Taranto

0.9.1

Taranto

Cruiser | Italy | Tier III

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price2000 exp

Purchase price270,000

Hit Points17,600

Main Battery

150 mm/45 SK L/457 х 1 pcs.

Rate of Fire5 shots/min.

Reload Time12 sec.

Rotation Speed7 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time25.71 sec.

Firing Range10.34 km.

Maximum Dispersion104 m.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell0 %

AP Shell150 mm P.Spr.Gr. L/3.7

Maximum AP Shell Damage3,700

Initial AP Shell Velocity835 m./s.

AP Shell Weight45.3 kg.

AA Defense

88 mm/45 SK L452 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second3.4

. . . Firing Range3.99 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed28.2 knot

Turning Circle Radius450 m.

Rudder Shift Time8 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range9.36 km.

Air Detectability Range5.11 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

0.9.1

Taranto

Cruiser | Italy | Tier III

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price2000 exp

Purchase price270,000

Hit Points19,600

Main Battery

150 mm/45 SK L/457 х 1 pcs.

Rate of Fire5 shots/min.

Reload Time12 sec.

Rotation Speed7 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time25.71 sec.

Firing Range11.37 km.

Maximum Dispersion104 m.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell0 %

AP Shell150 mm P.Spr.Gr. L/3.7

Maximum AP Shell Damage3,700

Initial AP Shell Velocity835 m./s.

AP Shell Weight45.3 kg.

Torpedo Tubes

533 mm tubo lanciasiluri DAAN-Whitehead1 х 2 / 1 х 2 pcs.

Rate of Fire1.28 shots/min.

Reload Time47 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

Torpedo533 mm Si 270 G

Maximum Damage9,067

Torpedo Speed51 knot

Torpedo Range8.01 km.

AA Defense

76/40 Ansaldo 19172 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second4.2

. . . Firing Range3 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed28.2 knot

Turning Circle Radius450 m.

Rudder Shift Time5.7 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range9.36 km.

Air Detectability Range5.11 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

III

270,000

Taranto — Italian Tier III cruiser.

A light cruiser built for the German Navy and transferred to the Royal Navy of Italy after World War I. In addition to the 150 mm main guns, the ship was armed with two single-tube torpedo launchers.

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 ()
150 mm/45 SK L/45	5	25.71	104			3,700		0	28,000

	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 ()
Taranto (A)	17,600	6	100	7		2	2	0		0	40,000
Taranto (B)	19,600	6	100	7		2	2	0		900	90,000

	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 ()
500 mm G7/533 mm Si 270 G	2.9	47	7.2	9,066	51	8		0	22,000

	Firing Range Increase (%)	Maximum Firing Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
SDT 3 mod.1	0	10.3		0	21,000
SDT 3 mod.2	10	11.4		450	40,000

	Maximum Speed (knot)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Propulsion: 33,742 hp	28.2		0	18,000

Compatible Upgrades

Slot 1
Slot 2

Player Opinion

Pros:

Cons:

• High shell arcs

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades

The recommended upgrades for Taranto are as follows:

• Slot 1: Main Armaments Modification 1 ()
• Slot 2: Steering Gears Modification 1 ()

Commander Skills

Recommended Commander Skills
Cost (points)	Endurance		Attack		Support		Versatility
1	Priority Target Situational Awareness indicator will show the number of opponents currently aiming at you with main battery guns. ★★★	Preventative Maintenance -30% to the risk of incapacitation of main turrets, torpedo tubes, steering gear, engines.	Expert Loader -50% to reload time when shell type is switched.	Air Supremacy -5% aircraft restoration time. Χ	Direction Center for Fighters +1 fighter to carrier fighter squadrons or catapult fighters. Χ	Improved Engine Boost +10% Aircraft engine boost time. Χ	Incoming Fire Alert Indicator of long-range enemy artillery fire.	Last Gasp Completely restores the engine boost for the last attack flight of the carrier's planes. Χ
2	High Alert -10% to reload time of Damage Control Party consumable.	Jack of All Trades -5% to reload time of all consumables. Χ	Expert Marksman +2.5 deg/sec to traverse speed of guns with a caliber up to 139mm. +0.7 deg/sec to traverse speed of guns with a caliber above 139mm.	Torpedo Acceleration +5 knots to torpedo speed. -20% to torpedo range.	Smoke Screen Expert +20% to the radius of the smoke screen. Χ	Improved Engines +2.5% Squadron speed. Χ	Adrenaline Rush -0.2% to reload times of all types of armament for each 1% of total health lost. +0.2% squadron speed for each 1% of total health lost. ★★★	Last Stand The ship remains able to move and maneuver while the engine or steering gears are incapacitated.
3	Basics of Survivability -15% to time of repair, fire extinguishing, and recovery from flooding.	Survivability Expert +350 ship HP for each ship tier. +15 aircraft HP for each ship tier.	Torpedo Armament Expertise -10% to reload time of torpedo tubes.	Aircraft Armor Reduces continuous damage to aircraft in all AA defense zones. -10% continuous damage. Χ	Basic Firing Training -10% to reload time of main battery guns with a caliber up to and including 139mm and all secondary battery guns. +10% to continuous damage from AA guns.	Superintendent +1 additional charge to all consumables mounted on a ship. Χ	Demolition Expert +2% chance of HE shells causing a fire on target. +1% chance of rockets causing a fire on target. +5% chance of HE bombs causing a fire on target. Χ	Vigilance +25% to detection range of enemy torpedoes.
4	Manual Fire Control for Secondary Armament Tightens dispersion of secondary batteries. -15% for Tier I-VI ships. -60% for Tier VII-X ships. Manually selected target only. Χ	Fire Prevention -10% to the risk of fire. The maximum number of fires on a ship is reduced to three.	Inertia Fuse for HE Shells +30% to the armor penetration of HE shells. -1% chance of fire caused by shells <=139mm. -3% chance of fire caused by shells >139mm. Χ	Sight Stabilization Speeds up the aiming of a carrier's aircraft. +7.5% attack aircraft and torpedo bomber aiming speed. +15% dive bomber aiming speed. Χ	Advanced Firing Training +20% to firing range of main battery guns with a caliber up to 139mm and all secondary battery guns. +15% AA flak burst damage.	Massive AA Fire +100% instantaneous damage. No boost to continuous damage in a reinforced sector. Shorter effective cooldown.	Radio Position Finding Shows the direction to the nearest enemy ship. The enemy is alerted that a bearing has been taken.	Concealment Expert -10% to the detection radius of all ships and aircraft. ★★★
Key: ★★★ - Extremely Useful      ★★ - Frequently Useful      ★ - Occasionally Useful     No stars - Meh      Χ - Not recommended

Consumables

Taranto can equip the following consumable:

• Slot 1: Damage Control Party ()

  Gallery

Historical Info

Taranto, 1925

Construction

Kaiserliche Werft Wilhelmshaven; Wilhelmshaven, Germany

Laid down: March 1910

Launched: 24 August 1911

Commissioned: 9 October 1912

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Specifications

4,570 tons displacement, normal

5,933 tons displacement, full

138.7m length

13.5m beam

5.2m draft (6.0m full load)

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Machinery

Sixteen (16) Schultz-Thornycroft boilers

Two (2) Parsons steam turbines

1,200 tons coal, 106 tons oil

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Performance

27 knots at 25,000 shaft horsepower

5,820 nautical miles at 12 knots

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Armor

Main belt: 60mm

Decks: 40mm deck and 60mm slopes

Gun Sheilds: 50mm

Conning tower: 100mm

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Armament

Main

Seven (7x1) 15cm/45 (149/43) SK C/06

Anti-Aircraft

Two (2x1) 76mm/40 Ansaldo Modello 1917

Torpedoes

Four (2x1 + 2) 500mm torpedo tubes

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Aircraft Facilities

One (1) Catapults

Aircraft

One (1) CANT 24R reconnaissance floatplane

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Complement

461 (15 officers and 446 sailors)

History

Design

Taranto, the former Strassburg, was of the German Magdeburg-class light cruisers. Although developed from the previous Kolberg-class, the Magdeburg-class were considerably more advanced, and though of a similar displacement were both faster and much better armored. At 4,564 tons normal load and 5,281 tons fully loaded, was only a few hundred tons heavier than the Kolberg-class (4,362/4,915 tons). However, much less of this was taken up by the hull itself – the Magdeburg-class incorporated a new longitudinal framing method, which proved difficult to master but well worth the effort. The hull could be both longer and slimmer than the prior class, but overall stronger. As a result, the hull shape of these light cruisers was significantly better, also helped by a new bow shape (which overall improved sea-keeping).

For the first time on a German light cruiser, an armor belt was fitted, 60m thick and protected most of the length of the ship. Rather than be mounted on the hull, it was actually built into the hull as part of the ship, contributing to the strength of the hull. Behind the belt, there was a sloped deck as on earlier protected cruisers, with the flat portion being 40mm thick and the slopes 60mm. The deck sloped down to the ship ends, where it was 20mm thick. The conning tower had 100mm thick plating around it, with a 20mm roof. Gun shields were 50mm thick, and ammunition hoists were protected by 20mm plating.

Propulsion power was provided by sixteen Schultz-Thornycroft boilers, coal-powered but with fuel oil sprayers, operating at a pressure of 16kg/cm2. These fed a pair of parson-type steam turbines, and produced a total of 25,000 shp, for a top speed of 27 knots.

As built, the main armament consisted of twelve single 10.5cm/45 SK C/06, which fired 17.4 kg shells to a maximum range of 12,700 meters at a rate of 15 rounds/minute. Six could bear to either broadside. Two 500mm torpedo tubes were fitted underwater, one on each beam. Minelaying capacity allowed for 120 mines. In 1915, Strassburg underwent a modernization that removed all the 10.5cm guns and replaced them with seven of the so-called 15cm/45 SK C/06 (actually a 149/43) in single mounts, which fired a much heavier 45.3 kg shell to a range of 14,900 meters, and at a rate of about 5 r/m. Five could bear to a broadside, so despite the deceased number of guns, the weight of fire was twice what it was before. Additionally, two 8.8cm anti-torpedo boat guns were mounted on the centerline, and a pair of deck-mounted single 500mm torpedo tubes.

In the early 1920s, after being pressed into service with the Regia Marina and re-commissioned as Taranto, the cruiser underwent a number of modifications. Initially the pair of 8.8cm guns were removed, and replaced by a pair of 76mm/40 Modello 1917 AA guns, one on either side of the funnels. In 1926, a seaplane catapult was mounted where the 8.8cm guns had formerly been, for a Macchi M.7 (replaced in 1931 by a CANT 24R. In 1936-1937 Taranto went through a significant refit, where the two fore boilers, and their accompanying funnel, were removed (power was reduced to 13,000 shp, for a top speed of 21 knots), and the torpedoes were removed. A pair of twin Breda 13.2mm heavy machine guns were fitted for anti-air defense. This was her condition upon entry into the Second World War.

Service

Laid down in April 1910 as Strassburg, she was launched on 24 August 1911 and completed on 9 October 1912. On trials, at a light displacement of 4,071 tons, she was able to make 28.2 knots on 33,742 shp, though in service her actual top speed would be about 27 knots.

Though assigned to the High Seas Fleet, her first major task took her overseas, as escort to the Kaiser-class battleships Kaiser and König Albert. The mission, intended to test the reliability of the turbine propulsion system installed on the battleships, departed Germany in December 1913 and visited ports along German West Africa, before crossing the Atlantic for visits along the South American seaboard, including the Pacific side. The trio returned to Germany on 17 June 1914, whereupon Strassburg was re-assigned to the HSF’s reconnaissance forces.

At the outbreak of WWI, she was used for reconnaissance and for backup to reconnaissance forces, and in this manner took part in the Battle of Heligoland Blight of 26 August. During the action she came across the badly damaged British cruiser Arethusa, but was driven off by British destroyers. When she made contact once more in company with the cruiser Cöln, succeeding in damaging three British destroyers, but they were forced to flee at the arrival of British battlecruisers, which ultimately sank Cöln. In December she took part in the Raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool and Whitby, and was able to escape the British via the terrible visibility that day. Next year, she was transferred to the Baltic, but saw little action until 1917. In October, during Operation Albion, she and two other light cruisers acted as covering forces for German minesweepers in the Gulf of Riga, and came under fire from 305mm shore batteries. She later took part in the Battle of Moon Sound, and aided in the bombardment of Kyno. In 1918 she re-joined the High Seas Fleet, as part of IV Scouting Group. In October, as the situation for Germany deteriorated, 45 men (about 10% of the crew) attempted to desert, and had to be captured and returned to their ship. However, then crews from all six cruisers of IV Scouting Group refused to work, which was followed soon after by the Wilhelmshaven and Kiel mutinies.

After WWI, Strassburg was briefly part of the post-war Reichsmarine, before being transferred to Italy in 1920 as a war prize. She arrived on 2 November 1920, and was refurbished before entering service with the Regia Marina, commissioned as scout Taranto on 2 June 1925. Initially assigned to the Light Division, on 1 December 1925 she was assigned to the 1st Division of the Scout Fleet. On 3 May 1926 she was deployed abroad in colonial service, sent to the Red Sea. On 24 May, she replaced the colonial cruiser Campania as flagship of the Indian Ocean squadron, and sent much of her time on patrol and helping to suppress rebels in Somalia. On 6 December 1926 Taranto was relieved by Lussin, and returned to Taranto on 27 January 1927. She was put into the reserve division of the 2nd Fleet while she was undergoing refit and maintenance, which lasted until September, and afterwards was assigned to 2nd Fleet’s scouting division. From 15 March 1928 to 1 October 1929, she was assigned to the Scout Division of the 1st Fleet, during which she also conducted a cruise around the western Mediterranean and into the Atlantic.

On 16 July 1931 Taranto became the flagship of the fourth division, now classed as a cruiser, and patrolled around Greek waters. On 1 July 1932, she fell under the jurisdiction of the Naval Mechanic School at Venice, conducting a cruise around the Adriatic. On 1 September she left this assignment, and on the 11th was put into the naval reserve force. In 1934 she served as the seat of the Inspector of Submarines, and embarked on a cruise with them, though in 1935 she was released from this task and deployed to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean stations once more in September 1935. She returned from this task in August 1936, and immediately was put into the major refit described above in the design section. After returning to service in 1938, she spent much of her time in the Adriatic and Ionian seas under the authority of the local naval department.

On 10 June 1940, when Italy entered the Second World War, Taranto was stationed in Brindisi, and began undertaking minelaying missions. For much of the war through to 1941, she operated in the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, providing fire support against Yugoslav and Greek forces and supporting various operations. In the summer she was assigned to the Forza Navale Speciale (Special Naval Forces) alongside several other older warships. She was sent to La Spezia in August for various works, where she received an increased anti-aircraft battery (two twin 20mm AA mounts and three more twin 13.2mm complexes). She moved to Livorno on 26 February 1942, beginning training for the planned role of the FNS in the invasion of Malta (Operazione C.3), but with the cancellation of the operation she was reduced to a training ship, and put into reserve in December.

After the Armistice of Cassibile on 8 September 1943, there was a very real risk of Taranto being captured by German troops, as she was not in condition to sail. Thus, on 9 September 1943, the crew of Taranto elected to scuttle the cruiser, to prevent it from falling into German hands. The Germans attempted to re-float the ship in the hopes of using her as a blockship, but an Allied airstrike sunk her again on 23 October. The Germans once again attempted to raise her for use as a blockship, but she was sunk for a third time by Allied bombers on 23 September 1944. After the war, Taranto was raised once more, and struck from the naval register on 27 March 1947. She was broken up for scrap shortly afterwards. During the Second World War, she had only conducted 11 official war missions, six for laying mines, and five for various actions, amounting to only 4,420 miles steamed in these roles.

Historical Gallery

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  SMS Strassburg

Ships of Italy

Cruisers