History[]
The H-44 class battleships were a series of conceptual German battleships, part of the “H-class” proposals developed for the Kriegsmarine during World War II. These were some of the most ambitious and largest battleship designs ever proposed, intended to be significantly larger and more powerful than any contemporary battleships, including the Yamato class.
The theoretical H-48 super battleship, a continuation of the ambitious H-class designs of Nazi Germany, would represent a staggering evolution in naval firepower, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessors. Following the H-41 and H-44, which already boasted formidable armaments with 16-inch and 20-inch guns respectively, the H-48 would escalate the firepower to unprecedented levels, featuring four colossal 27.4- inch (730mm) guns mounted in twin turrets. This upgrade would not only provide the ability to deliver massive 1,600 kg shells capable of penetrating the thickest enemy armor and fortifications, but also allow for extended range and accuracy, striking targets over 50 kilometers away. The ship’s secondary armament would also see enhancements, with a mix of heavy cruisers and advanced anti-aircraft systems designed to protect against modern aerial threats. The H-48’s sheer size, estimated at over 140,000 tons, coupled with its cutting-edge armor and advanced fire control systems, would create a floating fortress capable of unleashing unprecedented devastation on both land and sea, setting a new standard for naval supremacy and making it the most fearsome battleship ever conceived.
Design[]
The Starke-class battleships were an expansion on the H- class German battleship line, following up on the planned H- 44 and H- 45 super battleships. The Starke-class featured up to a combined total of six 2-4 gun turrets, mounted on both the aft and bow of the ship. The calibers of the guns are to be between 570mm up to even 800mm, equivalent to that of the Schewer Gustav[1] railway gun in WWII.
Specified armament:
Displacement:~180,000 tons
Length:900 feet (275 meters)
Armor: 15-inch belt armor, 8-inch deck armor
Speed: ~30 knots
Propulsion:Quad screw with advanced steam turbines
MainArmament:
Main Battery
-Turret A & B (Bow):Quad 16-inch (406 mm) guns, capable of engaging targets at 25 miles. Mounted forward, these turrets maximize firepower in a frontal assault.
-Turret C & D (Midships):Triple 18-inch (457 mm) guns, designed for devastating long-range strikes. Positioned amidships, these turrets offer broadside power.
-Turret E & F (Stern):Dual 29.4 -48 inch (730- 800mm) guns. Positioned aft, these heavy guns provide a powerful deterrent and rear guard.
2. **Secondary Armament**
- Multiple 14-18 inch dual-purpose guns mounted along the superstructure for anti-air and anti-ship defense.
3. Anti-Aircraft Defense
- Dozens of 40mm Bofors and 20mm anti-aircraft cannons for short-range aerial defense.
Specifications: Post Neo-Nazi super battleship line[]
The Starke-class super battleship would serve as a floating symbol of Nazi dominance, patrolling major seas and oceans to remind conquered nations of Nazi strength. Its mere presence in a port or territorial waters would be a statement of unchallenged power and a warning against rebellion.
The Gustav rail cannon, one of the largest artillery pieces ever constructed, was a marvel of engineering designed by Nazi Germany during World War II, capable of firing 800 mm shells weighing up to 7 tons. Its immense firepower allowed it to reach targets over 47 kilometers away, delivering catastrophic damage to fortifications and military installations. When considering the impact of mounting four Gustav cannons in two twin turrets on a battleship, the destructive potential escalates exponentially. Each shot could obliterate reinforced structures, creating massive craters and causing significant secondary explosions that would devastate enemy positions. A salvo from such a battleship could devastate entire coastal cities or annihilate military bases, rendering them inoperable and leading to substantial loss of life and resources. The psychological impact of facing a battleship armed with Gustav cannons would be profound, instilling fear and apprehension in opposing forces due to the sheer destructive capability and range these massive weapons would bring to naval warfare.
- ↑ 800mm German WW2 railway gun