KM Riesig (ML-1938)
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Mine warfare was an important part of German Naval Strategy and to prosecute this strategy the Germanic States Navy sourced purpose built minelayers for offensive minelaying. The previous Bremse type were adequate but the German High Command wanted a larger ship that could lay a larger field.
The German designers used the latest Nurnberg class light cruisers as the basis for their design. The ships were made flush decked where the step down deck had been was where the mine deck was created. Three triple 5.9" were kept as being enough to deter any ship that may have tried to intercept the ships. Operating at night it was felt that aircraft would only be a problem close to home.
| Displacement | 6,700 tons std, 9,800 tons full load |
| Length | 582 ft |
| Breadth | 57 ft |
| Draught | 24.5 ft |
| Machinery | 4 shaft Steam Turbines 90,000shp |
| Speed | 34 knots |
| Range | 5000 miles at 18 knots |
| Armour | 2" side, 2" deck, 2.6" turrets |
| Armament | 9 x 5.9" (3x3) 8 x 88mm/L56 (4x2) 8 x 37mm (4x2) 22 x 20mm (4x4 6x1) |
| Mines | 500 large 650 small |
| Torpedoes | nil |
| Complement | 750 |
| Notes | KM Riesig |
