Difference between revisions of "LS 4 Esau"

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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_ls4_class}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=germ_ls4_class
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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 understand which ship is being discussed.-->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
−
{{break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} German motor torpedo boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] as part of the release of the fleet into open beta test.
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} German motor torpedo boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] as part of the release of the fleet into open beta test.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--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 armament separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Tips for preserving survivability should be saved for the "Use in battle" section.
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
Survivability is taking advantage of its small size and manoeuvrability, and being extremely tactical in attack vectors. Avoid engagement as long as possible, then strike fast and hard. While it can take a good deal of damage from rounds up to 40 mm, it is big guns with HE rounds found at BR 2.0 that are your greatest threat. The vulnerability in this unarmoured tub is the side, limit exposure as much as possible. Hits on the bow or stern are manageable, minimal crew loss, giving you more time to press your attack. Damage is repaired fast and dries out faster. Again, avoid exposing your side to big cannons, as they are often a 1 shot fatality!
  
−
If necessary, use a graphic template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.
+
=== Mobility ===
−
-->
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
−
This motor torpedo boat does not have any defensive armour, however, it does have good overall durability and seaworthiness.
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
The LS 3 is an exceedingly capable boat, it can accelerate and decelerate very quickly and turn sharply. Top speed is very good, in the top 10 of fastest boats in-game (excluding hydrofoils). Those qualities will offer a distinct advantage in tiny island maps, where one can quickly duck between islands and pounce on targets when they don't expect you. In open water it can do well by evasive weaving and use of smoke screens. Its turret is 360° azimuth by 90° elevation, freeing you to manoeuvre any way you need for a perfect attack.
 +
 
 +
{{NavalMobility}}
  
−
=== Mobility ===
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
−
''Write about the ship’s mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward speed and reverse speed.''
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
 +
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
−
''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>.''
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
 +
<!-- ''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|MG151/20 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon (2 x 600 rounds)
  
−
''Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''
+
The 20 mm MG 151 can be deadly in proper hands, although surprisingly is it not as effective to the LS 3's 15 mm cannon. At range the dispersion becomes excessive and therefore requires more skill to be successful but it also overheats faster. It has an insane fire rate of 750 rounds per minute, which means it can take small boats and aircraft in its BR in seconds. However, this cannon overheats easily, so never keep firing for too long. At range, fire short half-second bursts. Like the AN/M2 MG (also a type found on aircraft), this gun has large belt capacity and long reloading time.
  
−
=== Secondary armament ===
+
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
−
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armament 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 anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section.''
+
* '''20 mm HE belts:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
 +
* '''20 mm AP belts:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
  
−
''If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''
+
{{:MG151/20 (20 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T naval, API-T naval}}
  
−
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
+
=== Additional armament ===
−
''An important part of the ship’s armament responsible for air raid defense. 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.''
+
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}
 +
<!-- ''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|LT 1A/1 (450 mm)}}
  
−
''If there is no anti-aircraft artillery, remove this section.''
+
* 2 x 450 mm LT 1A/1 torpedoes
  
−
=== Torpedo armament ===
+
The LS 4 Esau can carry two 450 mm torpedoes, housed inside the vessel. Identical to the torpedoes carried by its tech tree cousin (the [[LS 3]]), these torpedoes are highly adequate against any large, slow vessels the LS 4 might face at its BR. However, the torpedoes are extremely short-ranged when stock, with a range of just two kilometres. Their speed of 74 km/h is also relatively average for a torpedo of its size. At lower tier battles, the "Torpedo Mode" Modification can be left unchecked, as it allows the torpedoes to travel at a higher speed. As well, the maps are smaller, meaning that there is less distance for the torpedo to travel anyways. If uptiering the LS 4, the Torpedo Mode modification should be considered, as it increases the range of the torpedo significantly at the cost of speed.
−
''Many ships are armed with torpedo launchers, and for some vessels such as boats, torpedoes are an extremely important means of defeating an opponent. Evaluate the position of the torpedo launchers, discuss the ammunition available, firing specifics such as dead zones, features of the torpedoes themselves, etc.''
 
  
−
''If there is no torpedo armament, remove this section.''
+
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
The LS 4 is an excellent Rank I unit in-game. While it only possesses a single 20 mm cannon, it is also one of the best weapons in-game mounted high on a full 360° rotation turret with a gracious 80° elevation and whopping 30° depression with no blind spots or dead zone. In short, the gun has better coverage than 2, or even 3 guns on other boats. Ammo options are API-T or HEFI-T, but not the fearsome Minengeschoß shell found on aircraft. Combine its high top speed, two 450 mm torpedoes, and artillery strike call, it is capable of hitting well above its weight class.
  
−
=== Special armament ===
+
Success in-game is using the MG 151 correctly. Trigger discipline is absolutely necessary as the gun can overheat very fast and ruin your sortie right there; use 1/2 second bursts unless point-blank kill strike. As the MG heats up, its precision falls. Up to 1/4 hot is pinpoint, as it gets 1/2 hot round the rounds start spreading and over that you can see rounds fly everywhere. Range wise, one can hit targets at 1,700 m with cold barrel and do minor damage. Best is to be less than 800 m where the accuracy and power rip your targets apart. While default Universal ammo is perfectly fine, consider the HE belt is 50% better (adds 2 HEFI-T) You will be paying for reloads often, so best is to always have Universal as one of your game loads and HE as other in case you forgot to restock ammo. Experiment with the AP belt, as a few of your opponents may be armoured beasts. Don't expect the better results than the LS 3's MG 151/15, results are surprisingly different. Again, keep the MG cool, short bursts unless point-blank.
−
''Depth charges, mines, rocket launchers and missiles are also effective in skilled hands and can be an unexpected surprise for an opponent. Evaluate the ammunition of this type of armament and rate its performance in combat.''
 
  
−
== Usage in battles ==
+
What it lacks in the protection area, it makes up in mobility. The LS 4 is one of the fasts boats in-game. This, in tandem with its incredibly tight turning circle and slim profile, makes the LS 4 very well suited for cover hopping and flanking capture points. Use its speed to sneak in to capture points and rush at vessels not paying attention. Its high top speed also makes it useful to rush cap points at the beginning of a match. That being said, be careful not to overextend, or you will find yourself overwhelmed very quickly. Instead, use its superior speed to be the first to reach a capture point then hide behind an island, selectively engaging enemies that come into the line of sight. Don't forget your smoke and artillery! Both incredibly useful tools to prevent enemies from hitting you. Although a tiny target, large cannon (50 mm+) ships have a good chance at hitting you well outside your gun's range. Significant threats are the Japanese dual [[40 mm/62 Vickers (40 mm)|40 mm Type 91 AA]] and [[Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)|Bofors 40 mm]], and at closer range a battery of 20 mm cannons, like on a [[165 ft PC-451|PC-451]] or [[S-100 (1945)|S-100]]. The sides of the LS are the most vulnerable, so facing directly at the enemy as much as possible.
−
''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 get 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).''
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize 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 - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Decently powerful 20 mm MG 151 cannon
 +
* 360° turret with 90° elevation arc.
 +
* High top speed can make it difficult to lead and destroy
 +
* Very good manoeuvrability, can change direction quickly
 +
* High ammo capacity, able to outlast contemporaries in a firefight with good trigger discipline
 +
* Higher rate of fire than its standard counterpart, can dispatch lightly armoured targets rather quickly
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Gun is capable of overheating, limits the usefulness of high ammo capacity
 +
* Very fragile, incredibly vulnerable to large cannons with HE rounds.
 +
* Single gun eliminates almost all offensive capability if disabled
 +
* Long reload time
 +
* Low ammo count overall; limited to two magazines (although resupplied fast at cap point)
 +
* Due to higher rate of fire, it can expend its ammo rather quickly
 +
* No minengeschoß shell option
 +
* 20 mm gun has less penetration than 15 mm counterpart, may struggle against heavier targets
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
'''Leicht-S-Boot''' (Light-Torpedo boat, or Midget torpedo boat)
 +
 
 +
In the mid 1930s, the German navy considered small (12.5 m long), fast torpedo boats launched from carrier ships as tactically viable ideas. Two boats of the class called Light (or Midget) Torpedo boat were built, the first (LS 1) was made of wood, while the second (LS 2) was all aluminum built by Dornier Flugzeugwerke. Yes, this is the same Dornier of the famed Do 17, Do 217, and Do 335 aircraft, but not an insane choice given Dornier's well known history of making seaplanes.
 +
 
 +
At the time the desired engines (Daimler-Benz Maybachs) were not available, thus forced to use less powerful Jumo 205 Diesels, and neither were the torpedoes. Instead of torpedo boats they became minelayers, and combined with other issues resulted in disappointing performance and the idea was put on hold at the start of war in Europe.
 +
 
 +
The next year the idea was revisited, this time Dornier's all metal boat was chosen, Daimler-Benz MB 507 light Diesel engines and so were 45 cm torpedoes. In addition, a new MG 151 15 mm cannon was installed in a turret on the roof. Two were built, the LS 3 (delivered on October 10th, 1940) and LS 4. There is a deviation from historical and game at this point, as the records indicate the LS 3 carried 4 mines, not torpedoes, and the LS 4 would also have 15 mm cannon, not 20 mm (but the MG 151 was interchangeable, so would be easy to upgrade to 20 mm MG151/20).
 +
 
 +
Over the years a total of 12 LS were built, with both Jumo 205 and Daimler-Benz MB 507, the latter carrying torpedoes. Surviving combat records place operations in the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea areas. The fate of the boats is lost, but it seems that at least one, LS 12, was captured and used by the Soviets after the war.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=germ_ls4_class Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:Germ ls4 class.jpg|<small>The {{PAGENAME}}'s first battle graphic</small>
 +
</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Related development
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
+
* [[LS 3]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 72: Line 118:
  
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on ship;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{ShipManufacturer Dornier-Werke}}
 
{{Germany boats}}
 
{{Germany boats}}
 
{{Germany premium ships}}
 
{{Germany premium ships}}

Latest revision as of 22:27, 5 March 2023

Introducing Wiki 3.0
LS 4 Esau
germ_ls4_class.png
GarageImage LS 4 Esau.jpg
LS 4 Esau
Germany flag.png Germany
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:250 Specs-Card-Eagle.png

Description

The LS 4 Esau is a premium rank I German motor torpedo boat with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea" as part of the release of the fleet into open beta test.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Hull5 mm (steel)
Superstructure2 mm (steel)
Number of section3
Displacement12 t
Crew7 people

Survivability is taking advantage of its small size and manoeuvrability, and being extremely tactical in attack vectors. Avoid engagement as long as possible, then strike fast and hard. While it can take a good deal of damage from rounds up to 40 mm, it is big guns with HE rounds found at BR 2.0 that are your greatest threat. The vulnerability in this unarmoured tub is the side, limit exposure as much as possible. Hits on the bow or stern are manageable, minimal crew loss, giving you more time to press your attack. Damage is repaired fast and dries out faster. Again, avoid exposing your side to big cannons, as they are often a 1 shot fatality!

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB104 / 30 km/h
RB74 / 22 km/h

The LS 3 is an exceedingly capable boat, it can accelerate and decelerate very quickly and turn sharply. Top speed is very good, in the top 10 of fastest boats in-game (excluding hydrofoils). Those qualities will offer a distinct advantage in tiny island maps, where one can quickly duck between islands and pounce on targets when they don't expect you. In open water it can do well by evasive weaving and use of smoke screens. Its turret is 360° azimuth by 90° elevation, freeing you to manoeuvre any way you need for a perfect attack.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 104 30
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 74 22

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB94 Sl icon.png
RB79 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 740 Rp icon.png
480 Sl icon.png
Crew training150 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces145 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 20 / 20 / 50 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 75 / 75 / 75 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
110 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_ger_mg151_20_navy_he_ammo_pack
Research:
600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
20mm_ger_mg151_20_navy_ap_ammo_pack
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods ship art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png

Armament

Primary armament

Turret20 mm MG 151/20 cannon
Ammunition2400 rounds
Belt capacity600 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Vertical guidance-30° / 80°
Main article: MG151/20 (20 mm)
  • 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon (2 x 600 rounds)

The 20 mm MG 151 can be deadly in proper hands, although surprisingly is it not as effective to the LS 3's 15 mm cannon. At range the dispersion becomes excessive and therefore requires more skill to be successful but it also overheats faster. It has an insane fire rate of 750 rounds per minute, which means it can take small boats and aircraft in its BR in seconds. However, this cannon overheats easily, so never keep firing for too long. At range, fire short half-second bursts. Like the AN/M2 MG (also a type found on aircraft), this gun has large belt capacity and long reloading time.

  • Universal: HEFI-T · API-T · API-T
  • 20 mm HE belts: HEFI-T · HEFI-T · HEFI-T · API-T
  • 20 mm AP belts: API-T · API-T · API-T · HEFI-T

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
HEFI-T 2 2 2 2 2 2
API-T 26 24 18 12 8 6
Shell details
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
HEFI-T 835 0.12 0 0.1 10.54 79° 80° 81°
API-T 705 0.12 - - - 47° 60° 65°

Additional armament

Setup 12 x 450 mm LT 1A/1 torpedo
Main article: LT 1A/1 (450 mm)
  • 2 x 450 mm LT 1A/1 torpedoes

The LS 4 Esau can carry two 450 mm torpedoes, housed inside the vessel. Identical to the torpedoes carried by its tech tree cousin (the LS 3), these torpedoes are highly adequate against any large, slow vessels the LS 4 might face at its BR. However, the torpedoes are extremely short-ranged when stock, with a range of just two kilometres. Their speed of 74 km/h is also relatively average for a torpedo of its size. At lower tier battles, the "Torpedo Mode" Modification can be left unchecked, as it allows the torpedoes to travel at a higher speed. As well, the maps are smaller, meaning that there is less distance for the torpedo to travel anyways. If uptiering the LS 4, the Torpedo Mode modification should be considered, as it increases the range of the torpedo significantly at the cost of speed.

Usage in battles

The LS 4 is an excellent Rank I unit in-game. While it only possesses a single 20 mm cannon, it is also one of the best weapons in-game mounted high on a full 360° rotation turret with a gracious 80° elevation and whopping 30° depression with no blind spots or dead zone. In short, the gun has better coverage than 2, or even 3 guns on other boats. Ammo options are API-T or HEFI-T, but not the fearsome Minengeschoß shell found on aircraft. Combine its high top speed, two 450 mm torpedoes, and artillery strike call, it is capable of hitting well above its weight class.

Success in-game is using the MG 151 correctly. Trigger discipline is absolutely necessary as the gun can overheat very fast and ruin your sortie right there; use 1/2 second bursts unless point-blank kill strike. As the MG heats up, its precision falls. Up to 1/4 hot is pinpoint, as it gets 1/2 hot round the rounds start spreading and over that you can see rounds fly everywhere. Range wise, one can hit targets at 1,700 m with cold barrel and do minor damage. Best is to be less than 800 m where the accuracy and power rip your targets apart. While default Universal ammo is perfectly fine, consider the HE belt is 50% better (adds 2 HEFI-T) You will be paying for reloads often, so best is to always have Universal as one of your game loads and HE as other in case you forgot to restock ammo. Experiment with the AP belt, as a few of your opponents may be armoured beasts. Don't expect the better results than the LS 3's MG 151/15, results are surprisingly different. Again, keep the MG cool, short bursts unless point-blank.

What it lacks in the protection area, it makes up in mobility. The LS 4 is one of the fasts boats in-game. This, in tandem with its incredibly tight turning circle and slim profile, makes the LS 4 very well suited for cover hopping and flanking capture points. Use its speed to sneak in to capture points and rush at vessels not paying attention. Its high top speed also makes it useful to rush cap points at the beginning of a match. That being said, be careful not to overextend, or you will find yourself overwhelmed very quickly. Instead, use its superior speed to be the first to reach a capture point then hide behind an island, selectively engaging enemies that come into the line of sight. Don't forget your smoke and artillery! Both incredibly useful tools to prevent enemies from hitting you. Although a tiny target, large cannon (50 mm+) ships have a good chance at hitting you well outside your gun's range. Significant threats are the Japanese dual 40 mm Type 91 AA and Bofors 40 mm, and at closer range a battery of 20 mm cannons, like on a PC-451 or S-100. The sides of the LS are the most vulnerable, so facing directly at the enemy as much as possible.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decently powerful 20 mm MG 151 cannon
  • 360° turret with 90° elevation arc.
  • High top speed can make it difficult to lead and destroy
  • Very good manoeuvrability, can change direction quickly
  • High ammo capacity, able to outlast contemporaries in a firefight with good trigger discipline
  • Higher rate of fire than its standard counterpart, can dispatch lightly armoured targets rather quickly

Cons:

  • Gun is capable of overheating, limits the usefulness of high ammo capacity
  • Very fragile, incredibly vulnerable to large cannons with HE rounds.
  • Single gun eliminates almost all offensive capability if disabled
  • Long reload time
  • Low ammo count overall; limited to two magazines (although resupplied fast at cap point)
  • Due to higher rate of fire, it can expend its ammo rather quickly
  • No minengeschoß shell option
  • 20 mm gun has less penetration than 15 mm counterpart, may struggle against heavier targets

History

Leicht-S-Boot (Light-Torpedo boat, or Midget torpedo boat)

In the mid 1930s, the German navy considered small (12.5 m long), fast torpedo boats launched from carrier ships as tactically viable ideas. Two boats of the class called Light (or Midget) Torpedo boat were built, the first (LS 1) was made of wood, while the second (LS 2) was all aluminum built by Dornier Flugzeugwerke. Yes, this is the same Dornier of the famed Do 17, Do 217, and Do 335 aircraft, but not an insane choice given Dornier's well known history of making seaplanes.

At the time the desired engines (Daimler-Benz Maybachs) were not available, thus forced to use less powerful Jumo 205 Diesels, and neither were the torpedoes. Instead of torpedo boats they became minelayers, and combined with other issues resulted in disappointing performance and the idea was put on hold at the start of war in Europe.

The next year the idea was revisited, this time Dornier's all metal boat was chosen, Daimler-Benz MB 507 light Diesel engines and so were 45 cm torpedoes. In addition, a new MG 151 15 mm cannon was installed in a turret on the roof. Two were built, the LS 3 (delivered on October 10th, 1940) and LS 4. There is a deviation from historical and game at this point, as the records indicate the LS 3 carried 4 mines, not torpedoes, and the LS 4 would also have 15 mm cannon, not 20 mm (but the MG 151 was interchangeable, so would be easy to upgrade to 20 mm MG151/20).

Over the years a total of 12 LS were built, with both Jumo 205 and Daimler-Benz MB 507, the latter carrying torpedoes. Surviving combat records place operations in the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Black Sea areas. The fate of the boats is lost, but it seems that at least one, LS 12, was captured and used by the Soviets after the war.

Media

Skins
Images

  • The LS 4 Esau's first battle graphic

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Dornier-Werke GmbH
Motor Torpedo Boats 
Leichte Schnellboote (LS)  LS 3 · LS 4 Esau
See Also  Dornier Aircraft Corporation

Germany boats
Motor torpedo boats  LS 3 · LS 4 Esau · KM-5 · VS-10
  S-38 · S-38b · S-100 · S-147 · S-204 Lang · S-701
  R-301
  V-990
  Jaguar · Hugin · Pfeil
Motor gun boats  R-41 · R-130 · Krischan der Große
Motor torpedo gun boats  Albatros · Bussard · MZ1 · Pr. 206
Minelayers  VS-8

Germany premium ships
Motor torpedo boats  LS 4 Esau · KM-5 · S-204 Lang · S-701
Minelayers  VS-8
Sub-chasers  M-802
Frigates  Lübeck
Destroyers  Jaguar · Luchs · T31 · Z20 Karl Galster · Z25 · Z47
Light cruisers  Karlsruhe
Heavy cruisers  Prinz Eugen
Battleships  SMS Nassau

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