Saint-Louis

For American Tier III cruiser St. Louis, click here.

13.9

Saint-Louis

Cruiser | France | Tier IX

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price165000 exp

Purchase price13,600,000

Hit Points38,800

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 Range16.67 km.

Maximum Dispersion148 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 mount7 х 2 pcs.

Firing Range7.95 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 mount7 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second47.6

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

20 mm Oerlikon on a Mk.4 mount20 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second72

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

40 mm Bofors on a Mk.1 mount12 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second135.6

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed33 knot

Turning Circle Radius720 m.

Rudder Shift Time14.2 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range14.49 km.

Air Detectability Range7.16 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

13.9

Saint-Louis

Cruiser | France | Tier IX

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price165000 exp

Purchase price13,600,000

Hit Points40,900

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 Range18.34 km.

Maximum Dispersion148 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/55 Mle 1945 on a CAD Mle 1945 mount7 х 2 pcs.

Firing Range7.95 km.

Rate of Fire20 shots/min.

Reload Time3 sec.

HE Shell100 mm HE OEA Mle 1945

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,400

Initial HE Shell Velocity855 m./s.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell5 %

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/55 Mle 1945 on a CAD Mle 1945 mount7 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second103.6

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

20 mm Oerlikon on a Mk.4 mount12 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second43.2

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

20 mm Oerlikon on a Mk.24 mount8 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second48.8

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

40 mm Bofors on a Mk.1 mount8 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second90.4

. . . 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 Speed33 knot

Turning Circle Radius720 m.

Rudder Shift Time10.2 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range14.49 km.

Air Detectability Range7.16 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

IX

13,600,000

Saint-Louis — French Tier IX cruiser.

A heavy cruiser project included in the last shipbuilding program during wartime. The ship was equal to ships of the preceding project but the absence of treaty restrictions allowed her to have a larger displacement and reinforced AA capabilities.

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 Mle 1934 in a turret	5.5	25.7	148	3,000	17	4,900		0	1,100,000

	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 ()
Saint-Louis (A)	38,800	6	140	3	7	20/12/7	2			0	1,450,000
Saint-Louis (B)	40,900	6	140	3	7	12/8/8/4/7	2			40,500	3,020,000

	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	800,000

	IDS_SHIP_PARAM_SUO_INCREASE_DIST (%)	Maximum Firing Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
PCA n° 9 Mle 1		0		0	980,000
PCA n° 9 Mle 2		0		24,000	2,000,000

	Maximum Speed (knot)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Propulsion: 120,000 hp	33		0	900,000

Compatible Upgrades

Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Slot 4
Slot 5
Slot 6

Player Opinion

Performance

Saint-Louis is a strong Tier IX cruiser. She is a direct upgrade in nearly all respects from Charles Martel.

She keeps the 3x3 203mm main armament that is a feature of the previous French heavy cruisers. Firepower is similar to the Charles Martel, improving on the already excellent range and gaining the option to improve the rate of fire using the new, final upgrade slot.

Most improvements, however, are defensive. While her rudder shift and turning radius are a little poorer than her predecessor, Saint-Louis does pick up half a knot of speed, 2,900 more hit points, and most crucially, a Repair Party, allowing her to play more aggressively with the promise of being able to recover some health later.

Her anti-aircraft armament is also considerably reinforced; though not on the level of ships like Neptune. Notably, her long-range AA is fairly weak with but three flak bursts per salvo of her 100mm batteries, and only modest burst damage. The 'Expert AA Marksman' skill can help, as can mounting Defensive AA Fire  and Auxiliary Armaments Modification 2 together. Fortunately, her medium and short range AA batteries are somewhat stronger.

The French cruisers' special consumable, the Engine Boost  consumable, may seem underwhelming at first, but it can become a very useful tool. With Engine Boost activated, Saint-Louis can juke back and forth very rapidly, dodging incoming shells and frustrating enemy ships. Peeking in and out of cover to take shots with Engine Boost active means that Saint-Louis spends as little time as possible vulnerable to the enemy while still being able to do tons of damage. This is further exemplified with the addition of her last consumable, the Main Battery Reload Booster , which cuts the reload of her main guns in half to allow for rapid dispensing of damage when enemies least expect it.

However, there is one major weakness with Saint-Louis. The armor, like the rest of the French cruisers, is poor. Saint-Louis requires the player to keep attention to the enemy ships at all times, and the slightest of mistakes in positioning may be heavily punished with multiple citadels. Saint-Louis has a fairly high citadel, so any broadside presented may be the last broadside presented in the battle. This ship has most of her guns towards the front, keeping 2/3 of her firepower when bow-on, but she will still take massive damage from battleship Armor Piercing shells while bow-on. Saint-Louis will not last long under sustained heavy fire, so positioning and knowing when to engage in fights is of utmost importance.

Pros:

• Decently fast for a cruiser of her tier, and with the Engine Boost  consumable this ship is super nimble.
• Good shell velocity and shell trajectory, along with an incredible 18.3km firing range.
• Superb torpedo angles.
• The Main Battery Reload Booster  can allow her guns to set multiple fires with High Explosive or Devastate enemy broadsides with Armor Piercing if given the opportunity.

Cons:

• As with the rest of the French cruiser line, Saint-Louis has sub-par armor and cannot be relied upon.
• Torpedoes are an emergency weapon at best, as she can only launch 3 torpedoes from each side of the ship.
• Anti-aircraft (AA) suite is decent at best.
• Concealment is mediocre, which is hazardous since she relies on her range to avoid enemy retaliation and makes it difficult to disengage when needed.

Research

Research Hull (B) first, then research the upgraded Gun Fire Control System. Then start saving up for Henri IV.

Optimal Configuration

A full AA build is possible, and may prove desirable for escort duties when situations dictate regular encounters with carrier squadrons.

Upgrades

For Upgrade Slot 1, take Main Armaments Modification 1 . This helps prevent main battery and torpedo tube incapacitations.

For Upgrade Slot 2, take Engine Room Protection . However, if the player has the special Engine Boost Modification 1 , mount that instead. This modification takes the French cruisers' specialty, the Engine Boost consumable, and increases its duration by +40%.

For Upgrade Slot 3, take Main Battery Modification 2 . Saint-Louis' will be moving among the battlefield a lot, and improving her turret traverse will allow her guns to have an easier time staying on target as she makes evasive maneuvers.

For Upgrade Slot 4, take Steering Gears Modification 1 to decrease rudder shift time. Propulsion Modification 1 is also a possibility for players who want to make the most out of the Engine Boost and give the ship incredible acceleration.

For Upgrade Slot 5, take Concealment System Modification 1 . The additional stealth is necessary for a lightly armored cruiser and will aid in getting to positions without getting spotted. Alternatively, Steering Gears Modification 2 can be used for maximum maneuverability.

For Upgrade Slot 6, there are several different modules to take depending on ship build. Main Battery Modification 3 significantly helps to decrease reload time, cutting over 1 second off reload time. Alternatively, Gun Fire Control System Modification 2 may be taken for players who prefer to engage from long ranges.

Commander Skills

Last Stand is critical to protect the Engine and Steering, especially if Engine Room Protection is not taken in Upgrade Slot 2.

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

Saint-Louis can equip the following consumables:

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

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

• 
• 

  Saint-Louis shoots down Shokaku planes.

• 

  A Fletcher is gunned down by Saint-Louis.

Historical Info

The Saint-Louis class was an un-built class of heavy cruiser drawn up on the eve of World War II and was the last heavy cruiser designed for the Marine Nationale. Previously known as the "C5" cruiser, the Saint-Louis class was conceived in 1939 as a replacement to the aging Duguay-Trouin class, and was based off of the previous Algérie class. Due to the expiration of the Washington Naval Treaty, French designers were no longer limited by the treaty's 10,000 ton maximum displacement limit so they were able to design a ship that was larger, faster, better protected, and, through the introduction of a semi-automatic loading system, much more heavily armed. In the end, the final design exceeded her predecessor's size considerably: weighing in at 15,000 tons normally, and nearly 19,000 tons at full load. The design was approved and accepted by the navy on 1 April 1940.

Six ships were planned to be built in two, three ship batches. The first batch was to be in service by 1944 to coincide with the planned retirement of the Duguay-Trouin class while the second batch would have entered service by 1946. Contrary to almost every other un-built warship class, all six members of the Saint-Louis class received names in advance of construction. The names and planned construction dates were as follows:

• Saint-Louis would have been laid down at Arsenal de Lorient in September 1941, launched in January 1943, and in service by January 1944.

• Henri IV would have been laid down at Ateliers et Chantiers de France in Dunkerque in November 1941, launched in March 1943, and in service by March 1944.

• Charlemagne would have been laid down at Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre (ACH) in December 1941, launched in May 1943, and in service by June 1944.

• Brennus would have been laid down at Arsenal de Lorient in March 1944, launched in May 1945, and in service by June 1946.

• Charles Martel would have been laid down at Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre (ACH) in May 1944, launched in July 1945, and in service by September 1946.

• Vercingétorix would have been laid down at Ateliers et Chantiers de France in Dunkerque in September 1944, launched in October 1945, and in service by December 1946.

In the end, the invasion of France by Nazi Germany stopped all discussion about the class, and the subsequent occupation of France resulted in the project's abandonment.

Historical Gallery

• 

  Illustration of Saint-Louis.

References

1. Saint-Louis-class cruiser - Wikipedia

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 0.6.9:
  • Improved ship geometry.
• Update 0.6.12:
  • Detectability when firing main guns in smoke changed to 9.13 km.
  • Fixed minor visual flaws in geometry and textures.
  • A spare aircraft is now displayed on deck in Port.
  • The detection distance of the Breguet Br.790 carrier-based aircraft was brought to the correct value. Air detection is now 7 km, surface detection now to 8 km.
• Update 0.6.13:
  • Fire extinguishing time now 30 s instead of 60 s.
• 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 0.7.10:
  • 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 0.8.8:
  • Fixed a bug due to which the view range could be less than the firing range.
• Update 0.9.2:
  • Armor thickness changed: the central section was reinforced from 25 mm to 27 mm.
• Update 0.9.7:
  • Spotting Aircraft consumable added to the stock hull.
• Update 0.10.0:
  • The firing range of the secondary battery was increased to 7.95 km.
• Update 13.7:
  • Maximum HE shell damage increased from 2,800 to 3,000.
  • HE shell fire chance increased from 15% to 17%.

Ships of France

Cruisers