[img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//4649813/91922bf9b1f3f39f27cc4ec66669a1266ccf40b2.gif[/img] [i]Kronshtadt was an advanced Soviet battlecruiser designed in the mid 1930s. Fans of Soviet warships will soon have the chance to take command of the Kronshtadt battlecruiser as it docks in player ports in the next major update, Danger Zone![/i] Briefly: A 1930s Soviet battlecruiser, sporting heavy firepower and excellent mobility at the expense of protection. [h2]Kronshtadt, battlecruiser, USSR, Rank V[/h2] Features: [list] [*] Excellent mobility [*] Formidable weapons arsenal [*] Scout plane [*] Vulnerable to high-caliber fire [*] Large silhouette [/list] [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//4649813/0d566fa8d30da0e9bd01675e970e5c3669b57ffd.jpg[/img] In War Thunder, Kronshtadt will be a new top rank capital vessel coming to reinforce the Soviet bluewater fleet as part of the next major update; Danger Zone. Combining potent firepower with excellent mobility, captains will soon get the chance to take command of the very first battlecruiser to make its way into the Soviet fleet in the game! [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//4649813/75bdf7b150a5675323a5e0bf9b522d0f294c7d49.jpg[/img] During its complex design history, Soviet shipbuilders made sure that Kronshtadt was capable of successfully facing off comparable nations’ warships. The success of this endeavor truly shows when captains take note of Kronshtadt’s impressive firepower. Namely, the ship sports a heavy primarmy battery of nine 12’’ (305 mm) cannons, spread across three triple turrets. Throughout gun duels, the main battery is supported by a total of eight 6’’ (152 mm) cannons, with two twin turrets nestled below each side of the ship's forward superstructure. As a result, Kronshtadt is ideally equipped to engage virtually all surface threats it can encounter in naval battles. This isn’t the end of the story yet, however, as this doesn’t encompass all of Kronshtadt’s weapons. The warship also sports a rather capable anti-air defense too. Namely, Kronshtadt is fitted with four twin 100 mm dual-purpose cannons complemented by another seven quadruple 37 mm short-range automatic cannons. As a result, Kronshtadt can easily hold its own against imminent aerial attacks but captains may encounter some difficulties in effectively intercepting enemy aircraft at longer distances or higher altitudes. For the latter scenario, it’s worth keeping in mind that Kronshtadt is a relatively sizable target and thus perfect prey for high-altitude bombers! [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//4649813/e74ce11ac3ffb3384797111019c8077dc9f3a089.jpg[/img] This doesn’t imply that Kronshtadt is an easy target to hit and destroy on the other hand. Quite the contrary is the case as Kronshtadt’s propulsion system can generate up to 210,000 hp resulting in a top speed of 32 kts (59.2 km/h). Why captains will need this mobility is also the reason why the ship has this capability in the first place. Namely, the Kronshtadt’s armor protection sits right between cruiser and battleship standards of protection. Featuring a 230 mm thick belt and 330 mm of armor around its conning tower makes the Kronshtadt adequately protected against cruiser fire but leaves it somewhat vulnerable to incoming fire from heavier vessels, such as battleships. Therefore, captains are well advised to avoid presenting too much of the ship’s surface area to incoming heavy fire and use the excellent mobility to the full extent in order to remain difficult to hit. [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//4649813/76e20c63f4f1780115ec6582bd421e86b66d4ce9.jpg[/img] Kronshtadt will soon be docking in player ports as it arrives into War Thunder as part of the next major update, Danger Zone, coming soon. In the meantime, keep scanning the horizon for more news as we continue unveiling what other exciting new additions await you in the upcoming update. Until then, calm seas and happy hunting captains!