Z-31

13.3

Z-31

Destroyer | Germany | Tier VII

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price69000 exp

Purchase price5,700,000

Hit Points15,400

Main Battery

150 mm/55 Tbts KC/36 on a Tbts LC/36 mount2 х 1 / 1 х 2 pcs.

Rate of Fire8.57 shots/min.

Reload Time7 sec.

Rotation Speed8 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time22.5 sec.

Firing Range10.47 km.

Maximum Dispersion51 m.

HE Shell150 mm Spr.Gr. Ausf. B

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,800

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell12 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity835 m./s.

HE Shell Weight51 kg.

AP Shell150 mm P.Spr.Gr. Ausf. B

Maximum AP Shell Damage3,700

Initial AP Shell Velocity835 m./s.

AP Shell Weight51 kg.

Torpedo Tubes

533 mm Vierling2 х 4 pcs.

Rate of Fire0.5 shots/min.

Reload Time120 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

TorpedoG7 T1 Ausf.A

Maximum Damage13,700

Torpedo Speed50 knot

Torpedo Range9.99 km.

AA Defense

20 mm/65 C/38 on an L/30 single mount8 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second24

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

37 mm/83 SK C/30 on a Dopp LC/30 mount4 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second10.4

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed36 knot

Turning Circle Radius670 m.

Rudder Shift Time6.3 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range6.98 km.

Air Detectability Range3.51 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

13.3

Z-31

Destroyer | Germany | Tier VII

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price69000 exp

Purchase price5,700,000

Hit Points19,400

Main Battery

150 mm/55 Tbts KC/36 on a Tbts LC/36 mount2 х 1 / 1 х 2 pcs.

Rate of Fire8.57 shots/min.

Reload Time7 sec.

Rotation Speed8 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time22.5 sec.

Firing Range11.52 km.

Maximum Dispersion51 m.

HE Shell150 mm Spr.Gr. Ausf. B

Maximum HE Shell Damage1,800

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell12 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity835 m./s.

HE Shell Weight51 kg.

AP Shell150 mm P.Spr.Gr. Ausf. B

Maximum AP Shell Damage3,700

Initial AP Shell Velocity835 m./s.

AP Shell Weight51 kg.

Torpedo Tubes

533 mm Vierling2 х 4 pcs.

Rate of Fire0.5 shots/min.

Reload Time120 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

TorpedoG7 T1 Ausf.A

Maximum Damage13,700

Torpedo Speed50 knot

Torpedo Range9.99 km.

AA Defense

20 mm/65 C/38 on a Flak 35 Vierling L/38 mount2 х 4 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second12

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

20 mm/65 C/38 on a twin mount6 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second25.2

. . . Firing Range2.01 km.

37 mm/69 Flak M42 on an LM/42 mount4 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second41.2

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed36 knot

Turning Circle Radius670 m.

Rudder Shift Time4.2 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range6.98 km.

Air Detectability Range3.51 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

VII

5,700,000

Z-31 — German Tier VII destroyer.

In 1940 and 1941, several Type 1936B destroyers were laid down again. The new Type 1936A(Mob) was equipped with 150 mm guns. Z-31, the lead ship, entered service in April 1942. The destroyer participated in the Battle of the Barents Sea against the JW-51B convoy. In 1943, she participated in the raid on Spitsbergen, and in 1944, she was involved in the transportation of German troops from Finland to Norway. In January 1945, the ship was heavily damaged in a battle with British cruisers. After the war, she was transferred to France and renamed Marceau.

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/55 Tbts KC/36 in a turret	8.6	22.5	51	1,800	12	3,700		0	570,000

	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 ()
Z-31(A)	15,400	6	30	2/1		8/4	2			0	855,000
Z-31(B)	19,400	6	30	2/1		6/2/4	2			22,500	1,500,000

	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 ()
G7 T1 Ausf. A	0.5	120	7.2	13,700	50	10		0	570,000

	IDS_SHIP_PARAM_SUO_INCREASE_DIST (%)	Maximum Firing Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
FKS Typ 7 Mod. 1		0		0	570,000
FKS Typ 7 Mod. 2		0		15,000	1,000,000

	Maximum Speed (knot)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Propulsion: 70,000 hp	36		0	570,000

Compatible Upgrades

Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Slot 4

Player Opinion

Performance

A Tier VII German destroyer.

Pros:

• Massive health pool for her tier.
• Thick central armor (25 mm), cannot be penetrated by most non-German destroyer HE shells without the IFHE skill.
• Guns have good accuracy.
• Very high AP shell damage.
• Enhanced AP shell ricochet angles.
• Very high HE shell armor penetration capacity (38 mm).
• Torpedoes have long range.
• Above average AA defenses.
• Fairly good concealment compared to other Tier VII destroyers.

Cons:

• Guns have long reload.
• Fairly low HE shell damage.
• Torpedoes are slow.
• Long torpedo reload for a Tier VII destroyer.
• No engine boost consumable.
• No hydroacoustic search consumable, unlike Maass.
• It's useless.

Research

Researchable upgrades for Z-31:

• Hull: Upgrade to Hull (B) for greatly improved survivability and AA. Research of this module unlocks progress to Maerker.
• Gun Fire Control System: Upgrade to FKS Typ 7 mod.2 for an extra 10% range on the main battery.

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades

The recommended upgrades for Z-31:

• Slot 1: Main Armaments Modification 1
• Slot 2: Engine Room Protection
• Slot 3: Aiming Systems Modification 1
• Slot 4: Propulsion Modification 1

Commander Skills

Recommended Commander Skills
Cost (points)	Attack				Defense
1	Grease the Gears +15% main battery traverse speed. ★★	Liquidator +30% chance (multiplicative) of causing flooding.	Consumables Specialist −7.5% cooldown time of all Consumables except:  Damage Control Party ,  Repair Party .	Gun Feeder -40% time to switch shell type.	Incoming Fire Alert Receive a warning about a salvo fired at your ship from more than 4.5 km.	Preventive Maintenance −30% chance of main armament, engines, steering becoming incapacitated +15% to HP of secondary and AA guns. ★★★
2	Demolition Expert +1% chance of main and secondary HE shells causing a fire. +15% to the damage-inflicting area of HE shells fired at submarines.	Swift Fish +5% torpedo speed.	Consumables Enhancements +10% action time of: Hydroacoustic Search , Surveillance Radar , Smoke Generator , & Engine Boost .	Extra-Heavy Ammunition +7.5% main battery AP shell damage. +10% damage from depth charges. ★★	Priority Target The detection indicator will show the number of enemies aiming at you with main battery. ★★	Last Stand The ship remains able to move and maneuver - slowly - while the engine or steering gears are incapacitated. ★★★
3	Main Battery & AA Specialist -5% main battery reload time. +10% continuous AA damage. ★★	Fill the Tubes -10% torpedo tubes reload time.	Adrenaline Rush -0.2% reload time of all armaments per 1% HP lost +0.2% AA continuous damage per 1% HP lost. ★★	Inertial Fuse for HE Shells +25% armor penetration of HE shells Base fire chance reduced by half.	Superintendent +1 charge to all consumables.	Survivability Expert +350 HP per ship tier. ★★★
4	Main Battery & AA Expert +20% main battery range. +15% flak damage. ★★	Swift in Silence So long as the ship remains undetected: +8% ship speed +5% main battery reload time.	Radio Location Shows the direction to the nearest enemy ship. The enemy is alerted that a bearing has been taken.. ★	Fearless Brawler +1 flak burst per salvo. -10% main battery reload when ship is spotted.	Concealment Expert -10% detectability range of the ship. ★	Dazzle For 15 seconds after you are detected: * +20% dispersion of enemy shells fired at you. * +8% ship speed.
Key: ★★★ - Extremely Useful      ★★ - Frequently Useful      ★ - Occasionally Useful     No stars - Not Useful

Consumables

Z-31 equips:

• Slot 1: Damage Control Party 
• Slot 2: Smoke Generator  - 3 charges

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 Z-31 with Type 17 camouflage that lowers her detection radius, reduces the accuracy of incoming shells, reduces her service cost, and increases the amount of experience she earns.

Signals

Recommended Signal Flags
Combat
Juliet Charlie -100% to the risk of magazine detonation.	Juliet Yankee Bissotwo -20% to flooding duration.	India Yankee -20% to fire duration.	Hotel Yankee -20% to damage received when ramming the enemy. +50% to damage dealt when ramming the enemy.	Victor Lima +1% chance for HE bombs and shells with a caliber above 160mm causing a fire. +0.5% chance for bombs and smaller shells causing a fire. +4% chance of torpedoes causing flooding.	India X-Ray +1% chance for HE bombs and shells with a caliber above 160mm causing a fire. +0.5% chance for bombs and smaller shells causing a fire. +5% to the risk of your ship's magazine detonating.
Juliet Whiskey Unaone +15% chance of causing flooding. +5% to the risk of your ship's magazine detonating.	Mike Yankee Soxisix +5% to secondary battery maximum firing range. -5% to maximum dispersion of secondary battery shells. -5% to secondary battery loading time.	November Echo Setteseven +5% continuous AA damage at all ranges. +5% damage from flak bursts.	Sierra Mike +5% to the ship's maximum speed.	November Foxtrot -5% reload time on all consumables.	India Delta +20% to the amount of HP recovered when Repair Party  is used.
X-Ray Papa Unaone +10% action time of a Smoke Generator .	Sierra Bravo +10% action time of Hydroacoustic Search  -10% reload time of Defensive AA Fire .

Note: Use of the Juliet Charlie signal makes detonation impossible.

Gallery

• 

  Hull A

• 

  Hull B

Historical Info

Z-31, 1945

Construction

Deschimag; Bremen, Germany

Laid down: 01 September 1940

Launched: 15 May 1941

Commissioned: 11 April 1942

Specifications

2,757 tons displacement, standard

127m length

12m beam

3.91m draft

Machinery

6 boilers, 2 turbines

Performance

38.5 knots at 70,000 shaft horsepower

2,174nm at 19 knots

Armament

Main

Three (3x1) 150mm guns

Secondary

One (1x1) 105mm gun

Anti-Aircraft

Fourteen (6x2 + 2x1) 37mm guns

Thirteen (1x4 + 4x2 + 1x1) 20mm guns

Torpedoes

Eight (2x4) 550mm torpedo tubes

History

Design

The destroyers of the Zerstörer 1936A (Mob.) class were a class of destroyers that simplified the preceding class, the 1936A class, while keeping their general characteristics. This was done in order to reduce construction time during war time, hence the name, 1936A "Mobilisation" (mobilization).

The ships sported a 127 meter long and 12 meter wide hull with a draft of up to 4.65m. The displacement ranged between 2,600 and 3,700 tons depending on the loadout, and the engines — with a combined 70,000 shaft horsepower — would allow for a speed of 36 knots (during speed trials, speeds up to 38.5 knots were achieved). The fuel capacity gave these ships a cruising range of up to 2,500 nautical miles. The crew for a single vessel consisted of 11 officers and 320 men.

What made the 1936A (Mob.) class stand out from other destroyers of the era was their main battery armament. The 15cm L/48 was gun was unique to Germany, and the largest main battery rifle to be mounted on a destroyer to date. They were initially tested on the 1934-class destroyer Z-8 Bruno Heinemann, these guns were meant to counter new French and British destroyers, as well as allowing the 1936A (Mob.) class ships to serve as scout units and to compensate for the continual shortage of light cruisers and scouting units. There were two mountings available on the 1934A (Mob.) class, a single mount and a twin turret. Other than the number of guns in these mountings, they also differed in terms of gun elevations: the single mounting allowed for 30° elevations, whereas the twin turret could elevate up to 65°. Each ship of the Z-31 class was slated to receive one twin-barreled mount on the bow and three single-barreled mounts at the stern of the ship, with the sternmost two being superfiring and the central turret facing forward. The Torpedo armament did not change from the 1934 series destroyers, with two quadruple 533mm torpedo tubes, and the initial anti-aircraft armament consisted of two twin 37mm Flakzwilling 30's and five single barreled 20mm FlaK 38's.

Availability issues with the 15cm twin turret meant that the first unit of the class, Z-31, only received four 15cm guns in single mountings. However, even the lighter armament showed that the bow was insufficiently designed and that the ships took a tremendous amount of water over the bow in the commonly rough seas of the northern Atlantic. With the twin turret installed the issues with these guns became more noticeable. With the twin turret weighting more than four times that of a single mount, the fore ship was even more prone to being wet. As the turret was not properly designed to be waterproof the electrical systems within would often fail in heavy seas and the fixed ammunition meant that a lot of physical effort was required by the gun crews to reload the gun, which would hamper the ability to maintain a high rate of fire during combat.

With the threat from aircraft rising throughout the war, it was deemed as necessary to increase the anti-air-armament of all destroyers, resulting in the so-called “Barbara-program” which added additional AA guns for almost all ships in 1944. The proposed changes for the 1936A (Mob.) class ships were the removal of a 15cm single mount, and a completely new AA armament of twelve 37mm M42 and eighteen 20mm FlaK 38 guns, with the addition of 8.6cm AA rockets in four single launchers.

Service

Z-31 was constructed as construction number 1001 at the Deschimag dockyard in Bremen. Shortly after being completed and while undergoing trial and exercise runs she collided with the motor boat Wilfried, causing damage to her outer hull and demanding a three week repair. Afterwards she escorted the heavy cruiser Lützow to Norway, where Z-31 would stay for the time being undertaking various escorting and mining operations. One of these missions would be the "Spitzbergen-raid", where she would be part of a German task force containing the battleships Tirpitz and Scharnhorst, attacking a Norwegian weather station. Initial return fire from shore batteries struck Z-31 eight times causing her first casualties of one dead and one wounded. Until the end of the year 1943 she would continue taking part in various operations in Norway before sailing back to Poland for an overhaul.

In August 1944, after completing her overhaul and being regaining combat readiness, Z-31 would return to Norway carrying technical personnel and materials for the damaged battleship Tirpitz. While staying with Tirpitz for air cover an air raid targeting the battleship would also hit Z-31, damaging her slightly. The following four months she would spend on further mine and escorting operations.

In January 1945 Z-31 together with her sister ships Z-34 and Z-38 returned home from Norway into the Baltic sea. However, British intelligence knew of this and sent two light cruisers, HMS Diadem and HMS Mauritius, to stop them. An engagement ensued, during which Z-31 would take seven hits, one of which penetrated her forward twin turret destroying it. The destroyers escaped into the safety of the coast line, receiving support from shore batteries. The damage on Z-31 was severe, of her 336 men strong crew 55 died and another 24 were wounded, and the entire foreship was wrecked. Z-34 and Z-38, being mostly undamaged, continued their trip to Germany. Z-31 being too heavily damaged made her way to Bergen and then to Oslo for repairs.

There her bow was repaired, but the 150mm twin turret being beyond repair and in lack of spares a 105mm/45 single dual purpose gun was installed. Her Barbara-refit was also added, exchanging the medium and small AA for a much improved suite of automatic 37mm and 20mm guns. In March 1945 she was fit to return to Poland, which she did.A few days afterwards, on March 23rd 1945, Z-31 towed the hulk of Gneisenau into the harbor entrance of Gotenhafen where she would be sunk as a block ship. The remainder of the war she would spend escorting the cruisers still afloat, and engaging land targets.

After the capitulation of Germany the Royal Navy took command of Z-31 and, following some short trials, she was handed over to the French Navy on February 2nd, which would recommission her as Marceau shortly afterwards. Being decommissioned in 1948, remodeled in 1950, recommissioned in 1952 and then decommissioned again on February 1st 1954 she was sold for scrap in 1958, although her scrapping would be delayed until the early 1960s.

Historical Inaccuracies

• Z-31 never carried a combination of a 150mm twin turret and automatic 37mm guns.
• The in game model of Z-31 shows her carrying 20mm guns around the second funnel, however on all 1936A and 1936A (Mob.) type destroyers the larger platform around the second funnel would always carry 37mm weaponry.
• Z-31 never gave away her central 15cm single mount; on the in game model it is absent on both hulls.

Historical Gallery

• 

  Drawing showing Z-31 in her final wartime configuration

References

Ships of Germany

Destroyers