Iowa

13.3

Iowa

Battleship | U.S.A. | Tier IX

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price175000 exp

Purchase price15,500,000

Hit Points68,100

Main Battery

406 mm/50 Mk.7 in a turret3 х 3 pcs.

Rate of Fire2 shots/min.

Reload Time30 sec.

Rotation Speed4 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time45 sec.

Firing Range21.23 km.

Maximum Dispersion272 m.

HE Shell406 mm HE/HC Mk13

Maximum HE Shell Damage5,700

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell36 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity820 m./s.

HE Shell Weight862 kg.

AP Shell406 mm AP Mk8

Maximum AP Shell Damage13,500

Initial AP Shell Velocity762 m./s.

AP Shell Weight1225 kg.

Secondary Armament #1

127 mm/38 Mk.12 on a Mk.32 mount10 х 2 pcs.

Firing Range6.95 km.

Rate of Fire10 shots/min.

Reload Time6 sec.

HE Shell127 mm HE Mk32

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,800

Initial HE Shell Velocity792 m./s.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell5 %

AA Defense

127 mm/38 Mk.12 on a Mk.32 mount10 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second151

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

40 mm/56 Bofors on a Mk.1 mount19 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second214.7

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

20 mm Oerlikon on a Mk.4 mount32 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second115.2

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed28.78 knot

Turning Circle Radius920 m.

Rudder Shift Time22.5 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range15.71 km.

Air Detectability Range11.4 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

13.3

Iowa

Battleship | U.S.A. | Tier IX

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price175000 exp

Purchase price15,500,000

Hit Points79,000

Main Battery

406 mm/50 Mk.7 in a turret3 х 3 pcs.

Rate of Fire2 shots/min.

Reload Time30 sec.

Rotation Speed4 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time45 sec.

Firing Range23.35 km.

Maximum Dispersion272 m.

HE Shell406 mm HE/HC Mk13

Maximum HE Shell Damage5,700

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell36 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity820 m./s.

HE Shell Weight862 kg.

AP Shell406 mm AP Mk8

Maximum AP Shell Damage13,500

Initial AP Shell Velocity762 m./s.

AP Shell Weight1225 kg.

Secondary Armament #1

127 mm/38 Mk.12 on a Mk.32 mount10 х 2 pcs.

Firing Range6.95 km.

Rate of Fire10 shots/min.

Reload Time6 sec.

HE Shell127 mm HE Mk32

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,800

Initial HE Shell Velocity792 m./s.

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell5 %

AA Defense

127 mm/38 Mk.12 on a Mk.32 mount10 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second151

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

40 mm/56 Bofors on a Mk.2 mount18 х 4 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second286.2

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

20 mm Oerlikon on a Mk.24 mount32 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second195.2

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

40 mm/56 Bofors on a Mk.2 mount1 х 4 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second15.9

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed33 knot

Turning Circle Radius920 m.

Rudder Shift Time17.2 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range15.71 km.

Air Detectability Range11.4 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

IX

15,500,000

Iowa — American Tier IX battleship.

One of the most powerful battleships of World War II. The ship was designed for escorting attack carrier forces. She surpassed the speed of all battleships in the world. The battleship's survivability was significantly improved owing to a novel and powerful torpedo protection system and a fundamentally different armor protection system featuring an internal armor belt.

All four Iowa-class ships built are now preserved as military museum ships: USS Iowa in San Pedro, California; USS Missouri in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; USS Wisconsin in Norfolk, Virginia; and USS New Jersey in Camden, New Jersey.

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 ()
406 mm/50 Mk.7 in a turret	2	45	272	5,700	36	13,500		0	1,350,000

	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 ()
Iowa (A)	68,100	16	439	3	10	32/19/10				0	1,750,000
Iowa (B)	79,000	16	439	3	10	32/19/10				60,000	5,000,000

	IDS_SHIP_PARAM_SUO_INCREASE_DIST (%)	Maximum Firing Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Mk9 mod. 1		0		0	1,000,000
Mk9 mod. 2		0		24,000	2,100,000

	Maximum Speed (knot)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Propulsion: 172,000 hp	28.8		0	550,000
Propulsion: 212,000 hp	33		19,000	1,300,000

Compatible Upgrades

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

Player Opinion

Performance

The historical counterpart of the famed battleship Yamato, Iowa is the pinnacle of the various fast battleship designs the United States commissioned into service before and during World War II.

By using what you have learned in the North Carolina, Iowa becomes even more potent as it she is more nimble and sturdy at her tier albeit longer. However, Iowa’s citadel is very easy to hit when broadside, especially under the front turrets so careful positioning and good situational awareness is required at all times to ensure you don't get removed from the game with a devastating strike, and it makes fighting at close ranges very tricky as her length may be more of a liability than a total asset. However, once mastered, Iowa’s capabilities are unmatched by just about any battleship in game, combining speed, firepower, and survivability in a way that is nearly impossible to match in any other ship in her tier and below. The mobility allows you to get to where you are needed, the powerful superheavy rounds allow you to damage whatever you encounter there, and the armor allows you to tank punishment provided you don't show broadside or get blindsided by a torpedo wall.

LittleWhiteMouse's Ship Review: Iowa from the NA Forums

Pros:

• Same gun range as her predecessor and highest range for a battleship at her tier.
• Better penetration and shell velocity compared to North Carolina due to the 50 caliber gun.
• Armor is more durable than predecessors.
• Incredible anti-aircraft suite makes her highly resistant to aerial assault.
• Improved torpedo defense system with a torpedo damage reduction of 27% (compared to North Carolina’s 19%).
• The fastest battleship in the game at a whopping 33 knots.
• Third turret has a greatly improved gun arc over North Carolina, allowing it to be used while angling effectively.

Cons:

• Weaker broadside armor than standard Battleships, but stronger broadside armor than the NC.
• Armor layout is unreliable and strange.
• Bad rudder shift time (over 20 sec) until Hull (C).
• Longest ship so far (by a decent margin) in the American battleship line which can take some getting used to when trying to dodge torpedoes.
• Very tall superstructure makes her easier to hit, especially when trying to hide behind islands.
• Bad gun dispersion (at long ranges).
• Weak secondary armament, very low range on secondary armament as well compared to counterparts.

Research

Investing experience into Hull (B) is top priority; it brings additional hit points and a large bump to Iowa’s anti-aircraft capabilities. The Engine module upgrade should come next, followed by Hull (C) and the Fire Control System upgrade last.

Optimal Configuration

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.	Direction Center for Fighters +1 fighter to carrier fighter squadrons or catapult fighters.	Improved Engine Boost +10% Aircraft engine boost time.	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.
2	High Alert -10% to reload time of Damage Control Party consumable. ★★	Jack of All Trades -5% to reload time of all consumables. ★★★	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.	Improved Engines +2.5% Squadron speed.	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.	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. ★★★	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.	Vigilance +25% to detection range of enemy torpedoes. ★★
4	Manual Fire Control for Secondary Armament Tightens dispersion of shells from secondary batteries. -15% for Tier I-VI ships. -60% for Tier VII-X ships. Manually selected target only. ★	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 capacity of HE shells. -1% chance of fire on target caused by shells <=139mm. -3% chance of fire on target caused by shells >139mm.	Sight Stabilization Speeds up the aiming of a carrier's aircraft. +5% attack aircraft aiming speed. +5% torpedo bomber aiming speed. +10% dive bomber aiming speed.	Advanced Firing Training +20% to firing range of main battery guns with a caliber up to 139mm and all secondary battery guns. +15% damage/sec. within the explosion radius of shells fired from long-range AA defenses. ★★★	Massive AA Fire Instantaneous Damage +100%. Priority AA sector cooldown +50%.	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

Camouflage

Type 1, 2, or 5 camouflage can be equipped for credits; Types 2 or 5 are recommended at a minimum to reduce the accuracy of incoming shells.

Players who wish to spend doubloons can equip Iowa with Type 19 camouflage that lowers her detection radius, reduces the accuracy of incoming shells, reduces her repair costs, and increases the amount of experience she earns.

Gallery

Historical Info

Construction

New York Naval Yard; Brooklyn, New York, USA

Laid down: 27 June 1940

Launched: 27 August 1942

Commissioned: 22 February 1943

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Specifications

48,110 tons displacement, standard

270.43m length

32.96m beam

8.84m draft

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Machinery

8 boilers, 4 turbines

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Performance

32.5 knots at 212,000 shaft horsepower

15,000nm at 15 knots

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Armor

Main belt: 310mm

Decks: 127mm

Bulkheads: 284mm

Barbettes and Turrets: 439mm barbette, 432mm turrets

Conning tower: 439mm

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Armament

Main

Nine (3x3) 406mm guns

Secondary

Twenty (10x2) 127mm dual purpose guns

Anti-Aircraft

Eighty (20x4) 40mm guns

Forty-nine (49x1) 20mm guns

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Aircraft

Three (3) Vought OS2U "Kingfisher" float planes, two catapults

History

Design

The Iowa-class battleships were designed in 1938 when the Navy proposed a new class of battleships that were to develop on the lessons learned from the development and construction of the North Carolina-class and South Dakota-class of battleships. With a “loosening” of the restrictions imposed by the Washington and London Naval Treaties of the 1920s and 30s, the designers were encouraged to improve the fundamental aspects of the new design: the propulsion, the armament, and the armor. Furthermore, with the onset of World War II, another threat emerged: the battleships of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Of exceptional concern was the construction of the Yamato-class battleships. Wishing to have an apt and equal response, the construction of the Iowa-class was approved.

With the emergence of Aircraft Carriers, and the need to protect them from surface threats, the concept of “fast-battleships” came into prominence; ships designed with the speed and the endurance to keep pace with Carrier groups, and serve as a major deterrent to surface attack. To fulfill this role, the design called for a top speed of 33 knots from 8 boilers connected to 4 turbines; each turbine to a propeller shaft. This layout produced a total of 230,000 shaft horsepower. Furthermore, the ship had a greater waterline length-to-beam ratio, making the ship longer than its predecessors, and as well faster.

The main armament of the Iowa-class, while using rifles of the same diameter of 406mm as preceding ships, were longer than the rifles on the South Dakota-class (increased from 45 calibers to 50 calibers) and therefore have the designation of the largest rifles mounted on any US warship to-date. This increase in rifle length allows for the use of greater powder charge, which equates to higher muzzle velocity, greater range, and greater armor-penetration capabilities than preceding rifles. Furthermore, the Iowa-class had a comprehensive suite of secondary and anti-aircraft guns, due to the design emphasis of increased protection against air attacks; the armament systems were supplemented with state-of-the-art radar-based fire control systems (the Iowa had Mark 8 Fire Control Radar sets fixed upon Mark 38 Fire directors).

The Iowa-class battleships have the characteristic “all-or-nothing” armor scheme seen in other American battleships, with the thickest armor around the citadel between Turret 1 and Turret 3. The side armor of 304mm was angled at 19-degrees inwards in order to confer greater armor thickness for no change in weight; this was especially advantageous against plunging shells. This arrangement guaranteed protection from shells fired from similar 406mm rifles from ranges between 16,000-27,000m. Most of the other parameters, such as torpedo bulkheads, were of similar design as seen in the South Dakota-class. A note of interest on the Missouri: she had the thickest forward bulkhead armor of the class, 355mm worth, to prevent on-coming fire; a consideration when facing enemies bow-on.

From the onset, the Iowa was designed to fulfill the role of a Fleet Flagship; therefore, the conning tower was more enlarged than those of her sisters, to accommodate an admiral on board. Therefore, Iowa was the ideal choice when selecting which ship should ferry President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Tehran Conference of 1943.

The USS Iowa was the lead ship of the Iowa-class battleships. Ordered at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York City, she was laid down on 27 June 1940, launched on 27 August 1942, and commissioned into service on 22 February 1943.

Service

The Iowa-class battleships were a class of fast battleships ordered by the United States Navy in 1939 and 1940 to escort the Fast Carrier Task Forces that would operate in the Pacific Theater of World War II. Four were completed; two more were laid down but canceled at war's end and scrapped. Like other third-generation American battleships, the Iowa class followed the design pattern set forth in the preceding North Carolina-class and South Dakota-class battleships, which emphasized speed and the secondary and anti-aircraft batteries.

Historical Gallery

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  USS Iowa (BB-61) fires a full broadside on 15 August 1984 during a firepower demonstration after her recommissioning.

Ships of U.S.A.

Battleships