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Anti-Aircraft Cruiser[]

WWII CLAA[]

Anti-Air Cruisers are cruisers (Usually light cruisers) that are dedicated to engaging air targets. They usually carry duel purpose armament, which currently there is only the 5" Mark 12 gun. They also might be normal cruisers with ramped up surface to air weaponry, such as flak and autocannons (For our sakes, the 20mm, and 25mm) or medium-range flak guns (The 40mm and the 2 pounders). For one to be considered a CLAA, they should have in respect:

  • At least 8 flak (76mm to 127mm) guns. Well, to be more specific, 8 twin flak guns since each weapon carries two guns.
  • Autocannon numbers can vary, but for a low side, most likely 10. They usually carry a threatening amount of medium-range flak guns.
  • Keep in mind they are still cruisers. By no means are they capable of taking on a battleship one on one.

Some real-life examples are:

800px-USS Atlanta (CL-51) steaming at high speed, circa in November 1941 (NH 57455)

USS Atlanta

USS Atlanta








HMS Argonaut (It's weapon which is the 5.25 inch is in the game, but not a dual purpose weapon)

HMS Argonaut

HMS Argonaut








Of course just because it's a CLAA, it is by no means immune to aircraft. You can become heavily immune to aircraft, but you'll sacrifice weaponry. And just because a cruiser or heavy cruiser isn't a CLAA, it can still be very deadly to any aircraft. That goes for battleships, destroyers (Well, some), and carriers.

Post-WWII[]

With the rise of guided missiles and jet aircraft, instead of flak guns, warships used Surface to Air guided missiles. The modern equivalent of a CLAA is either a Guided Missile Cruiser (CAG/CLG/CG/GCN) or since many nations don't service or build cruisers, some Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG). Most of these warships also carry missiles to destroy other missiles. An example would be the Type 45 Destroyer which was designed for anti-air and anti-missile warfare.

HMS Daring-1

HMS Daring-1 -- Type 45 destroyer

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