Z-39

13.3

Z-39

Destroyer | Germany | Tier VII

Tech Tree Position

General

Purchase priceSpecial

Hit Points19,600

Main Battery

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

Rate of Fire8 shots/min.

Reload Time7.5 sec.

Rotation Speed8 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time22.5 sec.

Firing Range11.84 km.

Maximum Dispersion103 m.

HE Shell150 mm Spr.Gr.

Maximum HE Shell Damage2,200

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell12 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity835 m./s.

HE Shell Weight45.3 kg.

AP Shell150 mm P.Spr.Gr.

Maximum AP Shell Damage3,700

Initial AP Shell Velocity835 m./s.

AP Shell Weight45.3 kg.

Torpedo Tubes

533 mm Vierling2 х 4 pcs.

Rate of Fire0.67 shots/min.

Reload Time90 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

TorpedoG7 Steinbarsch

Maximum Damage14,400

Torpedo Speed65 knot

Torpedo Range8.49 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.

37 mm/69 Flak M42 on an LM/42 single mount2 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second15

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

37 mm/83 SK C/30 on a Dopp LC/30 mount2 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second5.2

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

20 mm/65 C/38 on a twin mount2 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second8.4

. . . 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 Time4.5 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range7.51 km.

Air Detectability Range3.5 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

13.3

Z-39

Destroyer | Germany | Tier VII

Tech Tree Position

General

Purchase priceSpecial

Hit Points19,600

Main Battery

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

Rate of Fire8 shots/min.

Reload Time7.5 sec.

Rotation Speed8 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time22.5 sec.

Firing Range11.84 km.

Maximum Dispersion103 m.

HE Shell150 mm Spr.Gr.

Maximum HE Shell Damage2,200

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell12 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity835 m./s.

HE Shell Weight45.3 kg.

AP Shell150 mm P.Spr.Gr.

Maximum AP Shell Damage3,700

Initial AP Shell Velocity835 m./s.

AP Shell Weight45.3 kg.

Torpedo Tubes

533 mm Vierling2 х 4 pcs.

Rate of Fire0.67 shots/min.

Reload Time90 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

TorpedoG7 Steinbarsch

Maximum Damage14,400

Torpedo Speed65 knot

Torpedo Range8.49 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.

37 mm/69 Flak M42 on an LM/42 single mount2 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second15

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

37 mm/83 SK C/30 on a Dopp LC/30 mount2 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second5.2

. . . Firing Range3.51 km.

20 mm/65 C/38 on a twin mount2 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second8.4

. . . 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 Time4.5 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range7.51 km.

Air Detectability Range3.5 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

VII

Special

Z-39 — German special premium Tier VII destroyer.

The last sister ship of destroyer Z-23 belonged to a series of ships laid down after the start of World War II (Zerstörer 1936A Mob). She carried 150mm guns. During 1944-1945, the ship underwent an overhaul with a considerable reinforcement of her AA defenses. This, however, required that one of the ship's main guns be demounted.

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/36T on an LDrh LC/38 mount	8	22.5	103	2,200	12	3,700		0	0

	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-39	19,600	6	30	2/1		2/2/2/4/2	2			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 ()
G7 Steinbarsch	0.7	90	7.2	14,400	65	8.5		0	0

	IDS_SHIP_PARAM_SUO_INCREASE_DIST (%)	Maximum Firing Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
FKS Typ 8 Mod. 1		0		0	0

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

Compatible Upgrades

Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Slot 4
Slot 5

Player Opinion

Pros:

• Has access to the Tier VIII module Concealment System Modification 1 , allowing the Z-39 to sneak around the seas.
• Fairly quick torpedo reload.
• Has access to the Hydroacoustic Search  module.
• AP rounds can quickly devastate cruisers with citadels at mid-to-close range.
• Incredibly high hit point pool for a Tier VII destroyer; the hit point pool rivals those of Tier IX destroyers.

Cons:

• Takes large amounts of HE damage
• Lackluster HE performance
• Average torpedo alpha strike

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades

The recommended upgrades for Z-39 are as follows:

• Slot 1: Main Armaments Modification 1
• Slot 2: Propulsion Modification 1
• Slot 3: Aiming Systems Modification 1
• Slot 4: Propulsion Modification 1 ()
• Slot 5: Concealment System Modification 1 

Slot 1 Provides several options for captains. Main Armaments Modification 1 is recommended to improve the survivability of the ship's weapons. Magazine Modification 1 can instead be mounted to reduce the risk of a magazine detonation. Captains can also choose to mount the Hydroacoustic Search Modification 1 or Engine Boost Modification 1 upgrades in Slot 2. These upgrades increase the action time of their specified consumable.

Commander Skills

Key skills for Z-39 are similar to those of most destroyers, with the addition of Expert Loader to improve the efficiency of her guns. Because of her 150 mm guns, Z-39 cannot make use of Basic Firing Training and Advanced Firing Training to improve her main battery reload and range, respectively.

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

Consumables

Z-39 can equip the following consumables:

• Slot 1: Damage Control Party 
• Slot 2: Smoke Generator 
• Slot 3: Engine Boost 
• Slot 4: Hydroacoustic Search 

Signals

A typical flag setup for a destroyer works best for Z-39, featuring Sierra Mike (), Juliet Charlie (), and the two fire flags India X-Ray () and Victor Lima (). As Z-39 is a premium ship, economic flags such as Zulu Hotel (🚫), Equal Speed Charlie London (🚫), will boost the XP earning potential of the ship, and captain XP.

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

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

  Z-39 engages an enemy destroyer.

• 
• 

  Z-39 dodges enemy artillery.

Historical Info

Z-39, YEAR

Construction

Builder: Yard; City, Country

Laid down: DD MONTH YEAR

Launched: DD MONTH YEAR

Commissioned: DD MONTH YEAR

---

Specifications

XX tons displacement, standard

XXm length

XXm beam

XXm draft

---

Machinery

---

Performance

XX knots at XX shaft horsepower

XX nm at XX knots

---

Armor

Main belt:

Upper belt:

Torpedo bulkhead:

Decks:

Bulkheads:

Barbettes and Turrets:

Conning tower:

---

Armament

Main

Secondary

Anti-aircraft

Torpedoes

---

Aircraft

Total

Fighters

Bombers

File:PICTURE.JPG

CAPTION.

History

Design

The destroyers of the Zerstörer 1936A class were the last class of destroyers designed by Germany before the outbreak of World War II. They were slightly larger than the preceding 1936 class, and were designed to be more stable in the seas. The hull was reinforced, and a bulge was installed at the bow to improve seaworthiness. The latter was eventually removed, however, as it proved to have negative side effects on the bow. A double rudder allowed better maneuverability than on the 1934 or 1936 classes.

The result was 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 her 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 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 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 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-23 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 only exception for this layout was Z-28, which was used as a fleet command vessel and instead mounted four single mounts in two superfiring pairs, one at the bow and one at the aft. 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 few vessels built 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. When the twin turret was eventually installed in 1942 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 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-39 was a Type 1936A (Mob) destroyer built for Germany's Kriegsmarine during World War II. She was laid down in August 1940 and completed three years later. Her anti-aircraft armament was increased extensively during the war. She served with the 6th Destroyer Flotilla her entire German career, which she spent escorting transports in the Baltic Sea, laying mines, and bombarding land forces. She served with a total of three different countries: from 1943 to 1945 with the Kriegsmarine as Z-39, from 1945 to 1947 with the US Navy as DD-939, and from 1948 to 1964 with the French Navy as Q-128.

Over her German career she laid numerous barrages of mines in the Baltic Sea, and bombarded Soviet forces several times. In the last months of the war, Z-39 helped escort steamships, which were evacuating German soldiers and civilians from Eastern Europe to Denmark. She was damaged twice, once from Soviet planes, while in Paldiski, and the other time from British planes, while in Kiel. At the end of the war, she was transferred to the United States Navy, where she was experimented upon to test her equipment, especially her high-pressure steam propulsion plant. After the US Navy deemed her obsolete, she was transferred to the French Navy, where she was cannibalized for parts, and made into a pontoon for minesweepers.

Historical Gallery

• 

  A view over the entire ship, taken after the war with the ship sailing under the US flag

• 

  Z-39 sailing with high speed

• 

  Z-39 during her early career, still lacking the additional AA that was mounted in 1944

• 

  The forward 15cm twin turret on Z-39

• 

  The rear section of Z-39, taken after the war. One of the main guns being clearly damaged

• 

  A picture taken from directly behind Z-39

• 

  This picture shows Z-39 full length from the side, giving a good impression of her profile and her armament. This picture was also taken after the war

• 

  A detail shot of the second funnel. Clearly visible is the 37mm Flakzwilling 30 and the 37mm M42 single mount

Ships of Germany

Destroyers