This class was an improved version of the
Mackensen Class. Originally conceived as three additional
ships of that class, it was decided to match
the increase in gun caliber made by the British
in the Renown Class. As a result of the 15" guns,
these vessels showed an increase in displacement
of nearly 3000 tons. Orders were placed even
before design work was completed, with two
ships ordered in April 10 and the third on
April 14, 1915. Work progressed very slowly
due to wartime shortages, and all three were
cancelled.
The adaptation of new boilers and Fottinger
transformers, a type of reduction gearing,
allowed SHP and speed to remain the same
as in the Mackensen Class despite the reduction in the number
of boilers. The reduction in boilers allowed
the elimination of one funnel, making these
ship exceptionally handsome.
Under the German Navy Law, these ships were
not to be given names until they were launched.
They were known as "Ersatz", meaning
"replacement", Yorck, Gniesenau, and Scharnhorst, after the cruisers they were to replace.
| Laid down N/A |
Launched N/A |
Completed N/A |
Commissioned N/A |
| Fate Cancelled due to war shortages |
Builders Ersatz York: Vulkan, Hamburg Ersatz Gniesenau: Germania Ersatz Scharnhorst: Blohm and Voss |
Complement 1,227 Design |
|
| Displacement 33,500 tons std, 38,000 tons max |
Dimensions 747' x 99.7' |
Draught 30.6' |
|
| Main guns 8 x 15"/50 (4 x 2) |
Secondary guns 12 x 5.9" (12 x 1) |
Light guns 8 x 88mm (8 x 1) |
Torpedo tubes 6 x 23.6" submerged |
| Armour Belt: 11.75" Turrets: 10" Deck: 3.5" C.T.: 13.75" |
|||
| Machinery 16 boilers 8 coal, 8 oil |
Turbines 4 x geared steam |
Power output 90,000 shp |
Shafts 4 |
| Speed 27.3 kts |
Range Approx 10,000 miles @ 10 knots |
Fuel coal/oil capacity unknown |
|
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