CSS Apache (CLA-1942)
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The Apache class anti-aircraft cruisers followed on from the conversion of the early Tijuana and Santa Fe classes of scout cruisers dating from the first world war. These conversions, while usefull, were not as good as what a purpose built ship could be. The CSN designers used the information from the WW1 conversions in the plans for the Apache class. Two things were required. One was lots of dual-purpose guns with a good AA capability. Enough directors to control the guns on seperate targets if required. This is where the acquisition of the French dual-purpose 5.1" weapons system proved its worth. With four quadruple and four twin mountings placed on the Apaches the ships earned their nicknames as "Porcupines".
With 24 x 5.1" guns as a main armament (20 can fire to a broadside) besides being wonderful AA ships they proved exceptional destroyer killers. Lots of 40mm weapons, the ships dispensed with the lighter 20mm cannons, for greater knockdown capability. This class was built to pair with the new large CV's of the Guam class. The advent of RADAR increased markedly the accuracy of the weapons.
| Displacement | 7,250 tons std 9,600 tons full load |
| Length | 579 ft |
| Breadth | 58 ft |
| Draught | 22 ft |
| Machinery | 2 shaft steam turbines 100,000shp |
| Speed | 34 knots |
| Range | 10,000 miles at 15 knots (3,000 nm at 28 knots) |
| Armour | 2" side, 1.5" deck, 1.5" turrets |
| Armament | 24 x 5.1" (4x4 4x2) 40 x 40mm (9x4 2x2) |
| Aircraft | nil |
| Torpedoes | 8 x 21" (2x4) |
| Complement | 815 |
| Notes | CSS Apache CSS Comanche CSS Cheyenne CSS Chinook CSS Mojave CSS Shoshone CSS Mohawk CSS Algonquin CSS Cherokee CSS Choctaw |
Twin 40mm in aft superstructure.