Concept of an armoured cruiser in the future dated 13 March1943

Drawing by Logan U. Reavis (1887, Saint Louis, USA, 1 June 1958 (Hempstead, USA)(1)

Admiral Graf Spee©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Japanese imaginary pocket battleship Kadekuru or Kazekuru. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Described as logical evolution of the existing heavy cruiser designs which escorted aircraft carriers during task force duties. Her much improved horizontal armour against air attacks was superior to that of existing cruisers. And further more could she with her anti aircraft armament provide a shield against enemy planes. This kind of cruisers were in fact highly mobile gun power with a speed of 28 knots, a displacement of 20,000 tons and as main dimensions 655 x 84 feet.(2,3) 

Legend for the drawing

1. Dual mount 27,94cm/11” guns in separated turrets

2. Scouting seaplane on retractable catapult

3. Retractable range finders

4. Narrowed superstructure

5. Armoured hatch cover

6. hangar

7. Dual purpose 15,24cm/6” guns

8. Quick firing anti aircraft armament

9. 20,32cm/8” deck armor

10.crane

11. Fire directors

12. Side smoke vent

Notes

1. He was an industrial and marine working as illustrator and writers for newspapers but also for the United States Lines and other shipbuilding related industry. In the 1950s he made promotional maps and brochures to celebrate the passenger ship ss United States which won the Blue Riband in 1932. 

2. Calibre of main armament comparable with the German heavy cruiser or armoured ship Admiral Grafspee although 8 (4x2) against 6 (2x3) 11"gums and which had a full load displacement of 16,280 tomns, as dimemnsion 610.3 x 71 x 24.1 feet.Speed 28,5 knots. 

3. It was believed that the Japanese navy also possessed pochet battleships with a displacement of 12,000 tons-14,000 tons but with 6-30,48cm/12cm" guns heavier armed.(3)

Source

‘The shape of ships to come’ in: The navy of the Future, The Collier’s, 13 March 1943.