While it is very improbable in 1944 a Kongo class battleship vs. an Alaska class large cruiser, who would win? This is an encounter the Alaska was designed for.
I thought it was going to be about some interaction between the two places.I read this and thought we were going to see an alternate world where the two super powers Chad Kango and Mega Alaska dooked it out. My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined
I misread the title and thought it was an independent Alaska vs either KongoWhile it is very improbable in 1944 a Kongo class battleship vs. an Alaska class large cruiser, who would win? This is an encounter the Alaska was designed for.
Alaska is bigger, faster, more heavily armored, has more guns, has better guns, and of course, has excellent American gunfire control systems. There is some debate as to whether the 12"/50 caliber Mark 7 guns are better or worse than the 14" guns on the Standard battleships, but they were certainly very close in terms of penetration curves. The Alaskas have a disadvantage in terms of shell weight (1,140 vs 1,500 lbs) and burster (17.4 lbs vs 22.9 lbs). However, firing cycle was about 10 seconds faster so weight of fire per minute was heavier.
Both ships were designed to be armored against 8 inch shells, but Alaska had some extra vertical protection in exchange for a tapered belt. Neither ship is protected against the others gunfire, so getting the first hit on target is going to be very important. Haruna and Kongo probably landed straddles on the American escort carriers at Leyte Gulf at ranges of nearly 30,000 yards, so I would not discount their optical gunnery.
Night: 1 Alaska could take out 2 Kongos.
In 1944 the Alaska was accompanying the Franklin back after receiving heavy damage. The Haruna , a Kongo class battleship was still active. Setting the scenario for the encounter.It would depend on who is in charge of the units and when in the war they fight. Alaska just after commissioning vs Kongo with experienced crew slight edge to Kongo in day, could be a draw at night if the Alaska isn't quite good on the fire control. Later on with an experienced crew Alaska both day and night. You might want to check with Ursus Arctos Californicus and get his opinion.
In 1944 the Alaska was accompanying the Franklin back after receiving heavy damage. The Haruna , a Kongo class battleship was still active. Setting the scenario for the encounter.
Or a reverse PoD. Have a "not Alaska" get built in the North Carolina or South Dakota late 30s timeframe. We've knocked that thought around on the US Battlecruiser thread. It's theoretically possible, but maybe not plausibleHonestly, for a hypotheical like this, I almost think you need a more radical point of departure - something that delays the entire US offensive across the Central Pacific.
Or a reverse PoD. Have a "not Alaska" get built in the North Carolina or South Dakota late 30s timeframe. We've knocked that thought around on the US Battlecruiser thread. It's theoretically possible, but maybe not plausible