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Description

The Herbstwind-class destroyer was a class of eight destroyers built for the Völkden Empire between 1943 and 1944.

It's predecessors, the Talsturm-class and the Sommersturm-class, were once regarded as one of the deadliest classes of destroyers in the world at the time of their introductions in 1939 and 1941, respectively. However as the war progressed, they begun to show their age as newer destroyers such as the Justice-class were introduced. In addition, while combat aircraft were rare, the destroyers inability to engage them as a result of the 15cm guns inability to elevate high enough was concerning.

Herbstwind-class were built as a replacement for the Talsturm-class, featuring a lengthened hull to accommodate a larger engineering deck, 12.8cm dual-purpose guns in enclosed turrets, and the then newly fielded 57mm AA autocannon.

In 1944, Herbstwind was sunk while carrying five experimental acoustic torpedoes. Unlike previously used acoustic torpedoes, these were capable of identifying and ignoring towed decoys, and in the event of a miss, they were capable of turning around to re-engage. Unfortunately during their first use in combat, the torpedoes missed a merchant vessel and upon turning, identified Herbstwind as the 'real' ship between the two. The resulting hit sunk the Herbstwind with all hands lost.

All but Herbstwind survived the war and continued to serve until they were all eventually sold for scrap by 1964.

Displacement:
2,208 t light; 2,342 t standard; 2,553 t normal; 2,721 t full load

Dimensions: Length overall / water x beam x draught
(133.11 m / 129.68 m) x 11.75 m x (4.50 / 4.68 m)

Installed Power:
83,325 shp / 62,161 Kw

Diesel internal combustion motors, hydraulic drive, 2 shafts

Speed:
38.5 knots

Range:
Range 2,250 nm at 19 kts

Compliment:
180 - 230

Armaments:
6 × 128mm (5.04") DP guns in three two-gun turrets
4 × 57mm (2.24") AA guns in one twin and two single deck mounts
40 × 20mm (0.79") AA guns in ten quad deck mounts

10 × 533mm (21.0") torpedoes in two sets + 1 set of reloads

30 × 220 kg / 485 lbs mines
10 ×136 kg / 300 lbs depth charges + 20 reloads

Note: Springsharp isn't capable of portraying anything smaller than a light cruiser well. Destroyers are especially bad, so some spoofing required

Based mainly on German zerstörers such as Z-46, Z-52 and Wargaming's weirdo mislabelled light cruiser Elbing, though since Völkdian ships are suppose to be influenced by both Germany and Japan, I've added a bit of IJN flair, mainly the smoke stacks and the torpedo reload magazine placement.

This was originally a low-poly prop I made quickly to fit into the background of a render with Prinz Heinrich and Grosser Seiger , but I eventually decided to rebuild it as an actual ship. Might still make that render, though I did get the idea for a new one using these ships which would be easier.

Made in Sketchup

Higher Resolution and additional renders at my Artstation

Follow me on Twitter!

Description

The Herbstwind-class destroyer was a class of eight destroyers built for the Völkden Empire between 1943 and 1944.

It's predecessors, the Talsturm-class and the Sommersturm-class, were once regarded as one of the deadliest classes of destroyers in the world at the time of their introductions in 1939 and 1941, respectively. However as the war progressed, they begun to show their age as newer destroyers such as the Justice-class were introduced. In addition, while combat aircraft were rare, the destroyers inability to engage them as a result of the 15cm guns inability to elevate high enough was concerning.

Herbstwind-class were built as a replacement for the Talsturm-class, featuring a lengthened hull to accommodate a larger engineering deck, 12.8cm dual-purpose guns in enclosed turrets, and the then newly fielded 57mm AA autocannon.

In 1944, Herbstwind was sunk while carrying five experimental acoustic torpedoes. Unlike previously used acoustic torpedoes, these were capable of identifying and ignoring towed decoys, and in the event of a miss, they were capable of turning around to re-engage. Unfortunately during their first use in combat, the torpedoes missed a merchant vessel and upon turning, identified Herbstwind as the 'real' ship between the two. The resulting hit sunk the Herbstwind with all hands lost.

All but Herbstwind survived the war and continued to serve until they were all eventually sold for scrap by 1964.

Displacement:
2,208 t light; 2,342 t standard; 2,553 t normal; 2,721 t full load

Dimensions: Length overall / water x beam x draught
(133.11 m / 129.68 m) x 11.75 m x (4.50 / 4.68 m)

Installed Power:
83,325 shp / 62,161 Kw

Diesel internal combustion motors, hydraulic drive, 2 shafts

Speed:
38.5 knots

Range:
Range 2,250 nm at 19 kts

Compliment:
180 - 230

Armaments:
6 × 128mm (5.04") DP guns in three two-gun turrets
4 × 57mm (2.24") AA guns in one twin and two single deck mounts
40 × 20mm (0.79") AA guns in ten quad deck mounts

10 × 533mm (21.0") torpedoes in two sets + 1 set of reloads

30 × 220 kg / 485 lbs mines
10 ×136 kg / 300 lbs depth charges + 20 reloads

Note: Springsharp isn't capable of portraying anything smaller than a light cruiser well. Destroyers are especially bad, so some spoofing required

Based mainly on German zerstörers such as Z-46, Z-52 and Wargaming's weirdo mislabelled light cruiser Elbing, though since Völkdian ships are suppose to be influenced by both Germany and Japan, I've added a bit of IJN flair, mainly the smoke stacks and the torpedo reload magazine placement.

This was originally a low-poly prop I made quickly to fit into the background of a render with Prinz Heinrich and Grosser Seiger , but I eventually decided to rebuild it as an actual ship. Might still make that render, though I did get the idea for a new one using these ships which would be easier.

Made in Sketchup

Higher Resolution and additional renders at my Artstation

Follow me on Twitter!