The Russian cruiser Kirov according a German report dated February 1938

Kirov. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Königsberg. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

In a report dated February 1938 dealing with the valuation of the Russian fleet was stated that with Italian plans and support a modern strong cruiser Kirow was built.(1) Her artillery was superior to the German K-cruisers. Her high speed allowed her to escape a much stronger enemy. Fighting prepared not earlier as the coming cruising period.

Notes

1. Part of Kirov- or Project 26-class light cruiserssometimes also called Maxim Gorky-class preceded by Admiral Nakhimov-class succeeded by Chapayev-class. Based on Italian Ansaldo Raimondo Montcuccoli-class. Laid down by Ordzhonikidze Yard, Leningrad, Russia with yard number 269 on 22 October 1935, launched on 30 November 1936, commissioned on 26 September 1938 and sold to be broken up on 22 February 1974. Displacement 7,890 (standard)-9,436 (full load) tons, speed 41.36 (trials)-35.94 knots and main armament 3x3-18cm/7.1”guns.

2. The Königsberg-class light cruisers preceded by Emden succeeded by Leipzig-class consisted of the Karlsruhe, Köln and Königsberg, displacement 6,110 (standard)-7,800 (full load) tons, speed 32 knots and main armament 3x3-15cm/5.9” C/25 SK guns.

Sources

Bundesarchiv Naval Attache Moscow RM-12-II-159

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