Pensacola

13.9

Pensacola

Cruiser | U.S.A. | Tier VI

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price33000 exp

Purchase price2,800,000

Hit Points31,200

Main Battery

203 mm/55 Mk.14 on a twin mount2 х 2 / 2 х 3 pcs.

Rate of Fire4 shots/min.

Reload Time15 sec.

Rotation Speed4 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time45 sec.

Firing Range14.25 km.

Maximum Dispersion131 m.

HE Shell203 mm HE/HC Mk25

Maximum HE Shell Damage2,800

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell14 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity823 m./s.

HE Shell Weight118 kg.

AP Shell203 mm AP Mk19

Maximum AP Shell Damage4,600

Initial AP Shell Velocity853 m./s.

AP Shell Weight118 kg.

Secondary Armament #1

127 mm/25 Mk.19 on a Mk.19 mount8 х 1 pcs.

Firing Range4.96 km.

Rate of Fire13.33 shots/min.

Reload Time4.5 sec.

HE Shell127 mm HE/HC Mk36

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,800

Initial HE Shell Velocity657 m./s.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell9 %

AA Defense

127 mm/25 Mk.19 on a Mk.19 mount8 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second58.4

. . . Firing Range4.2 km.

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

. . . Average Damage per Second28.8

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

28 mm Mk.1 on a Mk.2 mount4 х 4 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second9.2

. . . Firing Range2.4 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed32.5 knot

Turning Circle Radius620 m.

Rudder Shift Time9.1 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range13.74 km.

Air Detectability Range6.24 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

13.9

Pensacola

Cruiser | U.S.A. | Tier VI

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price33000 exp

Purchase price2,800,000

Hit Points32,700

Main Battery

203 mm/55 Mk.14 on a twin mount2 х 2 / 2 х 3 pcs.

Rate of Fire4 shots/min.

Reload Time15 sec.

Rotation Speed4 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time45 sec.

Firing Range15.67 km.

Maximum Dispersion131 m.

HE Shell203 mm HE/HC Mk25

Maximum HE Shell Damage2,800

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell14 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity823 m./s.

HE Shell Weight118 kg.

AP Shell203 mm AP Mk19

Maximum AP Shell Damage4,600

Initial AP Shell Velocity853 m./s.

AP Shell Weight118 kg.

Secondary Armament #1

127 mm/25 Mk.19 on a Mk.19 mount8 х 1 pcs.

Firing Range4.96 km.

Rate of Fire13.33 shots/min.

Reload Time4.5 sec.

HE Shell127 mm HE/HC Mk36

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,800

Initial HE Shell Velocity657 m./s.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell9 %

AA Defense

127 mm/25 Mk.19 on a Mk.19 mount8 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second58.4

. . . Firing Range4.2 km.

40 mm/56 Bofors on a Mk.2 mount6 х 4 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second95.4

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

20 mm Oerlikon on a Mk.4 mount17 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second61.2

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed32.5 knot

Turning Circle Radius620 m.

Rudder Shift Time7 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range13.74 km.

Air Detectability Range6.24 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

VI

2,800,000

Pensacola — American Tier VI cruiser.

The first cruisers of the U.S. Navy built in accordance with the guidelines outlined by the Washington Naval Treaty. To ensure sufficient firepower, ten 203 mm guns were distributed among four turrets. Due to the narrow hull, triple-gun turrets were mounted in an elevated position. During World War II, USS Pensacola played a significant role in the Battle of Midway as an escort for aircraft carriers Yorktown and Enterprise. She later participated in the campaign in the Solomon Islands, serving as an escort for aircraft carrier Hornet. During the course of the war, the ship was awarded 13 battle stars.

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/55 Mk.14 on a triple mount/twin mount	4	45	131	2,800	14	4,600		0	225,000

	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 ()
Pensacola (A)	31,200	6	102	2/2	8	8/4/8				0	375,000
Pensacola (B)	32,700	6	102	2/2	8	17/6				9,800	780,000

	IDS_SHIP_PARAM_SUO_INCREASE_DIST (%)	Maximum Firing Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Mk6 mod. 1		0		0	205,000
Mk6 mod. 2		0		5,500	440,000

	Maximum Speed (knot)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Propulsion: 107,000 hp	32.5		0	190,000

Compatible Upgrades

Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Slot 4

Player Opinion

Performance

Warning: The data presented in the AA Defense sidebar section may be incorrect.
Refer to the in-game Port screens for more useful data.

As the first ship in the US heavy cruiser branch, Pensacola serves as a great example to how the rest of her line plays.

Despite her historical reputation, Pensacola is well protected for her tier. Her 25mm bow and stern armor is thick enough to bounce up to 356mm AP shells. A heavily angled Pensacola can prove difficult to kill for battleships. However, any shells that do penetrate her armor will deal significant damage due to her poorly protected citadel. This includes battleships carrying guns larger than 356mm. It is also not uncommon for broadside Pensacolas to die at full health from a battleship salvo. So while Pensacola 's armor is strong when employed properly, she will can die quickly if poorly angled or facing battleships with 380mm or larger guns.

Pensacola has amazing guns for her tier. Her ten 203mm guns and powerful AP rounds can potentially one hit kill vulnerable broadside cruisers, or at least deal significant damage. Unique to US heavy cruisers, her AP rounds can penetrate enemy at angles that would cause normal AP rounds to bounce. Her HE is no slouch either with hard hitting salvos that often lights fires. Though Pensacola has formidable firepower, this comes with a few caveats. Due to her slow turret traverse — as slow as some battleships — it can be very difficult to keep track of targets at closer ranges and react quickly enough to enemies showing broadside. A relatively long reload can also sometimes prevent her from punishing broadsides. Pensacola gun ballistics is a mixed blessing. Though its floaty arcs can make it difficult to hit enemies at longer ranges, it also gives her an easier time when firing over islands and keeping her safe from potential threats.

Pensacola 's AA suite is relatively strong for her tier, proving more capable than most other Tier VI cruisers. While good enough to fend off Tier VI carriers, like other Tier VI ships she will struggle against Tier VIII carriers. Regardless of which carrier she is defending against, Pensacola should use her exceptional maneuverability to dodge or mitigate incoming threats.

Pensacola 's overall maneuverability is excellent. Blessed with a responsive rudder and small turning circle, she can dodge long range incoming fire with a good captain at the helm. Her top speed is average, but enough for her to get to where she is needed.

Arguably the only major disadvantage Pensacola suffers from is her poor surface detection. The lowest surface detection she can achieve is 12.4km, comparable to some battleships such as New Mexico. This can make it difficult for Pensacola to get close to enemy ships or to escape focus fire.

As the first US heavy cruiser available to most players, Pensacola serves as a great introduction to the US heavy cruiser play style. Experience with playing Pensacola will allow players to quickly adjust to her successor ships when progressing up the tech tree. Although they can play like typical long range HE farming cruisers, the US heavy cruisers excel at close range gun fights due to their powerful AP rounds and respectable reload. Ideally Pensacola likes to position on the flanks where her powerful AP salvos can devastate broadside enemy ships. When possible, she should close to within 5-10km of the enemy, using islands or smoke to hide her movements. If she can sneak up to unaware enemies, one good salvo can end the fight before it even begins. Pensacola players should be cautious when fighting battleships. While her 25mm armor will bounce 356mm AP rounds when angled, any larger caliber shell will punch through without issue. Pensacola will also go down quickly if she doesn't properly angle due to her poorly protected citadel. Overall Pensacola is a powerful Tier VI cruiser that doubles as a training vessel for players learning the US heavy cruiser play style.

Pros:

• 25mm armored bow and stern, allowing Pensacola to bounce 14" caliber AP rounds when angled
• Excellent main battery guns; Pensacola boasts good firing angles for all ten guns
• Improved AP rounds, like other US Heavy Cruisers they can penetrate more heavily angled targets compared to other ships
• Powerful broadside salvo, a well aimed AP salvo can kill broadside cruisers in one devastating strike
• Good anti-aircraft armament; lacks the range of American light cruiser counterpart Dallas, but makes up for it with more mid-range power.
• Outstanding maneuverability and handling characteristics.

Cons:

• Vulnerable broadside due to her poorly protected citadel, can take massive damage if not angled properly
• Very slow turret traverse, comparable to battleships in sluggishness.
• Second slowest rate of fire of all Tier VI cruisers, only Admiral Graf Spee has a slower rate of fire.
• Lacks any torpedoes, Pensacola can struggle at very close ranges due to lack of torpedoes
• Poor concealment; has the same base concealment as same tier American battleship New Mexico.

Research

Availability of researchable upgrades for Pensacola is as follows:

• Hull: Upgrade to Hull (B) for slightly more hit points, more anti-air capabilities, and better rudder shift time. Research of this module unlocks progression to New Orleans.
• Gun Fire Control System: Upgrade to Mk6 mod. 2 for an extra 10% range on the main battery.

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades

The recommended upgrades for Pensacola are as follows:

• Slot 1: Main Armaments Modification 1 to reduce the chance of a turret getting knocked out
• Slot 2: Damage Control System Modification 1  to reduce the risk of fires and flooding
• Slot 3: Main Battery Modification 2 to assist with her slow turret traverse.
• Slot 4: Propulsion Modification 1 to improve her acceleration

Commander Skills

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

Pensacola can equip the following consumables:

• Slot 1: Damage Control Party 
• Slot 2: Defensive AA Fire  or Hydroacoustic Search 
• Slot 3: Catapult Fighter 

Signals

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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  In-game render of Pensacola in the MS 5 camouflage. This paint scheme is not in the game.

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  Hull A

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  Hull B

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  Type 16 Pensacola Camo

Historical Info

USS Pensacola, 1930

Construction

Builder: Brooklyn Navy Yard; New York City, New York, USA

Laid down: 27 October 1926

Launched: 25 April 1929

Commissioned: 6 February 1930

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Specifications

9,100 tons displacement, standard

179m length

19.9m beam

4.9m draft

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Machinery

4 × Parsons reduction steam turbines

8 x boilers

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Performance

32.7 knots at 107,000 shaft horsepower

10,000nm at 15kts

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Armor

Main belt: 64-89mm

Upper belt: 102mm

Decks: 25–44mm

Bulkheads: 64mm

Barbettes: 19mm

Turrets: 64mm/38mm/19mm/19mm turret front/roof/side/rear

Conning tower: 32mm

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Armament

Main

Ten (2×3, 2×2) 203 mm/55 caliber guns

Anti-aircraft

Four (4x1) 127mm/25 caliber anti-aircraft guns

Two (2x1) 3-pounder 47 mm saluting guns

Four (2x2) 27.9 mm/75 anti-aircraft guns

Eight (8x1) 20 mm Oerlikon cannons

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Aircraft

4 x floatplanes (Vought O2U Corsairs, OS2U Kingfishers
   or Curtiss SOC Seagulls)

USS Pensacola (CA-24) underway at sea, September 1935.

History

The USS Pensacola (CA-24), originally CL-24, was the lead ship of two 9,100-ton Pensacola-class cruisers. Commissioned in February 1930, she had her first shakedown cruise from Peru to Chile from March to June 1930. She was first sent on an escort mission for a convoy from Pearl Harbor to Manila. However, due to the impending Japanese surprise attack on the convoy and Pearl Harbor, their mission diverted to Brisbane, Australia, whereafter the ship returned to Pearl Harbor. From then on, the ship would see extensive service in the Pacific theatre and eventually receive 13 battle stars for her service.

Design

After the end of the First World War, the U.S. Navy realized a need for a new class of cruisers that would outclass the British Hawkins-class cruisers and can operate in a large area of the Pacific. And as with most other American cruisers, Pensacola was built thrifty: lightly armored and unstable.

Design studies began as early as 1919, but because public opinion was opposed to new armaments, the U.S. Navy was forced to deliberate on seven designs (from light to heavy cruisers) until the Washington Naval Treaty was signed. Eventually, a design was founded in November 1923 and finalized in March 1925 that would become the Pensacola class.

Service

USS Pensacola’s first assignment in WWII was to join Task Force 11, which was centered around the USS Lexington (CV-2). She was to screen for the carrier during an offensive patrol in Coral Sea until Task Force 17, centered around USS Yorktown (CV-5), joined them on 6 March 1942. Then, after the combined fleet launched a surprise attack on the Japanese at Salamaua and Lae on 10 March, Pensacola was reassigned to TF 17 and continued patrols before returning to Pearl Harbor on 21 April 1942. On 28 May, Pensacola left as part of TF 17 with USS Enterprise (CV-6) and regroup at Midway Island. During the Battle of Midway, the Pensacola helped defend Yorktown and shared in the downing of four Japanese torpedo bombers. Alas, Yorktown was critically damaged during the attack and thus abandoned. After the battle, the Pensacola joined Enterprise in the pursuit of the retreating Japanese fleet. She would later on be present at the battles of Santa Cruz Islands, Guadalcanal, and Tassafaronga, mainly to screen for carriers. For her actions during the war, she earned a nickname among the Japanese as the "Grey Ghost".

Pensacola did not have a significant post-war career. She would be used mainly as a transport for 200 men from Iwo Jima to California in November 1945 and 700 men from Guam to San Diego from December 1945 to January 1946. Afterwards, she became a target test for atomic bombs at the Bikini Atoll on July 1 and July 25 1946. She survived both tests and was taken to Kwajalein to be decommissioned on 26 August 1946 and studied, before being sunk on 10 November 1948.

Historical Inaccuracies

• The in-game model is actually Salt Lake City. Hull (B) represents the ship after her 1944 refit. The tripod mainmast and searchlight platform behind turret #3 was retained on Salt Lake City, whereas both were replaced by a short tower and smaller platform respectively for Pensacola (as a result of damage received in the Battle of Tassafaronga in November 1942).
• Final refit is also missing. In June 1945, Pensacola had her tall tripod foremast cut down, a quadruple 40mm Bofors gun added at the bow, #1 and #4 turret range finders removed and the starboard catapult removed. The cruiser was also repainted in Measure 21 camouflage, overall Navy Blue (5-N) and dark Deck Blue (20-B) decks.
• Pensacola is depicted in World War II condition; its catapult fighter is in pre-war markings.
• Catapult fighter is a Grumman F3F, which was withdrawn from squadron service by the end of 1941 and was used for training and utility duties until December 1943. No floatplane version of the F3F exists.
• Salt Lake City's early Measure 5 (false bow wave) camouflage is missing.

Historical Gallery

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  USS Pensacola (CA-24) with camouflage Measure 32, Design 14d.

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  Pensacola at anchor.

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  Pensacola is towed out of Puget Sound, Washington, en route to sea for disposal as a target in First Task Fleet exercises, 9 November 1948.

References

1. World War II Database
2. USS Pensacola (CA-24) - Wikipedia
3. Pensacola-class cruiser - Wikipedia
4. Historyofwar.org
5. ibiblio.org
6. Snapp, Ray; Jarman, Eugene; Grantham, Trevor W. 1992 USS Pensacola (CA-24): "The Grey Ghost". Paducah, Ky. : Turner Pub. Co. (confirmation of nickname)

Ship Change Log

See here for links to Update notes.

Testing Changes

• February 24, 2018:
  • Preliminary characteristics (as Salt Lake City).
• March 16, 2018:
  • The 203 mm/55 Mk14 main battery modules were adjusted:
    • The researchable version was removed, leaving only the base version able to be mounted.
  • Detectability was increased from 12.78 to 14.16 km.
• April 17, 2018:
  • 203mm/55 Mk14 main battery guns were replaced with 203mm/50 Mk14 guns, with adjusted ballistics:
    • HE shell velocity was increased from 792 to 823 m/s.
    • AP shell velocity was increased from 792 to 853 m/s.
    • Maximum AP shell damage was increased from 4,500 to 4,600.

• Added to the game in Update 0.1.3 (alpha version).
• Update 0.5.1:
  • The number of charges of the "Catapult fighter I" / "Spotting aircraft I" consumable was increased to 4 ( "Catapult fighter II" / " Spotting aircraft II" - up to 5).
  • 203 mm AP shells' ricochet angles improved from 45 - 60 degrees to 60 - 67.5 degrees.
• Update 0.5.2:
  • Number of guns on Hull A was increased from 8 to 10.
  • Experience earnings increased by 5 %.
  • Credit earnings increased by 4 %.
• Update 0.5.5:
  • The armor of the turrets and the hull was increased from 5 to 6 mm.
• Update 0.5.8:
  • The armored model of the hull was refined.
• Update 0.5.9:
  • Armor model fixed: the barbette of the first main-battery turret was extended to the magazine deck.
• Update 0.5.15:
  • Air defense mounts were added to the main hull. Close range aura damage (2 km) changed from 54 to 61.
  • Due to the above, the position of the camera on the guns was adjusted. The cameras are now slightly raised.
• Update 0.6.7:
  • To distribute HP points evenly over the ship's hull in the stock configuration, the number of HP points in the stern was increased by 22%. The change did not affect the total HP of the ship.
• Update 0.6.8:
  • Improved appearance with the use of a special technology for rendering thin elements (mainly rigging).
• Update 0.6.12:
  • Detectability when firing main guns in smoke changed to 7.32 km.
  • Fixed minor visual issues with geometry and textures.
• Update 0.6.13:
  • Fire extinguishing time now 30 s instead of 60 s.
  • The survivability of air defense weapons was tested and brought to a single standard. The change affects 40 mm guns.
• Update 0.6.15:
  • On the permanent camouflage "Type 17", the discount on ship maintenance was increased from 5 to 10 %.
• Update 0.7.5:
  • Pensacola was moved to Tier VI with changes in her characteristics.
• Update 0.7.6:
  • Fixed description in the Port.
• Update 0.7.7:
  • Minor fixes to geometry and textures on the ship and her camouflage.
• Update 0.7.9:
  • Minor fixes to geometry and textures.
• Update 0.7.10:
  • The range of the Hydroacoustic Search consumable was unified - 4 km for detecting ships, 3 km for detecting torpedoes.
• Update 0.9.2:
  • The armor thickness was changed: the central section was increased from 16 to 25 mm.
• Update 0.9.3:
  • Armoring of extremities was increased from 16 to 25 mm.
• Update 0.10.0:
  • The firing range of the secondary battery was increased to 4.95 km.
• Update 13.1:
  • The Thief's Future permanent camouflage was added.
• Update 13.2:
  • Fixed textures for the Thief's Future permanent camouflage.

Ships of U.S.A.

Cruisers