Northampton class cruiser

[madmanthan21]

not much info here.

 

 

 

The design of the ships was heavily influenced by the Washington Naval Treaty, which limited cruisers to a maximum of 10,000 tons displacement and a maximum main battery caliber of 8 inches (203 mm). The Northamptons were a reaction to the weight and cost of the immediately preceding Pensacola class, differing in several ways. The Pensacolasmounted a main battery of 10 8-inch (203 mm) guns in four turrets, a twin and superfiring triple fore and aft. In contrast, the Northamptons mounted 9 8-inch (203 mm) guns in three triple turrets, two forward and one aft, the layout followed in all subsequent U.S. heavy cruisers. Although armor was increased. the Northamptonsturned out to be lighter than the Pensacolas, and nearly 1,000 tons below the treaty limitations. Freeboard was increased in theNorthamptons by adopting a high forecastle, which was extended aft in the last three for use as flagships. These ships were also the first U.S. ships to adopt a hangar for aircraft, and bunks instead of hammocks. Their lighter than expected weight caused them to roll excessively, which necessitated the fitting of deep bilge keels. The immediately following Portland class was essentially a modified Northampton.

 

 

 

The Northamptons were completed in 1930-31. The design dated back to 1926 and was a modification of the preceeding Pensacola class, with slightly heavier armor and slightly reduced armament. Instead of ten 8" guns mounted in four turrets, the Northamptons had nine 8" guns in three turrets, allowing a shorter and therefore heavier armor belt. However, it was ruled impractical to provide protection against 8" shells and the protection scheme was designed against 6" shells only. The weight saved was used to improve overall survivability and increase the aircraft handling capability.

Originally equipped with torpedoes, the ships landed their tubes prior to the war in exchange for improved antiaircraft protection. This was probably a good decision given the miserable quality of U.S. torpedoes.

The aircraft handling facilities included a proper hangar around the aft funnel, which protected the seaplanes from gun blast and the elements. In principle, six aircraft could be carried (four in the hangars and two on the catapults) but in practice only four were carried.

The ships cost about $12 million apiece.

 

 

 

The six Northampton class heavy cruisers were built to add more firepower to the U.S. Navy's battle fleet which couldn't build any additional battleships due to the 1922 Washington Naval Treaty. The ships were based on the Pensacola classheavy cruisers, though the Northamptons mounted only nine 8 in (203 mm) guns in three triple turrets (instead of ten in two triple and two twin turrets on Pensacolas), the layout followed in all subsequent U.S. heavy cruisers. These cruisers were also the first U.S. ships to adopt a hangar for aircraft, and bunks instead of hammocks. Although armor was increased the North­amptons turned out to be lighter than the Pensacolas, and nearly 1,000 tons below the treaty limitations. The first three ships were equipped as flagships with an additional complement around 750.

The cruisers were initially armed also with four 5 in (127 mm) double purpose guns, eight .50 in (12.7 mm) AA machine guns, and six 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes. But before the World War II began, the torpedo tubes were removed due to war gaming results from the Naval War College which indicated that the torpedoes were unlikely to be fired from a cruiser, and more a liability than an asset. At the same time the anti-aircraft armament was increased with four additional 5 in (127 mm) guns and four of the new four-barrel 1.1 in (28 mm) autocannons.

One Northampton class heavy cruiser (CA-26 Northampton) took part in the Battle of Midway as a flagship of Task Force 16 Cruiser Group (Task Group 16.2).

 

 

Displacement:

11,515 t (9,950 t Std)

Max Length:  600 ft 3 in , 182.9 m

Beam: 66 ft 1 in , 20.4 m

Draught: 16 ft 4 in , 5.0 m

 

Complement: 1100

Officers: 105

Enlisted: 995

 

Armament:

9 × 8 in/55 caliber guns (3×triple turrets)

6 × 21-inch torpedo tubes

24 × 40 mm Bofors guns(4×quadruple turrets)

28 × 20 mm Oerlikon cannons

 

Propulsion:

4-shaft Parsons turbines

8 White-Forster boilers

4 screws

107,000 hp (80 MW)

 

Range: 10000nm,  18520km

 

Bunkerage: 3,067 t fuel oil

 

Speed: 32.5 knots (60.2 km/h; 37.4 mph)

 

Armor:

Belt 3" over machinery with 1" deck

3.75" side and 2" deck over magazines

barbettes 1.5"

gunhouses 2.5" face

2" roof

0.75" side and rear

 

Aircraft carried: 4 × SOC-1 Seagul

[madmanthan21]

 

 

http://www.hazegray....images/cl26.jpg

 

http://www.microwork...ers/chester.jpg

 

http://midway1942.or...northampton.png

[Neogenex]

Never forget the U.S.S. Houston!

[Krusmark]

remenents, on 17 November 2012 - 11:19 PM, said:

Never forget the U.S.S. Houston!

Amen, personal favorite for me! My Great Uncle survived the sinking and POW. Northampton is my goal in WoWs.

[Ariecho]

Very well done (+1)!

[anonym_auUiRfWCi1jI]

It's interesting to note the camouflage pattern on the first pic, that was thought to have enemy gun sights lead the target due to the perceived wake painted on the bow.  Nice OP, by the way.  Thanks for the links in the text.

[Ross486]

Here is some more pics for the Northampton Class with the Chicago

http://www.mesotheli...USS Chicago.jpg

http://www.coatneyhi...thamptonONI.JPG

[Ross486]

This class of ship is one that i will be using when WoWs comes out sometime this year  :)

[triptyx]

I'm assuming the "cages" sticking out from the hull near her stern were to help prevent lines and cables from fouling her outboard screws?