Mainz
Revision as of 18:50, 5 November 2019 Added Mainz Pros and Cons | Revision as of 00:54, 7 April 2020 reference to worldofwarships.com | |||
11 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown | ||||
Line 15: | Line 15: | |||
3. Write a brief summary paragraph of 1-3 sentences highlighting the key takeaways from the paragraphs above. | 3. Write a brief summary paragraph of 1-3 sentences highlighting the key takeaways from the paragraphs above. | |||
--> | --> | |||
+ | ||||
+ | ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' is a Tier VIII premium cruiser and takes the seat next to her half sister, ''[[Prinz Eugen]]''. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | ''{{#var:ship_name}}'''s main battery is one of the key differences to her same tier half sisters. Unlike ''[[Admiral Hipper]]'' and ''[[Prinz Eugen]]'' ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' does not carry eight 203mm guns in four twin turrets, but instead uses twelve 150mm guns in four triple turrets. The guns and turrets that she has equipped are identical to those found on Tier VI ''[[Nürnberg]]''. As such they also benefit from the baked in 1/4 HE penetration, which helps ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' penetrate the hull plating of Tier VIII to X battleships, whereas other light cruisers are required to equip IFHE to achieve similar results. This results in four captain skill points that don’t have to be spent on said captain skill as well as avoiding the -50% fire chance penalty that comes with IFHE, resulting in ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' having an easier time setting fires on enemy warships when using that skill. A disadvantage to ''{{#var:ship_name}}''’s HE shells is a relatively low HE Alpha, resulting in her dpm being comparable to ''[[Chapayev]]''. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | The AP shells on ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' compare a bit differently to other AP shells. While the HE shells offer a rather uninspiring damage output, the potential output of ''{{#var:ship_name}}''’s AP shells is outstanding. None of the Tier VIII light cruisers save for ''[[Bayard]]'' during the usage of {{Main Battery Reload Booster}} can match the AP dpm of ''{{#var:ship_name}}''. In terms of penetration these shells are average, sitting right in between ''[[Cleveland]]'' and ''[[Bayard]]''. What this means however is that these shells are not capable of landing citadel hits unless at short range, but they do deal tremendous amounts of damage should a target reveal its side. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | A formidable main battery firing range of 17.5km ensures that ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' is able to apply her damage even on some of the less favorable high tier maps, but her firing angles are rather limiting. Towards the bow a full broadside is possible at 38°, towards the rear only at 40°, meaning that ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' is open to penetrations against her hull while firing broadsides. A high muzzle velocity results in good shell flight times in comparison to other 152mm armed ships at her tier. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | Where ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' offers a rather nasty sting is in terms of torpedo armament. Her torpedo batteries match that of Tier X cruiser ''[[Hindenburg]]'' with two quadruple launchers on each side of the ship. While the potential damage that such a salvo can deliver is in theory enough to destroy most ships in the game with one broadside, the range is just as short as it is on the other heavy cruisers with only 6km range, limiting the usage. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | While the Secondary battery also benefits from the 1/4 HE penetration rule, the 105mm guns are mostly useless due to the lacking range and lacking damage output. At best they will set a fire on a hostile vessel. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | In terms of survivability ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' sitson a similar level compared to her half sister ''[[Admiral Hipper]]''. A large hitpool, far beyond that of other Tier VIII light cruisers, but also a large hull as well as a thin armor belt mean that while ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' has the reserves to take hits, these are highly likely to deal damage. And unlike ''[[Prinz Eugen]]'', ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' has no {{Repair Party}}. She also does not have the 27mm hull plating that her half sisters can offer, only her midship deck is 27mm thick while the upper belt and upper bow are only 25mm thick. This does make ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' vulnerable against 380/381mm AP shells that can overmatch through large sections of her hull. The turtleback, while offering additional protection for the vital areas, does not prevent painful normal penetrations. Some protection can be gained from the icebreaker bow, which covers roughly half of her bow with a thickness of 40mm. However outside of close range encounters it is difficult to capitalize on this plating, and it cannot be relied on. What comes on top is that ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' shares the rather fragile turrets of ''[[Nürnberg]]'', making her main battery prone to incapacitations against HE shells and most AP shells. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | The maneuverability of ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' leaves something to be desired. The rudder shift is rather long, the top speed among the lowest and the turning circle is nothing to write home about. In combination with the lack of armor on her hull this means that ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' will struggle to consistently and effectively avoid incoming damage at medium ranges. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | The AA protection of ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' is rather decent compared to her half sisters. She shares the same 105mm dual purpose guns, but also carries a large array of 37mm guns which will throw out 319 damage per second against aircraft, almost on the same level as ''[[Baltimore]]''. While this can make ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' a costly target to drop, it does not grant her immunity against aircraft however, even when applying additional AA improvements such as {{Defensive AA Fire}} or captain skills. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | One of ''{{#var:ship_name}}''’s major weaknesses is her surface detection. Even when fully investing into concealment she only reaches 12km, worse than any other Tier VIII light cruiser. This results in ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' being unable to dictate the engagement, and should an opponent choose to keep her lit for the team to shoot at ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' will struggle to evade this threat. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | In regards to ''{{#var:ship_name}}''’s consumables she shares those of her half sister ''[[Admiral Hipper]]''. Standard cruiser {{Damage Control Party}}, the choice between the improved, German {{Hydroacoustic Search}} or {{Defensive AA Fire}} and a {{Catapult Fighter}}. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | What all this combines into is a medium to long range specialist. Decent ballistics and consistent damage output mean that ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' can engage targets at range where she can evade returning fire. Should the late game make it possible, getting into brawling range where the AP shells can be effectively applied as well as the devastating torpedo salvos. Depending on what is deemed more important – defending herself against air attacks or being able to spot torpedoes and ships – the decision between Defensive AA Fire and Hydroacoustic Search is up to the player. | |||
+ | ||||
|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. --> | |||
? | * | + | * Outstanding AP DPM, and very good HE DPM for a German cruiser | |
? | * | + | * High HE penetration and decent fire chance, can forgo IFHE | |
? | * | + | * Excellent shell velocity and flat arcs allow for comfortable long range gunnery | |
? | * | + | * Heavy torpedo armament of four quadruple launchers (two per side) | |
+ | * Powerful AA suite | |||
+ | * Same excellent {{Hydroacoustic Search}} as ''[[Hindenburg]]'' | |||
+ | * Turtleback armor scheme prevents citadel penetrations at close range | |||
|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. --> | |||
? | * | + | * Bad concealment for a cruiser | |
+ | * Low top speed and sluggish rudder shift | |||
+ | * Unlike ''[[Prinz Eugen]]'', ''Mainz'' has no access to {{Repair Party}} | |||
+ | * Inferior armor profile compared to ''Prinz Eugen'' and ''[[Admiral Hipper]]'' | |||
+ | * Torpedoes are short ranged | |||
* Lightly armored turrets can be knocked out easily | * Lightly armored turrets can be knocked out easily | |||
? | ||||
? | ||||
|Research=<!-- write text about priority sequence of research below --> | |Research=<!-- write text about priority sequence of research below --> | |||
Line 39: | Line 69: | |||
<!-- FOR PREMIUM SHIPS: | <!-- FOR PREMIUM SHIPS: | |||
As a premium ship, ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' doesn't have any upgrades to research.--> | As a premium ship, ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' doesn't have any upgrades to research.--> | |||
? | + | As a premium ship, ''Mainz'' doesn't have any upgrades to research. | ||
|OptimalConfiguration=<!-- write some general text about selection of optimal configuration below (optional)--> | |OptimalConfiguration=<!-- write some general text about selection of optimal configuration below (optional)--> | |||
Line 54: | Line 84: | |||
|CommanderSkills=<!-- write text about best set of Commander Skills below --> | |CommanderSkills=<!-- write text about best set of Commander Skills below --> | |||
+ | ||||
+ | {{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 generally should mirror what appears in the game client. --> | |||
+ | | rating11 = <!-- Priority Target --> | |||
+ | | rating12 = <!-- Preventive Maint --> | |||
+ | | rating13 = <!-- Expert Loader --> | |||
+ | | rating14 = 0 <!-- Air Supremacy --> | |||
+ | | rating15 = <!-- Direction Center for Fighters --> | |||
+ | | rating16 = 0 <!-- Improved Engine Boost --> | |||
+ | | rating17 = <!-- Incoming Fire Alert --> | |||
+ | | rating18 = 0 <!-- Last Gasp --> | |||
+ | ||||
+ | | rating21 = <!-- High Alert --> | |||
+ | | rating22 = <!-- Jack of All Trades --> | |||
+ | | rating23 = <!-- Expert Marksman --> | |||
+ | | rating24 = <!-- Torpedo Acceleration --> | |||
+ | | rating25 = 0 <!-- Smoke Screen Expert --> | |||
+ | | rating26 = 0 <!-- Improved Engines --> | |||
+ | | rating27 = <!-- Adrenaline Rush --> | |||
+ | | rating28 = <!-- Last Stand --> | |||
+ | ||||
+ | | rating31 = <!-- Basics of Survivability --> | |||
+ | | rating32 = <!-- Survivability Expert--> | |||
+ | | rating33 = <!-- Torpedo Armament Expertise--> | |||
+ | | rating34 = 0 <!-- Aircraft Armor --> | |||
+ | | rating35 = <!-- Basic Firing Training --> | |||
+ | | rating36 = <!-- Superintendent --> | |||
+ | | rating37 = <!-- Demolition Expert --> | |||
+ | | rating38 = <!-- Vigilance --> | |||
+ | ||||
+ | | rating41 = <!-- Manual Fire Control for Secondary Armament --> | |||
+ | | rating42 = <!-- Fire Prevention --> | |||
+ | | rating43 = <!-- Inertia Fuse for HE Shells --> | |||
+ | | rating44 = 0 <!-- Sight Stabilization --> | |||
+ | | rating45 = <!-- Advanced Firing Training --> | |||
+ | | rating46 = <!-- Massive AA Fire --> | |||
+ | | rating47 = <!-- Radio Position Finding --> | |||
+ | | rating48 = <!-- Concealment Expert --> | |||
+ | }} | |||
|Consumables=<!-- write text about selection of Consumables below --> | |Consumables=<!-- write text about selection of Consumables below --> | |||
Line 82: | Line 151: | |||
As a premium ship, ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' comes included with [[Ship:Camouflage#Premium_Camouflage|Type XX camouflage]] that lowers her detection radius, reduces the accuracy of incoming shells, reduces her repair costs, and increases the amount of experience she earns. | As a premium ship, ''{{#var:ship_name}}'' comes included with [[Ship:Camouflage#Premium_Camouflage|Type XX camouflage]] that lowers her detection radius, reduces the accuracy of incoming shells, reduces her repair costs, and increases the amount of experience she earns. | |||
--> | --> | |||
? | + | As a premium ship, ''Mainz'' comes included with [[Ship:Camouflage#Premium_Camouflage|Type 10 camouflage]] that lowers her detection radius, reduces the accuracy of incoming shells, reduces her repair costs, and increases the amount of experience she earns. | ||
|Signals=<!-- write text about best set of signals below --> | |Signals=<!-- write text about best set of signals below --> | |||
Line 123: | Line 192: | |||
|History=<!-- write text below --> | |History=<!-- write text below --> | |||
? | | | + | <div class="thumb tright"> | |
+ | {{AnnoWiki|content= | |||
+ | <h2>''{{#var:ship_name}}'', 1936</h2> | |||
+ | ===Specifications=== | |||
+ | :13,581 tons displacement, standard | |||
+ | :212.5m length | |||
+ | :21.9m beam | |||
+ | :5.9m draft (mean) | |||
+ | ---- | |||
+ | ====Machinery==== | |||
+ | :9 boilers, 3 turbines | |||
+ | ---- | |||
+ | ====Performance==== | |||
+ | :32.0 knots at 132,000 shaft horsepower | |||
+ | :6,100nm range at 15 knots | |||
+ | ---- | |||
+ | ====Armor==== | |||
+ | :Deck: 12-30mm upper; 20-30mm main | |||
+ | :Belt: 20-80mm | |||
+ | :Conning Tower: 50-150mm | |||
+ | ---- | |||
+ | ====Armament==== | |||
+ | =====Main===== | |||
+ | :Twelve (4x3) 150mm L/55 C/28 rifles | |||
+ | =====Secondary===== | |||
+ | :Twelve (6x2) 105mm L/65 C/33 dual-purpose rifles | |||
+ | =====Anti-Aircraft===== | |||
+ | :Twelve (6x2) 37mm guns | |||
+ | :Eight (8x1) 20mm guns | |||
+ | =====Torpedoes===== | |||
+ | :Twelve (4x3) 533mm torpedo tubes | |||
+ | ---- | |||
+ | ====Aircraft==== | |||
+ | :Three (3) Ar196 float planes, two catapults | |||
+ | }} | |||
+ | </div> | |||
+ | ===History=== | |||
+ | ====Design==== | |||
+ | The Kriegsmarine in 1936 intended to follow up two further heavy cruisers after the three that were under construction. However, in order to not provoke the British it was decided to disguise these ships as light cruisers, by equipping them with an armament of twelve 150mm guns instead of eight 203mm guns, similar to how the Japanese disguised the Mogami class as light cruisers. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | At a length of 212.5m and a width of 21.9m, with a draft ranging between 6.9 and 7.9m, these ships were to displace more than the earlier classes. The standard displacement was 13,581 tons, however at full load this would raise up to 19,533 tons. Crew complement was intended to be 1,409 men. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | The main armament was to consist of four turrets, each housing three 150mm L/55 C/28 guns. With a maximum rate of fire of eight rounds per minute these guns would fire a 44.7-45.5kg heavy shell at ranges up to 23km. The secondary armament was copied from the Admiral-Hipper class with twelve 105mm L/65 C/33 guns, distributed equally into six triaxially stabilized mountings. However, unlike the preceding classes, these were to be the more modern C/37 mountings. The initial AA outfit saw twelve 37mm C/30 guns in six twin mounts as well as eight 20mm automatic guns for close range defense. Twelve torpedo tubes in four mountings would provide the torpedo armament. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | The machinery differed from the earlier cruisers. The number of boilers was reduced from twelve to nine, with three in each boiler room. Three Wagner-Deschimag turbine sets were to generate up to 132,000shp for a maximum speed of 32kn. Furthermore, the propulsion was redesigned in the hopes of extending the cruising range. The intended cruising range was to be 6,100nm at a speed of 15kn. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | The armor was not changed compared to the Admiral-Hipper class. The main belt, inclined by 12.5°, had a thickness of 80mm and covered the entire length between the barbettes of A- and D-turret. Behind it followed a 30mm turtleback, with the thickness of the main armored deck being identical except for a few spaces above the magazines which were reinforced to 40mm thickness. The main belt was extended towards the bow, however it was thinner with 40mm which eventually was reduced further to 20mm at the bow. Likewise the belt extended towards the aft end of the ship, covering the steering gears with a thickness of 70mm. The barbettes for the main armament were protected by 80mm of armor. The protection of the turrets can only be estimated but they would most likely enjoy relatively heavy protection as the 150mm triple turrets were designed to match the 203mm twin turrets in both weight and barbette diameter. The conning tower had up to 150mm armor. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | Aviation facilities included two catapults and a hangar for a total aircraft capacity of three floatplanes. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | ====Service==== | |||
+ | ||||
+ | While two ships of this class, cruiser K and cruiser L, Seydlitz and Lützow respectively, were laid down, in both cases it was decided to arm them with 203mm guns before the 150mm armament had a chance to be installed. Thus both received the heavy cruiser armament from the get-go, although four 150mm triple turrets would remain under construction until 1941, however at low priority. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | ===Historical inaccuracies=== | |||
+ | ||||
+ | * The in-game ship carries the same turrets and guns from the light cruiser Nürnberg. However, the Kriegsmarine intended to develop new turrets that were to match the weight and barbette diameter of the larger 203mm twin, using the newer 150mm L/55 C/28 gun, not the older 150mm L/60 C/25 one. Nürnberg’s turrets as they are are more than 100 tons too light. | |||
+ | * The turtleback was identical in thickness to the Admiral-Hipper class, with a thickness of 30mm. In-game Mainz has a 40mm turtleback. Furthermore, the 40mm belt extension thins down at the bow to half its thickness. This is absent on the in-game model. | |||
+ | * Mainz carries the 105mm dp guns in the older C/31 mountings, when the design saw them to be mounted in the newer C/37 mountings. | |||
+ | * The design called for 12 torpedo tubes in four triple launchers, not 16 torpedo tubes in four quadruple launchers. | |||
+ | * Mainz carries seven target selectors for the heavy AA armament, while at the same time only having four AA fire directors which could receive the orders from these selectors. | |||
+ | * The Admiral-Hipper class carried eight sub-caliber 88mm guns which could be inserted into the main guns in order to prevent barrel wear during gunnery exercises. When not in use these would be stored on deck in long cylindrical boxes. Mainz also carries these eight boxes, yet has twelve main guns. | |||
+ | ||||
+ | |HistoricalGallery=<!-- write below list of files with description (if necessary) separated with | --><gallery> | |||
+ | File:Mainz Front left Side.jpeg | |||
+ | File:Mainz Front right.jpeg | |||
</gallery> | </gallery> | |||
Line 130: | Line 264: | |||
|Ref= <!-- write below --> | |Ref= <!-- write below --> | |||
+ | # [https://worldofwarships.com/en/news/history/armada-mainz/ Armada: Mainz - News - World of Warships] | |||
}}<!-- 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 00:54, 7 April 2020
150 mm/60 SK C/25 on a Drh Tr C/25 mount4 х 3 pcs. |
Rate of Fire10 shots/min. |
Reload Time6 sec. |
Rotation Speed7.6 deg./sec. |
180 Degree Turn Time23.68 sec. |
Firing Range17.52 km. |
Maximum Dispersion153 m. |
HE Shell150 mm Spr.Gr. L/4.4 Kz. Ausf.B |
Maximum HE Shell Damage1,700 |
Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell8 % |
Initial HE Shell Velocity960 m./s. |
HE Shell Weight45.5 kg. |
AP Shell150 mm P.Spr.Gr. L/3.7 Ausf.B |
Maximum AP Shell Damage3,900 |
Initial AP Shell Velocity960 m./s. |
AP Shell Weight45.5 kg. |
105 mm/65 SK C/33 on a Dop. L. C/31 mount6 х 2 pcs. |
Firing Range7.6 km. |
Rate of Fire17.91 shots/min. |
Reload Time3.35 sec. |
HE Shell105 mm Spr.Gr. Kz. |
Maximum HE Shell Damage1,200 |
Initial HE Shell Velocity900 m./s. |
Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell5 % |
533 mm Vierling4 х 4 pcs. |
Rate of Fire0.67 shots/min. |
Reload Time90 sec. |
Rotation Speed25 deg./sec. |
180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec. |
TorpedoG7a T1 |
Maximum Damage13,700 |
Torpedo Speed64 knot |
Torpedo Range6 km. |
105 mm/65 SK C/33 on a Dop. L. C/31 mount6 х 2 pcs. |
. . . Average Damage per Second99.6 |
. . . Firing Range4.5 km. |
37 mm/69 Flak M42 on an LM/42 mount18 х 2 pcs. |
. . . Average Damage per Second185.4 |
. . . Firing Range3.51 km. |
20 mm/65 C/38 on a Flak 35 Vierling L/38 mount12 х 4 pcs. |
. . . Average Damage per Second72 |
. . . Firing Range2.01 km. |
Maximum Speed32 knot |
Turning Circle Radius720 m. |
Rudder Shift Time10.5 sec. |
Surface Detectability Range14.84 km. |
Air Detectability Range7.5 km. |
Mainz — German special premium Tier VIII cruiser.
The project of a cruiser with 150 mm guns (cruiser K), which was developed in the mid-1930s on the basis of the Admiral Hipper-class ships, shortly after the construction of the latter began. She combined the rapid-fire battery of light cruisers with the survivability of heavy ones.
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 () | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mainz | 42,500 | 13 | 150 | 4 | 6 | 12/18/6 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
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 () | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G7a T1 | 0.7 | 90 | 7.2 | 13,700 | 64 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
Compatible Upgrades
Slot 1 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slot 2 |
|||||
Slot 3 |
|||||
Slot 4 |
|||||
Slot 5 |
Player Opinion
Performance
Mainz is a Tier VIII premium cruiser and takes the seat next to her half sister, Prinz Eugen.
Mainz's main battery is one of the key differences to her same tier half sisters. Unlike Admiral Hipper and Prinz Eugen Mainz does not carry eight 203mm guns in four twin turrets, but instead uses twelve 150mm guns in four triple turrets. The guns and turrets that she has equipped are identical to those found on Tier VI Nürnberg. As such they also benefit from the baked in 1/4 HE penetration, which helps Mainz penetrate the hull plating of Tier VIII to X battleships, whereas other light cruisers are required to equip IFHE to achieve similar results. This results in four captain skill points that don’t have to be spent on said captain skill as well as avoiding the -50% fire chance penalty that comes with IFHE, resulting in Mainz having an easier time setting fires on enemy warships when using that skill. A disadvantage to Mainz’s HE shells is a relatively low HE Alpha, resulting in her dpm being comparable to Chapayev.
The AP shells on Mainz compare a bit differently to other AP shells. While the HE shells offer a rather uninspiring damage output, the potential output of Mainz’s AP shells is outstanding. None of the Tier VIII light cruisers save for Bayard during the usage of Main Battery Reload Booster can match the AP dpm of Mainz. In terms of penetration these shells are average, sitting right in between Cleveland and Bayard. What this means however is that these shells are not capable of landing citadel hits unless at short range, but they do deal tremendous amounts of damage should a target reveal its side.
A formidable main battery firing range of 17.5km ensures that Mainz is able to apply her damage even on some of the less favorable high tier maps, but her firing angles are rather limiting. Towards the bow a full broadside is possible at 38°, towards the rear only at 40°, meaning that Mainz is open to penetrations against her hull while firing broadsides. A high muzzle velocity results in good shell flight times in comparison to other 152mm armed ships at her tier.
Where Mainz offers a rather nasty sting is in terms of torpedo armament. Her torpedo batteries match that of Tier X cruiser Hindenburg with two quadruple launchers on each side of the ship. While the potential damage that such a salvo can deliver is in theory enough to destroy most ships in the game with one broadside, the range is just as short as it is on the other heavy cruisers with only 6km range, limiting the usage.
While the Secondary battery also benefits from the 1/4 HE penetration rule, the 105mm guns are mostly useless due to the lacking range and lacking damage output. At best they will set a fire on a hostile vessel.
In terms of survivability Mainz sitson a similar level compared to her half sister Admiral Hipper. A large hitpool, far beyond that of other Tier VIII light cruisers, but also a large hull as well as a thin armor belt mean that while Mainz has the reserves to take hits, these are highly likely to deal damage. And unlike Prinz Eugen, Mainz has no Repair Party . She also does not have the 27mm hull plating that her half sisters can offer, only her midship deck is 27mm thick while the upper belt and upper bow are only 25mm thick. This does make Mainz vulnerable against 380/381mm AP shells that can overmatch through large sections of her hull. The turtleback, while offering additional protection for the vital areas, does not prevent painful normal penetrations. Some protection can be gained from the icebreaker bow, which covers roughly half of her bow with a thickness of 40mm. However outside of close range encounters it is difficult to capitalize on this plating, and it cannot be relied on. What comes on top is that Mainz shares the rather fragile turrets of Nürnberg, making her main battery prone to incapacitations against HE shells and most AP shells.
The maneuverability of Mainz leaves something to be desired. The rudder shift is rather long, the top speed among the lowest and the turning circle is nothing to write home about. In combination with the lack of armor on her hull this means that Mainz will struggle to consistently and effectively avoid incoming damage at medium ranges.
The AA protection of Mainz is rather decent compared to her half sisters. She shares the same 105mm dual purpose guns, but also carries a large array of 37mm guns which will throw out 319 damage per second against aircraft, almost on the same level as Baltimore. While this can make Mainz a costly target to drop, it does not grant her immunity against aircraft however, even when applying additional AA improvements such as Defensive AA Fire or captain skills.
One of Mainz’s major weaknesses is her surface detection. Even when fully investing into concealment she only reaches 12km, worse than any other Tier VIII light cruiser. This results in Mainz being unable to dictate the engagement, and should an opponent choose to keep her lit for the team to shoot at Mainz will struggle to evade this threat.
In regards to Mainz’s consumables she shares those of her half sister Admiral Hipper. Standard cruiser Damage Control Party , the choice between the improved, German Hydroacoustic Search or Defensive AA Fire and a Catapult Fighter .
What all this combines into is a medium to long range specialist. Decent ballistics and consistent damage output mean that Mainz can engage targets at range where she can evade returning fire. Should the late game make it possible, getting into brawling range where the AP shells can be effectively applied as well as the devastating torpedo salvos. Depending on what is deemed more important – defending herself against air attacks or being able to spot torpedoes and ships – the decision between Defensive AA Fire and Hydroacoustic Search is up to the player.Pros:
- Outstanding AP DPM, and very good HE DPM for a German cruiser
- High HE penetration and decent fire chance, can forgo IFHE
- Excellent shell velocity and flat arcs allow for comfortable long range gunnery
- Heavy torpedo armament of four quadruple launchers (two per side)
- Powerful AA suite
- Same excellent Hydroacoustic Search as Hindenburg
- Turtleback armor scheme prevents citadel penetrations at close range
Cons:
- Bad concealment for a cruiser
- Low top speed and sluggish rudder shift
- Unlike Prinz Eugen, Mainz has no access to Repair Party
- Inferior armor profile compared to Prinz Eugen and Admiral Hipper
- Torpedoes are short ranged
- Lightly armored turrets can be knocked out easily
Research
Optimal Configuration
Commander Skills
Recommended Commander Skills | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cost (points) |
Endurance | Attack | Support | Versatility | ||||
1 |
|
|
|
Χ |
|
Χ |
|
Χ |
2 |
|
|
|
|
Χ |
Χ |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
Χ |
|
|
|
|
4 |
|
|
|
Χ |
|
|
|
|
Key: ★★★ - Extremely Useful ★★ - Frequently Useful ★ - Occasionally Useful No stars - Meh Χ - Not recommended |