HUGE, FAST VESSELS PROJECTED BY NAVY (1/9/39)

Microfiche-New York Times Archives | 1/9/39 | No byline

[meandog]

Considering speed, armor, fire control systems, gun power, the Iowa class defeats all of the world’s BBs. Yamato, Jean Bart, King George V, Bismark would all fall short in a gun fight with the Iowas!

[Captain Rhino]

The two ocean navy bill of 1940 authorized an even larger follow-on class; the Montanas, which would displace about 56,000-60,000 tons and have 12 16” guns. No construction ever began on those monsters; by that time it was apparent that carriers were more valuable.

Not sure if you have come across references to the U.S Navy's design studies for the "Maximum Battleship" - as maximum size that could fit through the Panama Canal. Couple years back, a skillful modeler over at ModelWarships.com worked up a model based on the studies. It's not beautiful, but with fifteen 18" guns, the 80,000 ton brute would have gotten the attention of even the Yamatos.

Here's a link to the model:

http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery/bb/bb-73/350-br/br-index.html

[magslinger]

SONOBUOY PING!

Congratulations, Homer J! Your question just won you a Navair Sonobuoy ping.

Click on pic for past Navair pings.

Post or FReepmail me if you wish to be enlisted in or discharged from the Navair Pinglist.
The only requirement for inclusion in the Navair Pinglist is an interest in Naval Aviation.
This is a medium to low volume pinglist.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

The Wisconsin damaged her bow in a collision in May, 1955 with the DDE-510 Eaton. The nose of the Kentucky was used to make the repair in 1956. Ohio was never started. The Illinois was scrapped in 1945 when 25 percent complete. The Kentucky was not scrapped until 1958.
The Montana class consisted of Montana, Ohio, Maine, New Hampshire and Louisiana.

[henkster]

Best books I’ve read on Leyte Gulf:

Thomas J. Cutler: “The Battle of Leyte Gulf”

James Hornfisher: “The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors”

There is also a fine account of the battle in John Toland’s “The Rising Sun.”

[mick]

Thanks for the “rant”

Guys like you are just another reason to love FR!

[shorty_harris]

In September 1942, the HIJMS I-25 launched it’s plane off the coast of Oregon, where it dropped two incendiary bombs inland (hoping to start forest fires). I think this is the only instance of Japanese aircraft attacking the US mainland.

[skeeter]

The best ships for the money were the British Queen Elizabeth class. They were the first oil-fired ships; they four of them fought at Jutland in 1916, all five served through WW2 as first line battleships.

It was the Warspite (though some argue Scharnhorst has the title), I believe that has the record for longest hit with naval artillery - 26,000 yards with the same MK1 15 inch gun currently on display outside the Imperial War Museum in London.

[mad_as_he$$]

Somewhere I have a book written by the guy that commanded that sub. I think it is called “I-boat”.

[henkster]

Had it not been for the aircraft carrier, ships like that might have been built. Kind of like “what would the dinosaurs have evolved into?”

Some of those models of “artist’s conceptions” are pretty cool.

For more, check out this website:

http://www.combinedfleet.com/furashita/furamain.htm

It’s put together by a guy named Craig Burke who regularly posted on The History Channel WW2 forum. Great guy, knows his “stuff” about the War in the Pacific.

[doorgunner69]

Good rant. Always loved the Iowa class, even when I spent a sleepless night in VN while the New Jersey fired over our heads. Geez those 16" shells made a noise going over.

And now I work within sight of the Missouri! It's going into drydock soon for quite a while, need to do the tour with my wife.

[skeeter]

I Boat Captain, by Zenji Orita.

I read everything on the topic I could get my hands on as a kid.

[skeeter]

And now I work within sight of the Missouri

You guys hiring?:)

[shorty_harris]

Somewhere I have a book written by the guy that commanded that sub. I think it is called “I-boat”.

Neat! I think I read that the pilot of the plane was invited back to Oregon in the 60's or the 70's and was treated like a celebrity.

[snippy_about_it]

LOL. Knowledge is a good thing.

[snippy_about_it]

Navy ‘boat’ ping!

[PAR35]

Had to be the Iowas...

No, the 1940 ships were Montana class. The class would have included BB-67 (Montana) - BB71 (Louisiana).

[Eric in the Ozarks]

The Montana Class was never built.

[mad_as_he$$]

That's it. Well written book.

[mad_as_he$$]

I have always thought the Iowa’s were the most beautiful ships ever built. The lines are simply perfect. Yes they are instruments of war but the designers put a touch of art in them.