to maximum dispersion of secondary battery shells. -5% to secondary battery loading time.	November Echo Setteseven +5% continuous AA damage at all ranges. +5% damage from flak bursts. ★★	Sierra Mike +5% to the ship's maximum speed. ★★★	November Foxtrot -5% reload time on all consumables. ★★	India Delta +20% to the amount of HP recovered when Repair Party  is used.
X-Ray Papa Unaone +10% action time of a Smoke Generator .	Sierra Bravo +10% action time of Hydroacoustic Search  -10% reload time of Defensive AA Fire .

Note: Use of the Juliet Charlie signal makes detonation impossible.

Gallery

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Historical Info

The Charles Martel is based off the C5 A3 which was one of the preliminary designs for the unbuilt Saint-Louis-class of heavy cruiser. After the success of the Algérie and the appearance of the German Admiral Hipper-class, French designers, still subject to the tonnage restrictions set by the Washington Naval Treaty, began drawing up plans for a new class of cruiser based on the Algérie in order to replace the aging Duguay-Trouin class. Because of the tonnage restriction, French designers couldn't fit both a heavy secondary armament and aviation facilities,so they created two groups of designs: the "A" group carried aircraft while the "SA" (sans aircraft) traded aircraft for a heavier anti-aircraft and secondary armament. Neither design would be accepted as the Washington Naval Treaty would be abandoned after the outbreak of the Second World War, but the designs would be modified and merged to form the basis for the Saint-Louis class.

The naming conventions of the Marine Nationale are contradictory and annoying, therefore, Wargaming took one of the proposed names for the Saint-Louis class and gave it to the C5 A3.

Historical Inaccuracies

• Charles Martel is actually the name of a pre-dreadnought battleship that was in service with the French Navy from 1897 to 1922. No other ship has inherited the name ever since.
• Hull (B) depicts Charles Martel in a fictional configuration, as if she joined the Allies and was refitted in the United States. However, her anti-aircraft suite does not correspond with any historical refits that were given to other French cruisers. In particular, she retains her four French-built twin 37mm AA guns, when in reality these would've been replaced with either twin or quad 40mm Bofors in accordance with Allied standards.

Historical Gallery

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  C5 A3 design drawing among other designs.

• 

  C5 A3 illustration.

• 

  C5 A3 plans and cross section.

• 

  C5 SA1 illustration. A typical example of an "SA" design.

Video

References

1. Armada: Charles Martel - News - World of Warships
2. Armada: Charles Martel - Armada 2.0 - World of Warships Official Channel - YouTube
3. French Cruisers: 1922-1956 (By John Jordan, Jean Moulin)

Ship Change Log

See here for links to Update notes.

• Available for testing by supertesters in the game starting from Update 0.6.3.
• Introduced in Update 0.6.4.
• Update 0.6.12:
  • Detectability when firing main guns in smoke changed to 8.03 km.
  • Fixed minor visual issues with geometry and textures.
• Update 0.6.13:
  • Fire extinguishing time now 30 s instead of 60 s.
• Update 0.6.15:
  • Added a bonus to the "Congratulatory" permanent camouflage - a 10% discount to the cost of post-battle maintenance.
• Update 0.7.0:
  • Added animation of rotation of the stern mounted radar.
• Update 0.7.3:
  • Fixed effect of engine smoke on Scarab camouflage while using Engine Boost consumable.
• Update 0.7.8:
  • The Main Battery Reload Booster consumable was added.
  • Main battery reload time increased from 10.0 to 11.0 s.
• Update 0.7.9:
  • Minor fixes to geometry and textures.
• Update 0.7.10:
  • The range of the Hydroacoustic Search consumable was unified - 5 km for detecting ships, 3.5 km for detecting torpedoes.
• Update 0.8.5:
  • Credit earnings decreased by 5%.
• Update 0.9.2:
  • Armor thickness was changed: the central section was reinforced from 25 mm to 27 mm.
• Update 0.10.0:
  • The firing range of the secondary battery was increased to 7.6 km.

Ships of France

Cruisers