5 best battleships of the world fleet

July 6, 1902 in Russia was launched battleship "Eagle". It was one of the last ships of this type. Its foreign peers shortly after commissioning were retired due to obsolescence. "Eagle" even less fortunate - he was in a Japanese prisoner.





1. Russia
battleship "Andrew»



Strictly speaking, the most powerful battleship was "Andrew". But he entered the Baltic fleet in 1912, when it was in full swing era dreadnoughts. And, in fact, was no longer anyone in particular need. In 1924 it was transferred to a breaker for scrap.

"Eagle" also managed to do some fighting in the Russian-Japanese war. And in 1902, at the time of launch, it had been high hopes. Which are not justified by no means the fault of the shipbuilders.

"Eagle" was one of five battleships series "Borodino" laid down in the early twentieth century. century. With its creation have been considered typical disadvantages of both domestic and foreign ships of this type.

Battleship board had a high optimal shape, so had a wonderful and low visibility. Tiers of guns facilitated early detection of targets, firing at optimum distance and increase the range. At the same time in any sector could fire the guns 6-8. Optimal scheme of reservation and use of Krupp armor have significantly improved the survival of the ship. So, in the dramatic Battle of Tsushima "Eagle" received 76 hits. Of these, 5 - 305-mm projectiles, 2 - 254 mm, 9 - 203 mm, 39 - 152 mm. But it has not lost buoyancy.

For another significant advantages include high automation of the ship.

Armament "Eagle" was for its time, one of the best. Chief caliber represented by four 305-mm guns. There were 12 guns caliber 152 mm, 20 - 75 mm, 20 - 47 mm. There were also two 62-mm assault guns and 10 machine guns "Maxim", as well as 4 381-mm torpedo apparatus.

The total capacity of the two steam engines was equal to 15,800 horsepower, speed - 17, 8 knots. The crew consisted of 806 officers and sailors. Displacement - 14,400 tons, length - 121 meters.

2. Britain
"Lord Nelson»



The latest and most powerful British battleships became "Lord Nelson" Launched almost simultaneously with the second in the same ship "Agamemnon." This happened in September 1906. Two years later, the battleship was enlisted in the Royal Navy.

"Lord Nelson" was designed in such a way as to increase the firepower of the destroyers precursor. The main gauge was the same - 305 mm. But supporting artillery was greatly enhanced: instead of 152-mm guns were used ten 234-mm. Was also significantly improved armor protection. The main belt tower of the main fire and command logging had 305-mm armor. On the degree of vertical protection "Lord Nelson" was the most powerful ship not only British but also of the world fleet of the last century, surpassing even the first dreadnoughts.

Buildup of naval artillery, and security of the ship need to install steam engines capacity of 17, 5 thousand hp. When this reaches a speed of 18, 7 knots.

"Lord Nelson" had a length of 135 m, a width of 24 meters, a draft of 8 m and a displacement of 17,800 tons full.

This battleship were first used solid watertight bulkheads in the underwater part of the ship. The connection between the compartment is only topside. That reduces the risk of flooding beyond punched in combat compartment.

Before World War I battleship was in the Navy metropolis, carrying on combat duty near the territorial waters of the Kingdom. In 1915 he was transferred to the Mediterranean, where he took part in the Dardanelles operation. And in 1920 due to obsolescence was decommissioned and sold for scrap.

3. Japan
battleship "Aki»



If Japan does not poizderzhalas during the Russian-Japanese war, the battleship "Aki" Launched in 1907, eclipsed by the power of the famous British battleship "Dreadnought". In accordance with the project, which had to be adjusted, it would have been established twelve 305-mm guns. Established only four. But as such, it has become one of the most powerful ships in the world in its class.

Length "Aki" equals 152 m, width 25 m, displacement of 20 thousand. T. The steam engine develops power 24 thousand hp. Providing this edifice speed of 20 knots.

Impressive and supporting artillery, which had twelve 254-mm guns.

During the First World War, "Aki" in hostilities did not participate. And in 1922 under the Treaty of five powers (the United States, Italy, France, UK and Japan) on the limitation of naval armaments battleship turned into a floating target. And in 1924, "Aki" was sunk during the testing of new armor-piercing shells.

4. France
French "Danton»



French "Danton" was the first in a series of six battleships, which also included "Voltaire", "Diderot", "Condorcet", "Mirabeau" and "right". All of them were put into operation in the summer of 1911. But, as was to last battleship served briefly in connection with the advent of dreadnoughts.

By rate of "Danton" superior British "Dreadnought". For 10 minutes, he produced 200 heavy shells weighing 60,960 kg. "Briton" same - only 120 rounds total weight of 46320 kg. This was achieved through the use of twelve 240-mm guns, which had a record at the time rate: per minute is an instrument produces two 220-kilogram projectile. However, at large distances is offset by the advantage of the reduced accuracy of fire.

With solid dimensions (length - 146 m), high power 4-turbine power plant (22, 5 thousand. Hp) and the development of artillery, which had 4 caliber crew consisted of only 680 people.

"Danton" and five of his "brothers" took an active part in the battles of the First World War. "Voltaire" was struck by two torpedoes, but remained afloat. And served in the French Navy until 1935. "Danton" was also sunk by a German submarine in March 1917.

5. Austria-Hungary
battleship "Radetzky»



Germany at creating armadillos not flashed. Her "Deutschland", who had four 280-mm guns and fourteen 170-mm firepower was quite mediocre ship. Deserves respect except that its armor protection.

But neighboring Austria-Hungary built three armadillo family "Radetzky" to compete with the best foreign ships of this type. For example, the auxiliary caliber firepower "Radetzky" was second only to the power of the French artillery intermediate "Danton».

A unique design feature was the presence of armored double bottom. This was to increase the protection of the ship from underwater explosions.

As conceived by the chief designer of the "Radetzky", founded in 1907, was supposed to have a number of vehicle parameters drednoutnogo type. However, for the implementation of this scheme was necessary to rebuild the docks. The Government strongly hurry, in connection with which it was proposed to immediately begin construction of the ship lightweight option. But these options are more than enough, "Radetzky" was built on the fourth of the five developed project options.

The result was not the largest battleship in the world, having a length of 138 m, a width of 24 meters, a displacement of 15 thousand. T. But firing has excellent qualities. Implements the main 305-mm caliber designed and manufactured in the factory "Skoda", made the first three shots per minute. Then, when the supply of shells from the cellar - 2 shots. Auxiliary 240-mm caliber rate was 2, 5 shots per minute.

During the First World War "Radetzky" and two "twin brother" - "The Archduke Franz Ferdinand" and "Zrinyi" - participated in the bombardment of the Italian coast. After the defeat in the war moved to Italy, where in 1920 was sold for scrap.