5 replies to this topic

[Dave Franklin]

Played a night battle between the IJN and USN over Memorial Day weekend. Noticed the USN 5" (not 5"AA) only penetrates CL, while all other 4.7" - 5" guns (again excepting the 5" AA) penetrate CA.Is this a typo, or by design?

[Cpt M]

No, this is not a typo. Probably the best truly dual purpose weapon in use during the war, the 5"/38 was not particularly known for its AP capability. Coupled with this was the fact that most ships did not even carry AP rounds, since the AA Common shell gave the best all-round performance against the most targets. So the stats as written would be representative of the gun's actual wartime performance.

[Radek Gozdek]

http://www.navweaps....8_mk12.htmRange Side Armor 4,000 yards (3,660 m) 5.0" (127 mm) CA5,400 yards (4,940 m) 4.0" (102 mm) CA7,400 yards (6,770 m) 3.0" (76 mm) CL11,000 yards (10,060 m) 2.0" (51 mm) CLshould had CA

[Cpt M]

Several issues....First, the penetration numbers you quote are proving ground results developed in 1942 for the 5'/38 AP round. From my own experience, results such as these must be approached with considerable caution as they are not 100% reliable and should not be used as a sole source. Second (and most important), as noted on the site you mentioned, this round was NOT commonly carried by US ships during WWII. It was determined that the AA Common shell (with considerable less AP performance) was more effective over a broader range of targets.Third, as noted in a prior discussion, the penetration tables are constructed with a discounting of effectiveness to account for the real world conditions of combat (i.e., the movement of target and firer in three dimensions, variable weather conditions, variable powder performance, etc.). As stated previously, proving ground results CANNOT be directly used for penetration comparisons since the conditions on the proving ground (powder adjusted for optimum performance, shells striking exactly perpendicular to the target armor, new gun barrels with little wear, etc.) are NEVER present in combat. Proving ground results are the most optimal result; real world results are NEVER as good. And finally, the US 5"/38, as represented in the game and developed over long playtest, gives results that are consistent with real world results. Which is the real test of the system. (If, however, you wish to change things on your game table, then do so.)

[Radek Gozdek]

at playtest, two errors, one on +1, second on -1, always give proper value :) But errors still are. Think about it.

[Cpt M]

"at playtest, two errors, one on +1, second on -1, always give proper value But errors still are. Think about it."I'm at a loss as to what you're referring to. What is the specific issue?