The Baltimore Class continued the improvement of the heavy cruiser lines. Bigger, better, faster. Over 10% bigger than the previous Wichita type, more armour, much more AA capability. For the first time in a USN cruiser the class had only a single funnel. The 5" DP AA of the Wichita, kept the turrets in the Baltimore, but they were now in six twins. The extra size and displacement was used in unseen ways. A 6" internal armour belt was fitted, compared to the 5" belt on the Wichita. The biggest change was to increase the 8" ammunition stowage from 100 to 150 rounds per gun. The advent of the 335lb 'super heavy' shell had meant that there had to be clear divisions between the new shells and the semi-armour piercing and High Explosive shells in the older 260lb size.
The Baltimore class was the largest class of cruiser ever produced. Over 60 of the hulls were laid down, but not all were completed, or completed as cruisers. (see Saipan Class) Those that were not near completion at wars end were scrapped.
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The Baltimore class did have the distinction of not losing any of its members to enemy action. I would have liked to see a direct fight between the Baltimore and the Prinz Eugen. I have just had a look at the stats of both vessels and it surprised me how close I got the two ships.
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