Bismarck

Ballistics

Armor Model

Overview

In 1932, the German navy began studies for a new battleship, based on a battlecruiser from World War I. During development, the displacement exceeded Washington Treaty limits, which was decided to be concealed. When it became known that France and Italy were building battleships with 380 mm guns, the Germans also increased the main caliber of their battleship. Bismarck was built at the Blohm & Voss shipyard in Hamburg. In May 1941, the battleship put to sea with the cruiser Prinz Eugen on its first and last combat operation. Learning of the enemy's movement, the British ships Prince of Wales and Hood attempted to intercept the German ships on May 24. After several hits, Hood exploded and sank. The German raiders headed into the Atlantic, and the British fleet gave chase. As a result of an attack by torpedo bombers from the aircraft carrier Ark Royal on May 26, Bismarck suffered rudder damage and became unmaneuverable. In the ensuing battle with the British squadron, the battleship was sunk.