Belfast
Revision as of 06:54, 16 November 2016 | Revision as of 03:49, 10 October 2020 | |||
40 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown | ||||
Line 1: | Line 1: | |||
<!-- DO NOT EDIT OR DELETE LINES WITH COMMENTS (it's look like as this or next line) | <!-- DO NOT EDIT OR DELETE LINES WITH COMMENTS (it's look like as this or next line) | |||
? | -->{{WoWs_Ship|Promo=<!-- in case of gift or promo ship write conditions to get it. --> | + | -->{{WoWs_Ship|Promo=<!-- in case of gift or promo ship write conditions to get it. --> | |
|Anno=<!-- you can write below short description for the ship. it will replace default once. --> | |Anno=<!-- you can write below short description for the ship. it will replace default once. --> | |||
? | An ''[[Edinburgh]]''-class light cruiser, one of the most powerful among same-type ships in the Royal Navy during World War II. Underwent several major upgrades. Instead of AA and torpedo armament, the ship received improved anti-torpedo protection and an enhanced surveillance radar. <br><br>HMS ''Belfast'' is now preserved as a [https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast military museum ship] in London, England. | + | An ''[[Edinburgh]]''-class light cruiser, one of the most powerful among same-type ships in the Royal Navy during World War II. Underwent several major upgrades. Instead of AA and torpedo armament, the ship received improved anti-torpedo protection and an enhanced surveillance radar. <br><br>HMS ''Belfast'' is now preserved as a [https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast military museum ship] in London, England. She was first released for sale on 21 October 2016 on the EU servers and on 4 November 2016 on the NA servers. It has since been permanently removed from sale.<!-- <br><br><br>{{Model3DViewer|ece7059ebe44478392684e1c0c8c294e}}--> | |
|Performance=<!-- write text about performance in battles below --> | |Performance=<!-- write text about performance in battles below --> | |||
? | ''Belfast'' is a Tier VII premium British cruiser of the same class as the Tier VIII ''[[Edinburgh]]'', but does not carry any torpedoes. However, she has the ability to mount | + | ''Belfast'' is a Tier VII premium British cruiser of the same class as the tech tree Tier VIII ''[[Edinburgh]]'', but does not carry any torpedoes. However, she has the ability to mount the {{Smoke Generator}}, {{Hydroacoustic Search}}, and {{Surveillance Radar}} consumables simultaneously, as well as having high explosive rounds available. | |
? | + | This trifecta of consumables makes her a fearsome destroyer hunter, which is even further enhanced by her ability to mount upgrades in [[Ship:Upgrades#Tier_VIII.2B_Equipment_.28Slot_5.29|Slot 5]] — a slot normally reserved for Tier VIII+ ships — allowing her to boost her concealment (for getting close to destroyers) or her rudder shift (for dodging incoming shells and torpedoes). Her shell arcs are fairly high, making hitting fast moving targets at range difficult, but she can also hide behind low islands in a similar play style to American destroyers and fellow Tier VII premium cruiser ''[[Atlanta]]''. | ||
? | + | ''Belfast'' is just like her tech tree cousins in that she is relatively weakly armored, and will greatly prefer finding island cover where possible while making judicious use of her smoke screen. Used well, she can serve as a measure of area control over capture zones and critical areas, pushing enemy destroyers away; those that choose to wander too close won't live long enough to regret their mistake. Given enough time, the volume of fire from her main battery can lay low even the largest battleships. Unfortunately, as soon as she comes under heavy enemy fire, ''Belfast'' is in trouble. Her best defenses are to stay moving and be visible as little as possible. | ||
? | + | |||
|Pros=<!-- write list of positive points below. use * as in ordinary wiki-list. --> | |Pros=<!-- write list of positive points below. use * as in ordinary wiki-list. --> | |||
? | * Able to simultaneously mount the | + | * Able to simultaneously mount the {{Smoke Generator}}, {{Surveillance Radar}}, and {{Hydroacoustic Search}} consumables. | |
? | * Has access to | + | * Has access to {{Concealment System Modification 1}}. | |
* Decent range and turret traverse speeds. | * Decent range and turret traverse speeds. | |||
* Good concealment. | * Good concealment. | |||
? | * Great acceleration. | + | * Great acceleration. | |
+ | * She has access to HE shells, which makes her more versatile compared to other British cruisers. | |||
|Cons=<!-- write list of negative points below. use * as in ordinary wiki-list. --> | |Cons=<!-- write list of negative points below. use * as in ordinary wiki-list. --> | |||
Line 24: | Line 24: | |||
* Lacks the torpedoes that her tech tree counterparts have. | * Lacks the torpedoes that her tech tree counterparts have. | |||
* Poor shell velocity at longer ranges. | * Poor shell velocity at longer ranges. | |||
? | * Somewhat | + | * Somewhat lackluster as a commander trainer. Commanders specialized for use in ''Belfast'' are likely to have skills that don't translate well to other British cruisers (such as Demolition Expert). | |
+ | <br /> | |||
+ | ||||
+ | {{AnnoWiki|content= | |||
+ | '''[https://forum.worldofwarships.com/index.php?/topic/99596-premium-ship-review-hms-belfast/ LittleWhiteMouse's Premium Ship Review: ''Belfast''] from the NA forums'''}} | |||
|Research=<!-- write text about priority sequence of research below --> | |Research=<!-- write text about priority sequence of research below --> | |||
Line 32: | Line 36: | |||
|Upgrades=<!-- write text about best upgrades below --> | |Upgrades=<!-- write text about best upgrades below --> | |||
? | + | The recommended upgrades for ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' are as follows: | ||
+ | *'''Slot 1''': {{Main Armaments Modification 1}}<nowiki>*</nowiki> | |||
+ | *'''Slot 2''': {{Damage Control System Modification 1}}<nowiki>*</nowiki> | |||
+ | *'''Slot 3''': {{AA Guns Modification 1}}<nowiki>*</nowiki> | |||
+ | *'''Slot 4''': {{Steering Gears Modification 1}} | |||
+ | *'''Slot 5''': {{Concealment System Modification 1}} | |||
? | + | '''Upgrade Slot 1''' allows players to mount one of two viable options. '''Main Armaments Modification 1''' is a generally viable choice, but players wishing to specialize for anti-aircraft duties should mount {{Auxiliary Armaments Modification 1}}. | ||
? | + | '''Upgrade Slot 2''' offers captains the ability to mount a special upgrade. Captains with access to {{Hydroacoustic Search Modification 1}} would be well-advised to equip it in this slot. | ||
? | + | |||
? | {{ | + | '''Upgrade Slot 3''' offers choices for specialization in different roles. {{Aiming Systems Modification 1}} should be equipped for ship to ship combat. '''AA Guns Modification 1''' is a good choice to provide additional defense against aircraft. | |
? | + | |||
? | + | |||
? | + | |||
? | + | |||
? | | | + | |CommanderSkills= | |
? | + | Given ''Belfast''’s unique access to three different consumables — {{Hydroacoustic Search}}, {{Surveillance Radar}}, and {{Smoke Generator}} — Superintendent is highly recommended as a Level 3 skill. Jack of All Trades should not be overlooked at Level 2 for similar reasons. Level 4's Inertia Fuse for HE shells will radically improve her damage performance against enemy capital ships, but is a hefty points investment and should only be taken in conjunction with Demolition Expert, and '''after''' captains have invested in Concealment Expert. | ||
? | + | |||
? | + | |||
? | + | |||
? | + | {{Commander Skills 2 | ||
? | | | + | <!-- This version enables a '0' rating. Use it for skills that have no effect (e.g. Improved Engines on a non-CV) or are detrimental to the ship. They should mirror what appears in the game client. --> | |
? | | | + | | rating11 = 3 <!-- Priority Target --> | |
? | | | + | | rating12 = 1 <!-- Preventive Maint --> | |
? | | | + | | rating13 = 1 <!-- Expert Loader --> | |
+ | | rating14 = 0 <!-- Air Supremacy --> | |||
+ | | rating15 = 0 <!-- Direction Center for Fighters --> | |||
+ | | rating16 = 0 <!-- Improved Engine Boost --> | |||
+ | | rating17 = 1 <!-- Incoming Fire Alert --> | |||
+ | | rating18 = 0 <!-- Last Gasp --> | |||
? | | | + | | rating21 = 1 <!-- High Alert --> | |
? | | | + | | rating22 = 3 <!-- Jack of All Trades --> | |
? | | | + | | rating23 = 2 <!-- Expert Marksman --> | |
? | | | + | | rating24 = 0 <!-- Torpedo Acceleration --> | |
? | | | + | | rating25 = 2 <!-- Smoke Screen Expert --> | |
+ | | rating26 = 0 <!-- Improved Engines --> | |||
+ | | rating27 = 3 <!-- Adrenaline Rush --> | |||
+ | | rating28 = 1 <!-- Last Stand --> | |||
? | | | + | | rating31 = 1 <!-- Basics of Survivability --> | |
? | | Manual Fire Control for Secondary Armament | + | | rating32 = 1 <!-- Survivability Expert--> | |
? | | | + | | rating33 = 0 <!-- Torpedo Armament Expertise--> | |
? | | | + | | rating34 = 0 <!-- Aircraft Armor --> | |
? | | | + | | rating35 = <!-- Basic Firing Training --> | |
? | | | + | | rating36 = 3 <!-- Superintendent --> | |
+ | | rating37 = 3 <!-- Demolition Expert --> | |||
+ | | rating38 = 2 <!-- Vigilance --> | |||
+ | ||||
+ | | rating41 = <!-- Manual Fire Control for Secondary Armament --> | |||
+ | | rating42 = <!-- Fire Prevention --> | |||
+ | | rating43 = 3 <!-- Inertia Fuse for HE Shells --> | |||
+ | | rating44 = 0 <!-- Sight Stabilization --> | |||
+ | | rating45 = <!-- Advanced Firing Training --> | |||
+ | | rating46 = <!-- Massive AA Fire --> | |||
+ | | rating47 = 2 <!-- Radio Position Finding --> | |||
+ | | rating48 = 3 <!-- Concealment Expert --> | |||
}} | }} | |||
|Consumables=<!-- write text about selection of Consumables below --> | |Consumables=<!-- write text about selection of Consumables below --> | |||
? | ''Belfast'' differs from her Tier VIII sister ''[[Edinburgh]]'' in that she has an additional consumable slot dedicated to | + | ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' equips the following consumables: | |
+ | * '''Slot 1:''' {{Damage Control Party}} | |||
+ | * '''Slot 2:''' {{Hydroacoustic Search}} | |||
+ | * '''Slot 3:''' {{Smoke Generator}} | |||
+ | * '''Slot 4:''' {{Surveillance Radar}} | |||
+ | ||||
+ | ''Belfast'' differs from her Tier VIII sister ''[[Edinburgh]]'' in that she has an additional consumable slot dedicated to {{Surveillance Radar}}; thus, she is not forced to choose between {{Smoke Generator}} and Surveillance Radar and can equip both. However, she does not have access to {{Repair Party}} as ''Edinburgh'' does. | |||
|Camouflage=<!-- write text about useful camouflage below --> | |Camouflage=<!-- write text about useful camouflage below --> | |||
Line 78: | Line 104: | |||
|Signals=<!-- write text about best set of signals below --> | |Signals=<!-- write text about best set of signals below --> | |||
? | As a premium ship with three highly useful consumables, it is best to mount | + | As a premium ship with three highly useful consumables, it is best to mount November Foxtrot ({{November Foxtrot|Size=18px}}) for faster cooldowns. Additionally, captains can mount Zulu Hotel ({{Zulu Hotel|Size=18px}}) for faster captain (re)training and Zulu ({{Zulu|Size=18px}}) or Wyvern ({{Wyvern|Size=18px}}) for more credit earning. | |
+ | ||||
+ | {{Signal Flags | |||
+ | | November Echo Setteseven = 1 | |||
+ | | Mike Yankee Soxisix = | |||
+ | | India X-Ray = 2 | |||
+ | | Juliet Yankee Bissotwo = | |||
+ | | Victor Lima = 3 | |||
+ | | Hotel Yankee = | |||
+ | ||||
+ | | November Foxtrot = 3 | |||
+ | | Sierra Mike = 3 | |||
+ | | India Delta = | |||
+ | | Juliet Whiskey Unaone = | |||
+ | | India Yankee = 1 | |||
+ | | Juliet Charlie = 2 | |||
+ | ||||
+ | | Zulu = 2 | |||
+ | | India Bravo Terrathree = 1 | |||
+ | | Equal Speed Charlie London = 3 | |||
+ | | Zulu Hotel = 2 | |||
+ | | Papa Papa = 1 | |||
+ | ||||
+ | | Wyvern = 3 | |||
+ | | Red Dragon = 3 | |||
+ | | Dragon Flag = 2 | |||
+ | | Ouroboros = 1 | |||
+ | | Hydra = 2 | |||
+ | }} | |||
|Gallery=<!-- write below list of files with description (if necessary) separated with | --><gallery> | |Gallery=<!-- write below list of files with description (if necessary) separated with | --><gallery> | |||
File:BelfastEnteringFire.jpg|''Belfast'' enters the Land of Fire. | File:BelfastEnteringFire.jpg|''Belfast'' enters the Land of Fire. | |||
File:BelfastSmoke.jpg|''Belfast'' uses smoke to her advantage. | File:BelfastSmoke.jpg|''Belfast'' uses smoke to her advantage. | |||
? | File:BelfastEngages.jpg|''Belfast'' engages an enemy [[ | + | File:BelfastEngages.jpg|''Belfast'' engages an enemy ''[[Yorck]]'' backed by a friendly ''[[Flint]]''. | |
File:BelfastDies.jpg|''Belfast'' succumbs to her wounds and begins to list. | File:BelfastDies.jpg|''Belfast'' succumbs to her wounds and begins to list. | |||
+ | File:BelfastLondon.jpg|''Belfast'' in her natural habitat. | |||
+ | File:PCEE051_Belfast.png |The Red Hand of Ulster [[Ship:Flags#List_of_Ship_Flags|Flag]]. Given to players who purchased a special bundle containing ''Belfast''. | |||
? | </gallery> | + | </gallery> | |
? | + | |||
? | :Harland and Wolff Shipyard; Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom | + | |History=<!-- write text below --> | |
? | :Laid down: 10 December 1936 | + | <div class="thumb tright"> | |
? | :Launched: 17 March 1938 | + | {{AnnoWiki|content= | |
+ | <h2>HMS ''{{#var:ship_name}}'', 1943</h2> | |||
+ | ===Construction=== | |||
+ | :Builder: Harland and Wolff Shipyard;<br> Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom | |||
+ | :Laid down: 10 December 1936 | |||
+ | :Launched: 17 March 1938 | |||
:Commissioned: 3 August 1939 | :Commissioned: 3 August 1939 | |||
? | + | ---- | ||
===Specifications=== | ===Specifications=== | |||
? | : | + | :11,500 tons displacement, standard | |
? | :187m length | + | :14,900 tons displacement, full load | |
? | : | + | :187m length | |
? | : | + | :20.20m beam | |
? | + | :7.06m draft | ||
+ | ---- | |||
====Machinery==== | ====Machinery==== | |||
? | :4 boilers, 4 turbines | + | :4 boilers, 4 turbines | |
? | + | ---- | ||
====Performance==== | ====Performance==== | |||
? | :32.5 knots at 80,000 shaft | + | :32.5 knots at 80,000 shaft horsepower | |
:8,000nm at 14 knots | :8,000nm at 14 knots | |||
? | + | ---- | ||
====Armor==== | ====Armor==== | |||
? | :Main belt: 114mm | + | :Main belt: 114mm | |
? | :Decks: 51-77mm | + | :Decks: 51-77mm | |
? | :Bulkheads: 63.5mm | + | :Bulkheads: 63.5mm | |
:Turrets: 102mm face, 51mm sides, 51mm roof | :Turrets: 102mm face, 51mm sides, 51mm roof | |||
? | + | ---- | ||
====Armament==== | ====Armament==== | |||
? | :Twelve (4x3) 152mm guns | + | =====Main===== | |
? | + | :Twelve (4x3) 152mm /50 BL Mk.XXIII guns | ||
+ | =====Secondary===== | |||
+ | :Twelve (6x2) 102mm /45 QF Mk.XVI guns | |||
+ | =====Anti-Aircraft===== | |||
+ | :Sixteen (8x2) 40mm /39 QF Mk.VIII guns | |||
+ | :Eighteen (5x2, 8x1) 20mm /70 Mk.I guns | |||
+ | =====Torpedoes===== | |||
+ | :Six (2x3) 533mm torpedo tubes | |||
+ | ---- | |||
====Aircraft==== | ====Aircraft==== | |||
? | : | + | :One Catapult | |
+ | ---- | |||
+ | <small>'''Note:''' The above represents ''Belfast''’s World War II configuration; her configuration<br>in-game is post-war without the torpedo launchers or catapult aircraft.</small> | |||
+ | }}</div> | |||
+ | {{VideoYT|wisxhAhvFbw}} | |||
===History=== | ===History=== | |||
====Design==== | ====Design==== | |||
+ | ''Belfast'' and her sister ''[[Edinburgh]]'' were designed as modified Town class cruisers, being the third (or ''Edinburgh'' sub-class). This sub-class was significantly larger than the previous ''Southampton'' and ''Gloucester'' sub-classes, being approximately 1,200 tons heavier than the preceding ''Gloucester'' sub-class. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | The ships of the Town class were constructed in response to the Japanese ''[[Mogami]]'' and American ''Brooklyn'' class cruisers, which were both armed with fifteen 6-inch (152mm or 155mm) guns. British ship designers sought to match the other cruisers’ number of guns, but due to length restrictions, were unable to properly fit five turrets onto the ships. Another plan that was developed called for the Edinburgh class to be mounted with quadruple 6-inch turrets; however, this idea was abandoned due to the difficulties in manufacturing such a turret that performed adequately. Ultimately, the new cruisers were mounted with twelve 6-inch (152mm) guns in four triple turrets, arranged in an A-B-X-Y position. However, a new turret, designated the Mk.XXIII was used, which used more powerful motors and a more efficient 'long trunk' ammunition supply, which could provide between 10 to 12 shells to the gun per minute. The effective maximum rate of fire stayed the same as earlier cruisers however, at 8 rounds per minute. The new Mk.XXIII triple turret is easily distinguishable from the earlier Mk.XXII used on the previous Town class cruisers by the flattened edge between the turret roof and face, as opposed to a curved edge. | |||
? | + | ''Belfast'' & ''Edinburgh'', like preceding cruisers, were designed to have armor capable of protecting the ships against 152mm caliber gunfire. The ship featured a smaller magazine and citadel space compared to previous cruisers. This shortened length allowed for more armor to be mounted around the machinery and weaponry spaces. Additionally, the ''Edinburgh'' sub-class carried more powerful machinery than previous ''Southampton'' sub-class, which allowed her to maintain the designed speed of 32 knots, despite her increased displacement. Her increased fuel capacity, granted the ship an extended range over the older Town class ships. Both ''Edinburgh'' and ''Belfast'' would receive upgraded radar systems and increased anti-aircraft capabilities at the beginning of World War II. | ||
? | + | Other differences from the other Town class cruisers included the aircraft catapult being in front of the forward funnel instead of behind it, and the addition of 2 more twin 4-inch (102mm) dual-purpose mounts bringing the total to three dual mounts per broadside. The larger size of the ship also allowed the octuple 40mm 'pompom' mounts to be fitted, as opposed to the earlier Town class receiving quadruple 40mm 'pompom' mounts. | ||
''Belfast'' was laid down at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland on 10 December 1936. She was launched on 17 March 1938 and spent the following year fitting out and beginning her sea trials. | ''Belfast'' was laid down at the Harland and Wolff Shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland on 10 December 1936. She was launched on 17 March 1938 and spent the following year fitting out and beginning her sea trials. | |||
====Service==== | ====Service==== | |||
? | HMS ''Belfast'' entered service in August 1939, with further trials and testing scheduled when World War Two began one month later. Assigned to the 18th Cruiser Squadron of the Home Fleet alongside her sister ship, HMS ''Edinburgh'', ''Belfast'' participated in interception and interdiction missions designed to destroy whatever elements of the German fleet could be found. These efforts proved mostly unsuccessful, gaining the confiscation of the liner ''Cap Norte'' as the only success. | + | HMS ''Belfast'' entered service in August 1939, with further trials and testing scheduled when World War Two began one month later. Assigned to the 18th Cruiser Squadron of the Home Fleet alongside her sister ship, HMS ''Edinburgh'', ''Belfast'' participated in interception and interdiction missions alongside HMS ''[[Hood]]'', designed to destroy whatever elements of the German fleet could be found. These efforts proved mostly unsuccessful, gaining the confiscation of the liner ''Cap Norte'' as the only success. | |
? | In November 1939, ''Belfast'' was transferred to the 2nd Cruiser | + | In November 1939, ''Belfast'' was transferred to the 2nd Cruiser Squadron, and that same month was nearly sunk after striking a German mine. The explosion damaged nearly all her machinery mountings, many hull plates below the waterline, and most importantly, bent the keel. Repairs would, of necessity, be long. During the time under repair, ''Edinburgh'' was lost, leaving ''Belfast'' as the largest light cruiser in the Royal Navy. | |
? | ''Belfast'' did not sail again for three years, leaving the dockyards in December 1942 with significant upgrades. Her armor plating was extended | + | ''Belfast'' did not sail again for three years, leaving the dockyards in December 1942 with significant upgrades. Her armor plating was extended and new 20mm 'Oerlikon' anti-aircraft mounts shipped in eight single and five twin mounts. Additionally, a new radar suite installed, comprising of Types 283, 284, 285, 273, 251, 252, 281 and 242 radars. The latter two improvements comprised sufficient top-side weight that she was also bulged, providing a measure of torpedo protection to complement the added stability, which increased her beam to 21 meters, and displacement to 11,500 tons standard, and 14,900 tons on a full load. ''Belfast'' returned to the Home Fleet and conducted escort duty for the Arctic convoys to the Soviet Union, being made flagship of the 10th Cruiser Squadron. Her aircraft were landed in June 1943, her radars reducing the need for surveillance, and in October she provided cover for the aircraft carrier USS''[[Ranger]]'' which performed strikes on German shipping in Norwegian waters. | |
? | ''Belfast'' | + | Serving as the flagship for Rear-Admiral Burnett, ''Belfast'' was part of a group of eight destroyers and three cruisers protecting convoy JW-55B in December 1943 which saw ''Belfast'' as a participant in the Battle of the North Cape in which the German battleship ''[[Scharnhorst]]'' was sunk. Protecting JW-55B with HMS ''Sheffield'' and HMS ''Norfolk'', the three cruisers held off the ''Scharnhorst'' twice from the convoy, although the sea state was limiting speed to 24 knots. After the second attempt by ''Scharnhorst'' the battleship made for port, leaving the cruisers to pursue her and bring her in range of the battleship ''[[Duke of York]]''. Both ''Sheffield'' and ''Norfolk'' developed engine problems and droppedg back, leaving ''Belfast'' in a precarious position as the only ship keeping contact with ''Scharnhorst'' for a time. However, once ''Duke of York'' was in range, ''Belfast'' fired star shells to illuminate the German battleship and ''Duke of York'' brought her under accurate fire. Although ''Scharnhorst'' put distance between herself and the British ships, a shell from ''Duke of York'' disabled her No. 1 boiler room, reducing her speed. At 19:15, ''Belfast'' re-opened fire on ''Scharnhorst'', and later on in the battle expended her torpedoes into the stricken and burning ''Scharnhorst'' before she sank. | |
? | ''Belfast'' | + | ''Belfast'' returned to England for a hurried refit, rejoining the fleet as the headquarters ship of the Eastern Fleet in April 1944 in time for the Normandy landings of Operation Overlord. During the landings, ''Belfast'' conducted naval gunfire support missions, remaining on station until July 1944. She fired 1,996 rounds of 6-inch (152mm) ammunition during this time in support of allied ground troops. ''Belfast'' returned to dockyards in England in August for a more thorough refit in preparation for deployment to the Pacific Theater. During this time her anti-aircraft suite was modified, the rear most pair of dual-purpose twin 4-inch (101.6mm) guns were removed, and 4 quarduple and 4 single 40mm 'pompom' mounts were added, as well as remote power control for the remaining 4-inch guns. The catapult was finally removed during this refit too. | |
? | + | ''Belfast'' arrived in the Pacific, and while in Sydney in August 1945, replaced two twin 20mm Oerlikon mounts with four single 40mm 'Bofors' mounts to further her anti-aircraft power. Japan was concluding surrender negotiations during late August 1945; subsequently, ''Belfast'' did not see action. Although put in reserve in 1947, she returned to service the following year as part of the Far Eastern forces of the Royal Navy, where she participated in the Korean War, conducting patrols and naval gunfire support missions and firing over 8,000 rounds from her 6-inch guns. While carrying out such duties, she earned respect from an American admiral, calling ''Belfast'' a 'straight-shooting ship'. She was however, hit once by a 75mm shell from shore in July 1952, which killed one man and wounded four more. By the end of the year, ''Belfast'' had been sent back home and placed in reserve again, her shore bombardment duties having been passed onto HMS ''Birmingham'' and HMS ''Newcastle''. In 1955, it was decided that ''Belfast'' would be modernized, and sent to undergo extensive refit. The refit included a distinctive new bridge structure, new radars, and the replacement of previous anti-aircraft armament with six twin RP50 Mk.V mount 40mm 'Bofors'. Lattice masts were also fitted, as well as steps to protect the ship from nuclear or biological weapons. Reactivated after refit in 1959, she returned to Asian and African waters until 1962 when she left for home to serve her final year of active service as flagship of the Home Fleet, visiting American ports on the way home. ''Belfast'' was finally retired from active service in 1963, although in July/August 1963 she was briefly recommissioned with a crew of Royal Naval Reserves and Sea Cadets. By December, she was back in reserve, and between 1966 and 1970, served as an accommodation ship in Portsmouth. | ||
? | + | In July 1967, Imperial War Museum personnel dined aboard ''Belfast'' while investigating the possibility of preserving one of the 6-inch gun turrets from HMS ''Gambia'', anchored nearby. During the meal, they conceived of the idea of preserving not just a turret, but an entire ship as a living museum. ''Belfast'' was the perfect candidate; she was in relatively good shape having only recently been retired. Their initial efforts failed to convince the British government of the value of the concept, however, and on 4 May 1971, HMS ''Belfast'' was scheduled for disposal. | ||
+ | Led by the efforts of one of ''Belfast''’s final commanding officers — then a serving Member of Parliament — the ship was finally saved from the breakers in July by a private foundation and opened to the public as a museum on Trafalgar Day, 21 October 1971, berthed along the south bank of the Thames in central London. She officially became [https://www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast a branch of the Imperial War Museum] in 1978, and now hosts more than 250,000 visitors per year as one of the best preserved warships of the modern era. | |||
? | + | ===Historical Inaccuracies=== | ||
? | + | * ''Belfast'' is represented accurately in her post 1956-1959 refit condition, during which she was rearmed with six twin 40mm 'bofors' RP50 Mk.V mounts as anti-aircraft defence, as well as receiving structural changes such as the lattice mast and bridge structure. | ||
+ | * The premium camouflage for ''Belfast'' is accurate for the camouflage scheme she wore in late 1943 at the Battle of the North Cape. The union flag on B-turret however dates from the Korean war. The pennant number 'C35' also being painted onto the ship was only done during her final stint in service from 1959 to 1963. | |||
|HistoricalGallery=<!-- write below list of files with description (if necessary) separated with | --><gallery> | |HistoricalGallery=<!-- write below list of files with description (if necessary) separated with | --><gallery> | |||
Line 157: | Line 235: | |||
File:HMS Belfast (C35) in Japan 1950.jpg|''Belfast'' arriving at Kure, southern Japan, in May 1950. | File:HMS Belfast (C35) in Japan 1950.jpg|''Belfast'' arriving at Kure, southern Japan, in May 1950. | |||
File:HMS Belfast bombarding Korea.jpg|March 1951: ''Belfast'' fires a salvo against enemy troop concentrations on the west coast of Korea. | File:HMS Belfast bombarding Korea.jpg|March 1951: ''Belfast'' fires a salvo against enemy troop concentrations on the west coast of Korea. | |||
+ | File:HMSBelfastx1-5Aug52.jpg|HMS ''Belfast'' underway off of South Korea, 5 August 1952. | |||
File:HMS Belfast 4 db.jpg|After modernization; showing the enclosed bridge, lattice mast, and twin 40mm Bofors mountings. | File:HMS Belfast 4 db.jpg|After modernization; showing the enclosed bridge, lattice mast, and twin 40mm Bofors mountings. | |||
File:HMS Belfast (C35) at Pearl Harbor in 1962.jpg|''Belfast'' at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1962. | File:HMS Belfast (C35) at Pearl Harbor in 1962.jpg|''Belfast'' at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, in 1962. | |||
Line 168: | Line 247: | |||
File:BelfastBell.jpeg|The ship's bell of HMS ''Belfast'', presented to the crew her by her namesake city of Belfast, Ireland in October 1948. | File:BelfastBell.jpeg|The ship's bell of HMS ''Belfast'', presented to the crew her by her namesake city of Belfast, Ireland in October 1948. | |||
File:BelfastSign.jpg|HMS ''Belfast'' is a museum ship maintained by the Imperial War Museum. | File:BelfastSign.jpg|HMS ''Belfast'' is a museum ship maintained by the Imperial War Museum. | |||
? | </gallery>|Video=<!-- put below video clips with using template VideoYT. You can use html-tags for formatting. --> | + | </gallery> | |
+ | ||||
+ | |Video=<!-- put below video clips with using template VideoYT. You can use html-tags for formatting. --> | |||
+ | {{VideoYT|8HHpSfTwMMA}} | |||
+ | {{VideoYT|g8tATvX9RiE}} | |||
+ | {{VideoYT|YGZyPhQzpMs}} | |||
|Ref= <!-- write below --> | |Ref= <!-- write below --> | |||
+ | # [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMS_Belfast HMS ''Belfast'' - Wikipedia] | |||
+ | # [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Town-class_cruiser_(1936) Town-class cruiser (1936) - Wikipedia] | |||
+ | # [https://worldofwarships.com/en/news/general-news/yeswerefinallyreleasingbelfast/ Announcing: HMS Belfast - Belfast - Armada 2.0 - News - World of Warships] | |||
+ | # [https://worldofwarships.com/en/news/history/belfast-story/ Belfast: A Story to Be Continued - News - World of Warships] | |||
+ | # [https://worldofwarships.com/en/news/general-news/experience-belfast/ HMS Belfast 360° VR Experience - News - World of Warships] | |||
+ | # [https://worldofwarships.com/en/news/general-news/naval-legends-belfast/ Naval Legends: HMS Belfast - News - World of Warships] | |||
+ | # [https://worldofwarships.com/en/news/general-news/squall-line-belfast/ Squall Line: HMS Belfast - News - World of Warships] | |||
+ | # [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HHpSfTwMMA Armada - Belfast - World of Warships Official Channel - YouTube] | |||
+ | # [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wisxhAhvFbw Naval Legends: HMS Belfast - World of Warships Official Channel - YouTube] | |||
+ | # [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGZyPhQzpMs World of Warships: HMS Belfast VR Experience - World of Warships Official Channel - YouTube] | |||
}}<!-- DO NOT DELETE THIS LINE. DO NOT INSERT ANYTHING BELOW THIS LINE --> | }}<!-- DO NOT DELETE THIS LINE. DO NOT INSERT ANYTHING BELOW THIS LINE --> |
Revision as of 03:49, 10 October 2020
152 mm/50 BL Mk.XXIII on a Mk.XXIII mount4 х 3 pcs. |
Rate of Fire8 shots/min. |
Reload Time7.5 sec. |
Rotation Speed7 deg./sec. |
180 Degree Turn Time25.71 sec. |
Firing Range15.42 km. |
Maximum Dispersion139 m. |
HE Shell152 mm HE 6crh Mk IV |
Maximum HE Shell Damage2,100 |
Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell9 % |
Initial HE Shell Velocity841 m./s. |
HE Shell Weight50.8 kg. |
AP Shell152 mm AP 6crh Mk IV |
Maximum AP Shell Damage3,100 |
Initial AP Shell Velocity841 m./s. |
AP Shell Weight50.8 kg. |
102 mm/45 QF Mk.XVI on an RP50 Mk.XIX mount4 х 2 pcs. |
Firing Range5.6 km. |
Rate of Fire20 shots/min. |
Reload Time3 sec. |
HE Shell102 mm HE 35 lb |
Maximum HE Shell Damage1,500 |
Initial HE Shell Velocity811 m./s. |
Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell6 % |
102 mm/45 QF Mk.XVI on an RP50 Mk.XIX mount4 х 2 pcs. |
. . . Average Damage per Second71.6 |
. . . Firing Range5.01 km. |
40 mm/56 OQF Mk.XI on an RP50 mount6 х 2 pcs. |
. . . Average Damage per Second140.4 |
. . . Firing Range3.51 km. |
Maximum Speed32.5 knot |
Turning Circle Radius730 m. |
Rudder Shift Time9.6 sec. |
Surface Detectability Range11 km. |
Air Detectability Range7.16 km. |
Belfast — British special premium Tier VII cruiser.
An Edinburgh-class light cruiser, one of the most powerful among same-type ships in the Royal Navy during World War II. Underwent several major upgrades. Instead of AA and torpedo armament, the ship received improved anti-torpedo protection and an enhanced surveillance radar.
HMS Belfast is now preserved as a military museum ship in London, England. She was first released for sale on 21 October 2016 on the EU servers and on 4 November 2016 on the NA servers. It has since been permanently removed from sale.
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 () | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Belfast | 35,700 | 6 | 114 | 4 | 4 | 6/4 | 0 | 0 |
Compatible Upgrades
Slot 1 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slot 2 |
|||||
Slot 3 |
|||||
Slot 4 |
|||||
Slot 5 |
Player Opinion
Performance
Belfast is a Tier VII premium British cruiser of the same class as the tech tree Tier VIII Edinburgh, but does not carry any torpedoes. However, she has the ability to mount the Smoke Generator , Hydroacoustic Search , and Surveillance Radar consumables simultaneously, as well as having high explosive rounds available.
This trifecta of consumables makes her a fearsome destroyer hunter, which is even further enhanced by her ability to mount upgrades in Slot 5 — a slot normally reserved for Tier VIII+ ships — allowing her to boost her concealment (for getting close to destroyers) or her rudder shift (for dodging incoming shells and torpedoes). Her shell arcs are fairly high, making hitting fast moving targets at range difficult, but she can also hide behind low islands in a similar play style to American destroyers and fellow Tier VII premium cruiser Atlanta.
Belfast is just like her tech tree cousins in that she is relatively weakly armored, and will greatly prefer finding island cover where possible while making judicious use of her smoke screen. Used well, she can serve as a measure of area control over capture zones and critical areas, pushing enemy destroyers away; those that choose to wander too close won't live long enough to regret their mistake. Given enough time, the volume of fire from her main battery can lay low even the largest battleships. Unfortunately, as soon as she comes under heavy enemy fire, Belfast is in trouble. Her best defenses are to stay moving and be visible as little as possible.Pros:
- Able to simultaneously mount the Smoke Generator , Surveillance Radar , and Hydroacoustic Search consumables.
- Has access to Concealment System Modification 1 .
- Decent range and turret traverse speeds.
- Good concealment.
- Great acceleration.
- She has access to HE shells, which makes her more versatile compared to other British cruisers.
Cons:
- Mediocre armor, as befitting a light cruiser. She can weather incoming 203mm rounds, but anything larger than that is going to cause havoc.
- Lacks the torpedoes that her tech tree counterparts have.
- Poor shell velocity at longer ranges.
- Somewhat lackluster as a commander trainer. Commanders specialized for use in Belfast are likely to have skills that don't translate well to other British cruisers (such as Demolition Expert).
LittleWhiteMouse's Premium Ship Review: Belfast from the NA forums
Research
Optimal Configuration
Upgrades
The recommended upgrades for Belfast are as follows:
- Slot 1: Main Armaments Modification 1 *
- Slot 2: Damage Control System Modification 1 *
- Slot 3: AA Guns Modification 1 *
- Slot 4: Steering Gears Modification 1
- Slot 5: Concealment System Modification 1
Upgrade Slot 1 allows players to mount one of two viable options. Main Armaments Modification 1 is a generally viable choice, but players wishing to specialize for anti-aircraft duties should mount Auxiliary Armaments Modification 1 .
Upgrade Slot 2 offers captains the ability to mount a special upgrade. Captains with access to Hydroacoustic Search Modification 1 would be well-advised to equip it in this slot.
Upgrade Slot 3 offers choices for specialization in different roles. Aiming Systems Modification 1 should be equipped for ship to ship combat. AA Guns Modification 1 is a good choice to provide additional defense against aircraft.
Commander Skills
Given Belfast’s unique access to three different consumables — Hydroacoustic Search , Surveillance Radar , and Smoke Generator — Superintendent is highly recommended as a Level 3 skill. Jack of All Trades should not be overlooked at Level 2 for similar reasons. Level 4's Inertia Fuse for HE shells will radically improve her damage performance against enemy capital ships, but is a hefty points investment and should only be taken in conjunction with Demolition Expert, and after captains have invested in Concealment Expert.
Recommended Commander Skills | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cost (points) |
Endurance | Attack | Support | Versatility | ||||
1 |
★★★ |
★ |
★ |
Χ |
Χ |
Χ |
★ |
Χ |
2 |
★ |
★★★ |
★★ |
Χ |
★★ |
Χ |
★★★ |
★ |
3 |
★ |
★ |
Χ |
Χ |
|
★★★ |
★★★ |
★★ |
4 |
|
|
★★★ |
Χ |
|
|
★★ |
★★★ |
Key: ★★★ - Extremely Useful ★★ - Frequently Useful ★ - Occasionally Useful No stars - Meh Χ - Not recommended |
Consumables
Belfast equips the following consumables:
- Slot 1: Damage Control Party
- Slot 2: Hydroacoustic Search
- Slot 3: Smoke Generator
- Slot 4: Surveillance Radar
Belfast differs from her Tier VIII sister Edinburgh in that she has an additional consumable slot dedicated to Surveillance Radar ; thus, she is not forced to choose between Smoke Generator and Surveillance Radar and can equip both. However, she does not have access to Repair Party as Edinburgh does.
Camouflage
As a premium ship, Belfast comes included with Type 10 camouflage that lowers her detection radius, reduces the accuracy of incoming shells, and increases the amount of experience she earns.
Signals
As a premium ship with three highly useful consumables, it is best to mount November Foxtrot () for faster cooldowns. Additionally, captains can mount Zulu Hotel (🚫) for faster captain (re)training and Zulu (🚫) or Wyvern (🚫) for more credit earning.
Recommended Signal Flags | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Combat | |||||
★★ |
|
★ |
|
★★★ |
★★ |
|
|
★ |
★★★ |
★★★ |
|
|
|
Note: Use of the Juliet Charlie signal makes detonation impossible.
Gallery
The Red Hand of Ulster Flag. Given to players who purchased a special bundle containing Belfast.
Historical Info
Historical Gallery
Video
References
- HMS Belfast - Wikipedia
- Town-class cruiser (1936) - Wikipedia
- Announcing: HMS Belfast - Belfast - Armada 2.0 - News - World of Warships
- Belfast: A Story to Be Continued - News - World of Warships
- HMS Belfast 360° VR Experience - News - World of Warships
- Naval Legends: HMS Belfast - News - World of Warships
- Squall Line: HMS Belfast - News - World of Warships
- Armada - Belfast - World of Warships Official Channel - YouTube
- Naval Legends: HMS Belfast - World of Warships Official Channel - YouTube
- World of Warships: HMS Belfast VR Experience - World of Warships Official Channel - YouTube