Difference between revisions of "Groza"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ussr_skr_groza_1943
 
|code=ussr_skr_groza_1943
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a Soviet Guard Ship built in the 1920s and 1930s. Initially assigned to the Baltic Fleet, it was later transferred to the Northern Flotilla. During the Winter War of 1939–1940 against Finland, Groza played a minor role, assisting in troop transport and providing fire support. Throughout World War II, she played a crucial role in Operation Barbarossa, actively supporting Soviet forces and providing escort services to Allied merchant ships from 1942 to 1943. Groza was instrumental in supporting Soviet defenses and fulfilling escort duties, undergoing repairs and modernization from 1943 to 1944. After the war, she was repurposed as a target ship in 1952, later hulked for use as a barracks ship in 1953, and eventually scrapped in the late 1950s.
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet gunboat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].
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Groza was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]]. While not as fast as some other ships and vessels, its speed surpasses that of other armoured gunboats at its BR. Groza features two [[Pattern 1911 (102 mm)|102 mm Pattern 1911]] turrets, housing what is considered one of the best cannons on a coastal vessel. It fires two types of shells, HE and Shrapnel; however, the latter is somewhat limited, penetrating only 5 mm of armour compared to the HE shell, capable of penetrating 50 mm of armour at close range. Additionally, Groza is equipped with three [[37 mm/67 70-K (37 mm)|37 mm/67 70-K]] autocannons and two [[DShK (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm DShK]] heavy machine guns, providing extra firepower against boats, vessels, and aircraft. It also boasts a fully-traversable, triple-tube torpedo launcher with three [[45-36NU (450 mm)|45-36NU]] torpedoes capable of easily destroying enemy destroyers. Furthermore, Groza carries up to 12 [[BB-1 depth charge|BB-1 depth charges]] in case of enemy boats attempting to approach or flank.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
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<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' -->
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The Groza is a mixed bag for survivability. While she sports a larger crew than PT boats and more compartments to mitigate incoming damage, she has very little armor and none on her hull. Any larger-caliber cannons, such as those found on other gunboats and the early destroyers Groza can face, will easily shred her internal compartments and knock out components. The engines are harder to knock out, however, since they were placed inside the hull on a staggered basis with alternating boiler and engine rooms in pairs. This setup makes it harder for one round to knock out both of her power plants, meaning the Groza usually survives heavy damage with at least partial propulsion remaining. Her crew numbers 114, but many are above deck manning her weapons and are easily whittled down by incoming rounds and any fires that may break out.
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The Groza has a poor survivability. While she sports a large crew size (but average for a gunboat) and her structure has compartments to mitigate incoming damage, she has very little armour and none on her hull. Any larger-calibre cannons, such as those found on other gunboats and the early destroyers, will easily shred her internal compartments and knock out components. The engines are harder to knock out, however, since they are placed inside the hull on a staggered basis, with alternating boiler and engine rooms in pairs. This setup makes it harder for one round to knock out both of her power plants, meaning the Groza usually survives heavy damage with at least partial propulsion remaining. Her crew numbers 114, but many are above deck manning her weapons and are easily whittled down by incoming rounds and any fires that may break out.
 
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
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<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' -->
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The mobility of the Groza leaves much to be desired. She can only manage 21 knots forward and 10 knots in reverse, and the vessel’s turn time and rudder shift are very average. The Groza is powered by two three-drum water tube boilers, each driving one propeller shaft. The Groza will never be the first vessel to the battlefield or a capture point but still leaves some of the heavier armored gunboats in the dust.
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The mobility of the Groza leaves much to be desired. She can only manage 21 knots forward and 10 knots in reverse, and the vessel's turn time and rudder shift are very average. The Groza is powered by two three-drum water tube boilers, each driving one propeller shaft. The Groza will never be the first vessel to the battlefield or a capture point, but is still fasther than some heavier armoured gunboats.
 
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
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<!-- ''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.'' -->
 
 
{{main|Pattern 1911 (102 mm)}}
 
{{main|Pattern 1911 (102 mm)}}
  
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The Groza is host to 2 x 102 mm Pattern 1911 naval guns, mounted fore and aft. These are among the best cannons to be found on a coastal vessel. They have decent ballistics and are hard-hitting, even against the US destroyers that are slathered with anti-fragmentation armour. Each has a 160-round ammo supply, which will last for quite a while, even during constant combat. The guns have a very slow horizontal traverse speed, so planning ahead and turning your guns towards a target before coming within line of sight is imperative.
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The Groza is host to a powerful primary armament: two [[Pattern 1911 (102 mm)]] naval guns, mounted fore and aft. These are the same weapons mounted on the destroyers Frunze and Kerch, and are among the best cannons to be found on a coastal vessel. They have decent ballistics and are hard-hitting, even against the US destroyers that are slathered with anti-fragmentation armor. Each has a 160-round ammo supply, which will last for quite a while even during constant combat. The guns have a very slow horizontal targeting speed of only 4.2° per second, so planning ahead and turning your guns towards a target before coming within line of sight is imperative.
  
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The stock shell, a base-fused High-explosive round, is arguably the best as it features 2.1 kg of explosive mass and 52 mm base penetration. The only other shell available is a shrapnel round with only 218 g of explosive mass. This round can be useful against PT boats, but the improvement is marginal over the HE, and it only has 5 mm of penetration at any angle.
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The stock shell, a base-fuzed High-Explosive round, is arguably the best as it features 2.1 kg of explosive mass and 52mm base penetration. The only other shell available is a shrapnel round with only 218 g of explosive mass. This round can be useful against PT boats but the improvement is marginal over the HE, and it only has 5mm of penetration at any angle.
−
 
 
−
{{:Pattern 1911 (102 mm)/Ammunition|102 mm HE, 102 mm shrapnel}}
 
  
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}
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<!-- ''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.'' -->
 
 
{{main|37 mm/67 70-K (37 mm)}}
 
{{main|37 mm/67 70-K (37 mm)}}
  
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This vessel is equipped with 3 x 37 mm/67 70-K autocannons with a base penetration of 79 mm and powerful HE shells. The available belts are the stock belt (Universal) and the researchable AP and HE belts. The Universal belt is usually the best to use, with its good mix of heavy armour-piercing projectiles and powerful high-explosive shells. If you tend to face more PT boats and aircraft, the HE belt will be your go to, with the AP belt being more effective against the rarer armoured gunboats and destroyers.
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This vessel is equipped with a secondary armament that will make many reserve destroyers jealous: three of the powerful [[37 mm/67 70-K (37 mm)]] autocannons with a base penetration of 79mm and lethal HE shells. The belts are selectable with the stock belt being a very good Universal belt, the researchable ones being AP and HE. The universal belt is usually the best to use with its good mix of heavy armor-piercing projectiles and deadly high-explosive shells. If you tend to face more PT boats and aircraft, the HE belt will be your go to with the AP belt being more effective against the rarer armored gunboats and destroyers.
−
One turret is mounted in the front of the ship, between the forward main gun and the bridge. The other two are directly in front of and behind the rear main gun, giving the 37 mm battery complete coverage around the ship. These are your best weapons for combating enemy coastal vessels, given their higher rate of fire and better traverse speed than the 102 mm guns.
 
−
 
 
−
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
 
−
* '''37 mm HE clips:''' {{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
 
−
* '''37 mm AP clips:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}
 
  
−
{{:37 mm/67 70-K (37 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-T, AP-T}}
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One turret is mounted in the front of the ship, between the forward main gun and the bridge. The other two are directly in front of and behind the rear main gun, giving the 37mm battery complete coverage around the ship. These are your best weapons for combating enemy coastal vessels given their higher fire rate and better turn time than the 102mm guns.
  
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
 
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}
 
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}
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<!-- ''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.'' -->
 
 
{{main|DShK (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|DShK (12.7 mm)}}
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The anti-aircraft armament of the Groza is lacklustre: she employs two [[DShK (12.7 mm)]] heavy machine guns, one on each side of the superstructure. These weapons have a very short engagement range and have relatively small ammo counts, but reload quickly and can be a menace to nearby PT boats.
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 +
The anti-aircraft armament of the Groza is lackluster but not without mention. She employs two [[DShK (12.7 mm)]] heavy machine guns, one on each side of the superstructure. These weapons have a very short engagement range and have relatively small ammo counts, but reload quickly and can be a menace to nearby PT boats.
  
 
=== Additional armament ===
 
=== Additional armament ===
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<!-- ''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.'' -->
 
{{main|45-36NU (450 mm)|BB-1 depth charge}}
 
{{main|45-36NU (450 mm)|BB-1 depth charge}}
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The Groza has a fully-traversable, triple-tube torpedo launcher at her disposal with 3 x 450 mm 45-36NU torpedoes that can easily cripple destroyers and even cruisers in an uptier with a 284 kg warhead and 41 knots speed. While it is difficult to set up for your own torpedo launches due to her slow speed and the torpedo's limited range, a destroyer or other coastal ship coming around a nearby island or sailing straight is an easy prey.
 
  
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She is also equipped with 12 x BB-1 depth charges. These are very situational weapons and are only useful if an enemy ship tries to board you. However, on the rare occasion an enemy PT boat tries to hide under your guns, these can come in useful.
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The Groza also is unique among gunboats in that she has a fully-traversable, triple-tube torpedo launcher at her disposal with three of the decent [[45-36NU (450 mm)]] torpedo which can easily cripple destroyers and even cruisers in an uptier with a 284 kg warhead and 41 knot speed. While it is difficult to set up for your own torpedo launches due to her slow speed and the torpedo's limited range, a destroyer or other coastal ship coming around a nearby island or sailing straight is easy prey.
 +
 
 +
Of lesser utility are the 12 [[BB-1]] depth charges she is capable of mounting. These are very situational weapons and are only useful if an enemy ship tries to board you. However, on the rare occasion an enemy PT boat tries to hide under your guns these can come in useful.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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The Groza is best used as a support vessel for quicker PT boats or better-armored gunboats. Her 102mm guns provide excellent ballistics for medium-long range engagements, and the 37mm battery can effectively combat any coastal vessel she encounters. If she is safe from return fire or the enemy is distracted by an ally, the Groza can also be a dangerous threat to any destroyer she faces.
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The Groza is best used as a support vessel for quicker PT boats or better-armoured gunboats. Her 102 mm guns provide excellent ballistics for medium to long range engagements, and the 37 mm battery can effectively combat any coastal vessel she encounters. If she is safe from enemy fire or the enemy is distracted by an ally, the Groza can also be a dangerous threat to any destroyer she faces.
 
  
 
Another method of play is escorting or following allied destroyers. While the Groza cannot keep up with any of them, she can provide far more comprehensive defense against PT boats and aircraft than early destroyers are capable of. This is especially viable when playing in a squad.
 
Another method of play is escorting or following allied destroyers. While the Groza cannot keep up with any of them, she can provide far more comprehensive defense against PT boats and aircraft than early destroyers are capable of. This is especially viable when playing in a squad.
  
−
The most dangerous vessels the Groza can face are any destroyer, which can usually obliterate her weak hull in one salvo, and any coastal vessel with a large-calibre, fast-firing cannon such as the German 3.7 cm or Allied 40 mm Bofors cannons. These mounts have a sufficient rate of fire to quickly knock out each of the Groza's weapons and compartments, and must be dealt with before they get within effective firing range.
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The most dangerous vessels the Groza can face are any destroyer, which can usually obliterate her weak hull in one salvo, and any coastal vessel with a large-caliber, fast-firing cannon such as the German 3.7cm or Allied 40mm Bofors cannons. These mounts have the fire rate to quickly knock out each of the Groza’s weapons and compartments and must be dealt with before they get within effective firing range.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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* Powerful 102 mm guns, she can easily cripple/sink destroyers with her main battery
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* One of the best primary armament setups of any coastal gunboat
−
* Very effective anti-air defence for her size with three large-calibre autocannons and two heavy machine guns
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* Very effective anti-air defense for her size with three large-caliber autocannons and two heavy machine guns
 +
* Can easily cripple/sink destroyers with her powerful main battery
 
* Has a fully-traversable torpedo launcher
 
* Has a fully-traversable torpedo launcher
 
* Has access to a rangefinder and fire-control director, which is rare for coastal vessels
 
* Has access to a rangefinder and fire-control director, which is rare for coastal vessels
 
* Rarely loses all propulsion due to unique staggered boiler layout
 
* Rarely loses all propulsion due to unique staggered boiler layout
 +
 +
*
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Very slow, cannot even keep up with battleships
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* Painfully slow, cannot even keep up with battleships
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* Main battery has extremely slow traverse speed
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* Main battery has extremely slow traverse rate
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* Almost completely unarmoured and a large target, attracts fire easily
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* Almost completely unarmored and a large target, attracts fire easily
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* Weapons are easily knocked out, rapidly depleting crew and self-defence capability
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* Weapons are easily knocked out, rapidly depleting crew and self-defense capability
 
* Faces early destroyers often
 
* Faces early destroyers often
 +
 +
*
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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The Uragan class of guard ships were constructed from 1927 until 1938, with the type being in service from 1931 all the way up till 1959. 18 of the ships were built with six lost in combat, three of those sunk later being raised.
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[[File:Uragan Historical Photo.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Groza in her wartime paint scheme]]
 
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The Uragan class of guard ships were constructed from 1927 until 1938, with the type being in service from 1931 all the way up till 1959. 18 ships were built, with 6 lost in combat, 3 of those sunk later being raised.
 
  
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The Uragans were assigned to all four Soviet fleets and entered combat in every theater. One of the first actions involved the Metel', carrying wounded soldiers to Vladivostok and escorting three convoys during the Lake Khasan border conflict with Japan. During World War II, the Uragans played an active part in the campaigns around Leningrad by providing fire support to Soviet ground troops. In the Black Sea, they played an active role in escorting convoys and providing fire support to encircled Red Army ports such as Sevastopol. In the final days of the war, two of the vessels also supported amphibious landings in Korea and in Sakhalin Island.
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The Uragans were assigned to all four Soviet fleets and entered combat in every theater. One of the first actions involved the Metel’, carrying wounded soldiers to Vladivostok and escorting three convoys during the Lake Khasan border conflict with Japan. During World War II, the Uragans played an active part in the campaigns around Leningrad by providing fire support to Soviet ground troops. In the Black Sea, they played an active role in escorting convoys and providing fire support to encircled Red Army ports such as Sevastopol. In the final days of the war, two of the vessels also supported amphibious landings in Korea and an Sakhalin Island.
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[[File:Uragan Historical Photo.jpg|thumb|Groza in her wartime paint scheme]]
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Very little information is available about the class after World War 2. Reportedly, most became training ships and were scrapped during the 1950s.
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Very little information is known about the class after World War 2. Reportedly, most became training ships and were scrapped during the 1950s.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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[[File:Groza Firing.png|thumb|Groza firing her main guns at the enemy]]
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;Skins
 
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ussr_skr_groza_1943 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
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;Images
 
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<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 
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File:Groza Firing.png|<small>Groza firing her main guns at the enemy</small>
 
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</gallery>
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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<!-- ''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
  
 
* [[USS Candid]]
 
* [[USS Candid]]
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* [[M-17]]
 +
* [[HMCS Brantford]]
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* [[Type K-8 No.13 late]]
 +
* [[RN Gabbiano]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
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* ''other literature.'' -->
 
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* [https://www.navypedia.org/ships/russia/ru_es_uragan.htm <nowiki>[Navypedia]</nowiki> Uragan guard ships (projects 2, 4, 39) (1930 - 1938)]
 
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* [http://wio.ru/fleet/ww2stor.htm <nowiki>[War Is Over]</nowiki> Soviet WWII guard ships]
 
  
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{{ShipManufacturer Zhdanov Shipyard}}
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* <nowiki>https://www.navypedia.org/ships/russia/ru_es_uragan.htm</nowiki>
 +
* <nowiki>http://wio.ru/fleet/ww2stor.htm</nowiki>
 
{{USSR boats}}
 
{{USSR boats}}

Revision as of 05:59, 18 November 2021

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Groza
ussr_skr_groza_1943.png
GarageImage Groza.jpg
Groza

Description

The Uragan-class, SKR Groza is a rank Soviet gunboat with a battle rating of (AB), (RB), and (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy".

General info

Survivability and armour

The Groza is a mixed bag for survivability. While she sports a larger crew than PT boats and more compartments to mitigate incoming damage, she has very little armor and none on her hull. Any larger-caliber cannons, such as those found on other gunboats and the early destroyers Groza can face, will easily shred her internal compartments and knock out components. The engines are harder to knock out, however, since they were placed inside the hull on a staggered basis with alternating boiler and engine rooms in pairs. This setup makes it harder for one round to knock out both of her power plants, meaning the Groza usually survives heavy damage with at least partial propulsion remaining. Her crew numbers 114, but many are above deck manning her weapons and are easily whittled down by incoming rounds and any fires that may break out.

Mobility

The mobility of the Groza leaves much to be desired. She can only manage 21 knots forward and 10 knots in reverse, and the vessel’s turn time and rudder shift are very average. The Groza is powered by two three-drum water tube boilers, each driving one propeller shaft. The Groza will never be the first vessel to the battlefield or a capture point but still leaves some of the heavier armored gunboats in the dust.

Modifications and economy

Armament

Primary armament

Main article: Pattern 1911 (102 mm)

The Groza is host to a powerful primary armament: two Pattern 1911 (102 mm) naval guns, mounted fore and aft. These are the same weapons mounted on the destroyers Frunze and Kerch, and are among the best cannons to be found on a coastal vessel. They have decent ballistics and are hard-hitting, even against the US destroyers that are slathered with anti-fragmentation armor. Each has a 160-round ammo supply, which will last for quite a while even during constant combat. The guns have a very slow horizontal targeting speed of only 4.2° per second, so planning ahead and turning your guns towards a target before coming within line of sight is imperative.

The stock shell, a base-fuzed High-Explosive round, is arguably the best as it features 2.1 kg of explosive mass and 52mm base penetration. The only other shell available is a shrapnel round with only 218 g of explosive mass. This round can be useful against PT boats but the improvement is marginal over the HE, and it only has 5mm of penetration at any angle.

Secondary armament

Main article: 37 mm/67 70-K (37 mm)

This vessel is equipped with a secondary armament that will make many reserve destroyers jealous: three of the powerful 37 mm/67 70-K (37 mm) autocannons with a base penetration of 79mm and lethal HE shells. The belts are selectable with the stock belt being a very good Universal belt, the researchable ones being AP and HE. The universal belt is usually the best to use with its good mix of heavy armor-piercing projectiles and deadly high-explosive shells. If you tend to face more PT boats and aircraft, the HE belt will be your go to with the AP belt being more effective against the rarer armored gunboats and destroyers.

One turret is mounted in the front of the ship, between the forward main gun and the bridge. The other two are directly in front of and behind the rear main gun, giving the 37mm battery complete coverage around the ship. These are your best weapons for combating enemy coastal vessels given their higher fire rate and better turn time than the 102mm guns.

Anti-aircraft armament

Main article: DShK (12.7 mm)

The anti-aircraft armament of the Groza is lackluster but not without mention. She employs two DShK (12.7 mm) heavy machine guns, one on each side of the superstructure. These weapons have a very short engagement range and have relatively small ammo counts, but reload quickly and can be a menace to nearby PT boats.

Additional armament

Main articles: 45-36NU (450 mm), BB-1 depth charge

The Groza also is unique among gunboats in that she has a fully-traversable, triple-tube torpedo launcher at her disposal with three of the decent 45-36NU (450 mm) torpedo which can easily cripple destroyers and even cruisers in an uptier with a 284 kg warhead and 41 knot speed. While it is difficult to set up for your own torpedo launches due to her slow speed and the torpedo's limited range, a destroyer or other coastal ship coming around a nearby island or sailing straight is easy prey.

Of lesser utility are the 12 BB-1 depth charges she is capable of mounting. These are very situational weapons and are only useful if an enemy ship tries to board you. However, on the rare occasion an enemy PT boat tries to hide under your guns these can come in useful.

Usage in battles

The Groza is best used as a support vessel for quicker PT boats or better-armored gunboats. Her 102mm guns provide excellent ballistics for medium-long range engagements, and the 37mm battery can effectively combat any coastal vessel she encounters. If she is safe from return fire or the enemy is distracted by an ally, the Groza can also be a dangerous threat to any destroyer she faces.

Another method of play is escorting or following allied destroyers. While the Groza cannot keep up with any of them, she can provide far more comprehensive defense against PT boats and aircraft than early destroyers are capable of. This is especially viable when playing in a squad.

The most dangerous vessels the Groza can face are any destroyer, which can usually obliterate her weak hull in one salvo, and any coastal vessel with a large-caliber, fast-firing cannon such as the German 3.7cm or Allied 40mm Bofors cannons. These mounts have the fire rate to quickly knock out each of the Groza’s weapons and compartments and must be dealt with before they get within effective firing range.

Pros and cons

Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".

Pros:

  • One of the best primary armament setups of any coastal gunboat
  • Very effective anti-air defense for her size with three large-caliber autocannons and two heavy machine guns
  • Can easily cripple/sink destroyers with her powerful main battery
  • Has a fully-traversable torpedo launcher
  • Has access to a rangefinder and fire-control director, which is rare for coastal vessels
  • Rarely loses all propulsion due to unique staggered boiler layout

Cons:

  • Painfully slow, cannot even keep up with battleships
  • Main battery has extremely slow traverse rate
  • Almost completely unarmored and a large target, attracts fire easily
  • Weapons are easily knocked out, rapidly depleting crew and self-defense capability
  • Faces early destroyers often

History

The Uragan class of guard ships were constructed from 1927 until 1938, with the type being in service from 1931 all the way up till 1959. 18 of the ships were built with six lost in combat, three of those sunk later being raised.

The Uragans were assigned to all four Soviet fleets and entered combat in every theater. One of the first actions involved the Metel’, carrying wounded soldiers to Vladivostok and escorting three convoys during the Lake Khasan border conflict with Japan. During World War II, the Uragans played an active part in the campaigns around Leningrad by providing fire support to Soviet ground troops. In the Black Sea, they played an active role in escorting convoys and providing fire support to encircled Red Army ports such as Sevastopol. In the final days of the war, two of the vessels also supported amphibious landings in Korea and an Sakhalin Island.

Groza in her wartime paint scheme

Very little information is known about the class after World War 2. Reportedly, most became training ships and were scrapped during the 1950s.

Media

Groza firing her main guns at the enemy

See also

Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • https://www.navypedia.org/ships/russia/ru_es_uragan.htm
  • http://wio.ru/fleet/ww2stor.htm
USSR boats
Motor torpedo boats  D-3 · G-5 · G-5 (ShVAK) · Pr.123-bis · Pr.123K (A-10bis) · Pr.123K · Pr.183
Motor gun boats  TKA-412 · MO-4 · OD-200 · Pr.253L · Pr.183 BM-21 · Ya-5M
Motor torpedo gun boats  Pr. 206 · Pr.206-M · MPK Pr.12412 · MPK Pr.12412P · MPK Pr.11451
Gunboats  Groza
Armoured gun boats  BMO · MBK-161 early · MBK-161 late · MBK pr.186 · MBK pr.186 (MK 85) · Pr.1124 early · Pr.1124 late · Pr.1124 MLRS
  Pr.191 · Pr.191M · Pr.1204 · Pr.1204 late

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