Serov

13.9

Serov

Aircraft Carrier | U.S.S.R. | Tier VI

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price40000 exp

Purchase price4,500,000

Hit Points38,600

Secondary Armament #1

85 mm/52 Model 1939 on a 92-K mount8 х 2 pcs.

Firing Range5 km.

Rate of Fire15 shots/min.

Reload Time4 sec.

HE Shell85 mm HE O-365M

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,200

Initial HE Shell Velocity792 m./s.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell4 %

AA Defense

85 mm/52 Model 1939 on a 92-K mount8 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second30.4

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

12.7 mm DShK on a turret mount20 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second72

. . . Firing Range1.2 km.

37 mm V-11 mount4 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second36.8

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed35.5 knot

Turning Circle Radius880 m.

Rudder Shift Time13.3 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range11.96 km.

Air Detectability Range8.21 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

13.9

Serov

Aircraft Carrier | U.S.S.R. | Tier VI

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price40000 exp

Purchase price4,500,000

Hit Points39,500

Secondary Armament #1

100 mm/56 on a B-54 mount8 х 2 pcs.

Firing Range5 km.

Rate of Fire16 shots/min.

Reload Time3.75 sec.

HE ShellHE-56

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,400

Initial HE Shell Velocity895 m./s.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell6 %

AA Defense

100 mm/56 on a B-54 mount8 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second79.2

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

12.7 mm DShK on a DShKM-2B mount20 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second102

. . . Firing Range1.2 km.

37 mm 46-K mount4 х 4 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second48.8

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed35.5 knot

Turning Circle Radius880 m.

Rudder Shift Time9.5 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range11.96 km.

Air Detectability Range8.21 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

VI

4,500,000

Serov — Soviet Tier VI aircraft сarrier.

A light fleet carrier design based on the hull of the Project 68 cruiser that was developed in the U.S.S.R in the late 1930s (Project 71).

First available in early access with Update 0.10.8.

Modules

	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 ()
Serov (A)	38,600	10	120		8	20/4/8				0	400,000
Serov (B)	39,500	10	120		8	20/4/8				10,000	1,100,000

	Speed (knot)	IDS_SHIP_PARAM_SQUADRON_MED_DAMAGE (HP/min)	IDS_SHIP_PARAM_SQUADRON_AMMO_AMOUNT	Hit Points (HP)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Polikarpov I-153	136			830		0	300,000
Polikarpov I-180	149			830		7,000	750,000

	Maximum Torpedo Damage (HP)	Speed (knot)	Hit Points (HP)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Polikarpov R-5T	3,833	99	1,280		0	300,000
Grokhovsky G-37	3,833	108	1,340		7,000	750,000

	Maximum Bomb Damage (HP)	Speed (knot)	Hit Points (HP)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()

	Maximum Speed (knot)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Propulsion: 124,600 hp	35.5		0	250,000

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.

Serov, like other aircraft carriers in the Soviet tech tree, plays differently from the other aircraft carriers with the unique trait of attacking with all aircrafts in squadron at once. Making its potential alpha-damage very high. Like the other Soviet carriers, the hangar of Serov has the capacity to carry several squadrons of aircraft. The tradeoff comes with the lowest aircraft HP in the tier, and the attacking pattern means that each aircraft loses is a damage loss due to the generally low plane restoration time. While the survivability of the planes is bolstered by the fact that they will not need to spend so much time in the AA fire of enemy ships, the dodging of flak bullets is quintessential to prevent the squadron from being entirely destroyed, especially since the squadron has very few total hitpoints. Captains of Serov will be rewarded for using the right armament on the right target for maximum efficiency. While attacking targets with high antiaircraft firepower or those that have the AA support of multiple other ships will not affect the CV player as much, the issue is more of having the awareness of which ships need to be destroyed and how best to do so. It is important for each strike to have the maximum efficiency as Serov's plane cruise speed is quite slow. It is more important to support the team with well-placed airstrikes on essential targets only than to farm damage off battleships or isolated ships. Serov also has the fastest ship speed for aircraft carriers in its tier, making positioning and repositioning easier. A well positioned player could mitigate the disadvantage of low aircraft speed and the inability to attack a certain time to cause permafires or floods on enemies. Players still need to be careful since the ship has more than 12 km. base detection range. Use of island cover can be helpful.

Attack Aircraft

Attack Aircraft have very small HP pool and slow speed, but the reticle is located further away than most other attack aircraft due to angle of attack. Taking advantage of that, Serov's planes can strike before entering the more powerful close-range AA range of enemies. Captains just need to take note of the large arming distance when emerging from behind islands or using islands as AA cover. The rockets are effective against all classes with high damage, fire chance and penetration of 37 mm. However, the large horizontal dispersion of the rockets need a careful approach on angle of attack for full damage potential. Using islands as cover can be very useful at times to prevent the enemy anticipating the attack and changing course.

Torpedo Bombers

The torpedo bombers also have the trait of small HP pool and slow speed, moreover, its torpedo has the lowest damage compared to other carriers in the tier. While the torpedo has a moderate speed of 41 knots and high damage when attacking with a full squadron, it’s recommended to use against targets with low maneuverability and poorer speed to maximize damage potential. Attacking targets from behind islands may not always be useful because of the long torpedo arming distance.

Skip bombers

Unique from other carriers at tier VI, Serov has access to skip bombers instead of traditional dive bombers, whose attack pattern differs greatly. The skip bombers attack is similar to torpedo bombers as it’s the most effective to attack from broadside to maximize hit chance. The bomb has more than 32mm penetration, which is able to deal with most ships plating in its tier, and can even penetrate extremities of T8 battleships when up-tiered. Though, it has moderate 6,100 damage per bomb. The damage over time is also a powerful weapon with 35% fire chance per bomb; it is possible to land two or more fires on the same drop. However, the accuracy can occasionally fail even the best-aimed of drops.

Overall, Serov is a strong tier VI CV with high damage output. However, she has a weakness of slow aircraft speed for attacking the same target to apply damage over time. And with only one chance to attack per squadron, a missed attack will be the waste of a good opportunity and a waste of precious time. However, her characteristic of needing only one strike to drop all ordnance makes Serov highly forgiving towards those who are not as adept at target selection and situational awareness.

Experienced players with good target selection, good attack run aiming and good positioning will be rewarded highly, while beginners will at least, to some extent, be able to utilize this ship to contribute to the team. This is a ship with a low skill floor and high skill ceiling, making her able to fit those of all skill levels. She can be fun and comfortable to play in (but not always to play against).

Pros:

• Good speed and maneuverability allow her to position and reposition quickly.
• Great alpha strike damage with a full squadron attacking at once.
• Skip bombers and rockets can attack from further range, reducing AA damage.
• Skip bombers have very high fire chance.
• Powerful rockets with accuracy, penetration, and damage that are effective against most classes (except destroyers).
• Slightly larger hangar size compared to other carriers in the same tier.
• Comfortable for captains of any skill level to play in.

Cons:

• Slow aircraft speed.
• Very low HP per aircraft, lowest in tier VI.
• Weak individual armament damage, need to land multiple hits in order to deal high damage.
• Each plane loss is a blow to the overall effectiveness of this carrier and cannot be quickly replaced due to long plane restoration time.
• Anemic AA firepower. Watch out for CV snipes; move with the team.
• Playing her can occasionally result in your getting reported by several members of the enemy team due to sheer frustration.

Research

Availability of researchable upgrades for Serov is as follows:

• Hull: Upgrade to Hull (B) for a significant improvement in AA.
• Torpedo Bombers - Grokhovsky G-37 for better speed, a few more HP.
• Attack Aircraft - Polikarpov I-180 for better speed, but double the rocket loadout.
• Skip Bombers - Kochyerigin BSh-1 for better speed.

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades

The recommended upgrades for Serov should be focused as much as possible on the torpedo bombers due to them having the largest alpha damage and are as follows:

• Slot 1: There is only one reasonable choice: Air Groups Modification 1 for faster plane return.
• Slot 2: For the same reason, mount Aircraft Engines Modification 1 for higher speed.
• Slot 3: Aerial Torpedoes Modification 1 will help for faster torpedoes; however keep in mind that the arming distance will also increase slightly.
• Slot 4: Bombers Modification 1 for a larger HP pool. Alternatively Torpedo Bombers Modification 2 or Attack Aircraft Modification 2 could be used, depending on captains' preference and/or play style.

Commander Skills

With Serov low plane speed and HP pool, emphasis should be on skills that boost plane survivability and speed. The first 10 points should be spent on Air Supremacy, Improved Engines, Aircraft Armor (or Survivability Expert if it suits the captain's playstyle) and Enhanced Aircraft Armor to partially mitigate flak. Then, Bomber Flight Control or Proximity Fuse may be taken depending on the captain's preference for skip or torpedo bombers, followed by Sight Stabilization or Demolition Expert (based on captain's preference) and Torpedo Bomber (or Swift Fish if the Aerial Torpedoes Modification 1 upgrade was not mounted). Captains with 21-point commanders can take both Bomber Flight Control and Proximity Fuse instead of Torpedo Bomber or Swift Fish.

Recommended Commander Skills
Cost (points)	Attack			Defense		Support
1	Last Gasp Completely restores engine boost for the last attack squadron.	Improved Engine Boost +10% Aircraft engine boost time. ★★	Engine Techie -20% Engine Cooling cooldown time.	Air Supremacy -5% aircraft restoration time. ★★★	Direction Center for Fighters +1 fighter to CAP squadrons.	Search and Destroy +10% to action radius of Patrol Fighter and Interceptor squadrons.
2	Torpedo Bomber -10% torpedo arming distance. ★★	Swift Fish +5% to torpedo speed. ★	Improved Engines +2.5% aircraft squadron speed. ★★★	Repair Specialist +1 In-flight Repair consumable +10% its action time.	Secondary Armament Expert +10% flak and continuous damage -10% secondary battery reload time.	Patrol Group Leader +1 fighter to Patrol Fighter or Interceptor squadrons.
3	Sight Stabilization +7.5% aiming speed. ★★	Enhanced Armor-Piercing Ammunition +3% damage from AP bombs and rockets.	Pyrotechnician +1% chance of HE rockets causing a fire. +5% chance of HE bombs causing a fire. ★★	Aircraft Armor -10% continuous AA damage while in an aura. ★★★	Survivability Expert +25 aircraft HP per ship tier. ★★	Interceptor Interceptors replace Patrol Fighters:  +10% action radius.  Invulnerable to fighters.  Cannot attack fighters.  Cannot spot ships.
4	Bomber Flight Control +5% speed all bomber types. ★★	Proximity Fuze -10% (absolute) to target's torpedo protection. ★★	Close Quarters Expert Secondary batteries: +20% range -30% dispersion.	Enhanced Aircraft Armor -25% damage from flak. ★★★	Hidden Menace -15% ship detectability range. -20% Damage Control Party cooldown. +50% aircraft return time.	Enhanced Reactions -80% time before activated Patrol Fighters or Interceptors attack. +25% action time. +50% cooldown time.
Key: ★★★ - Extremely Useful      ★★ - Frequently Useful      ★ - Occasionally Useful     No stars - Not Useful

Consumables

The consumables available for the ship and each plane type for Serov are the same as most other T6 CVs and are as follows:

Ship

• Slot 1: Damage Control Party 
• Slot 2: CAP Fighter  [4]

Attack Aircraft

• Slot 1: Engine Cooling  [2]
• Slot 2: Patrol Fighter  [3]

Torpedo Bombers

• Slot 1: Engine Cooling  [2]
• Slot 2: Patrol Fighter  [3]

Skip Bombers

• Slot 1: Engine Cooling  [2]
• Slot 2: Patrol Fighter  [3]

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

Historical Gallery

References

Ship Change Log

See here for links to Update notes.

• Available for testing by supertesters in the game starting from Update 0.10.6.

Testing Changes

• DevBlog 166:
  • Preliminary characteristics.
• DevBlog 171:
  • Fixed an error that caused stock torpedo bombers and skip bombers to be more effective than the researchable ones:
    • Stock torpedo bombers:
      • Hitpoints increased from 1,220 to 1,280.
      • Cruise speed decreased from 108 to 99 knots.
    • Stock skip bombers:
      • Hitpoints decreased from 1,710 to 1,140.
    • Researchable torpedo bombers:
      • Hitpoints increased from 1,220 to 1,340.
      • Cruise speed increased from 87 to 108 knots.
      • Aircraft restoration time increased from 67 to 68 s.
  • Attack preparation time for attack aircraft decreased from 2.5 to 2.2 s.
  • Squadron takeoff time decreased.
• DevBlog 178:
  • Increased bomb dispersion for the first 2 bounces (less accurate), decreased the bomb dispersion for further bounces (more accurate).
  • Torpedo arming distance of researchable torpedo bombers decreased from 771 to 661 m.
• DevBlog 179:
  • Flight altitude of skip bombers was lowered.
  • Removed the Repair consumable from all squadrons.
  • Changed the parameters of attack aircraft rockets:
    • Maximum damage increased from 2,150 to 2,800.
    • Armor penetration increased from 26.1 to 37 mm.
    • Chance to cause fire increased from 8% to 12%.
    • Machine gun action time of stock attack aircraft increased from 2.4 to 3.35 s.
    • Machine gun action time of researchable attack aircraft increased from 2.44 to 3.4 s.
  • Number of aircraft on deck increased from 12 to 15.
• DevBlog 187:
  • Torpedo Bomber parameters changed:
    • Size of Attacking Flight decreased from 6 to 5.
    • Number of Aircraft on Deck decreased from 15 to 13.
    • Stock Torpedo Bomber Restoration time increased from 57 to 68 s.
    • Researchable Torpedo Bomber Restoration time increased from 68 to 82 s.

• Update 0.10.8:
  • Available in the Armory from sequential bundles purchased with Soviet Tokens.
• Introduced into the game as a researchable ship in Update 0.10.10.
• Update 0.10.10:
  • Minor fixes to geometry and textures of the ship.
• Update 0.10.11:
  • Fixed model and textures of the ship.

Ships of U.S.S.R.

Aircraft Carriers