Difference between revisions of "HMS Spey"

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== 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.'' -->
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British gunboat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in the [[wt:en/news/6293/current|Operation H.E.A.T event]] during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British gunboat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6293-special-operation-h-e-a-t-en|2019 Operation H.E.A.T]] event.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 River class does not have much in the way of armour. The hull of the ship is made from 8 mm thick steel, with the superstructure being made of 4 mm thick steel. This is enough to repel damage from low calibre machine-guns but does little against the cannons and auto-cannons commonly found at this battle rating. The only armour on the ship is around some of the gun shields.
+
The River class does not have much in the way of armour. The hull of the ship is made from 8 mm thick steel, with the superstructure being made of 4 mm thick steel. This is enough to repel damage from low calibre machine-guns, but does little against the cannons and autocannons commonly found at this battle rating. The only armour on the ship is around some gun shields.
  
 
;Armour Layout
 
;Armour Layout
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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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 River class is not particularly fast, with a top speed less than that of destroyers. However, it is relatively manoeuvrable for its size. Despite this you must remember the River class is no small vessel. Because of your size, you're a prime target for torpedoes and you need to be aware of your surroundings and the likely direction of enemy torpedoes if you wish to avoid them in time.
+
The River class is not particularly fast, with a top speed less than that of destroyers. However, it is relatively manoeuvrable for its size. Despite this, you must remember the River class is no small vessel. Because of your size, you're a prime target for torpedoes, and you need to be aware of your surroundings and the likely direction of enemy torpedoes if you wish to avoid them in time.
  
 
{{NavalMobility}}
 
{{NavalMobility}}
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** Horizontal targeting speed: 10°/s
 
** Horizontal targeting speed: 10°/s
 
** Vertical targeting speed: 8°/s
 
** Vertical targeting speed: 8°/s
 +
 +
{{:4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)/Ammunition|4 inch HE, 4 inch SAP, 4 inch HE-TF, 4 inch HE-VT}}
  
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
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{{main|QF Mark VII (40 mm)}}
 
{{main|QF Mark VII (40 mm)}}
  
−
The River class has a very powerful secondary armament of two 40 mm QF Mark VII auto-cannons. These are mounted in turrets on each side of the ship, just aft of the midpoint. The positioning of these turrets means they can both engage vessels on the same side, in an 80-degree arc from the front of the ship, this allows them to cause substantial damage to enemy ships within this area.
+
The River class has a very powerful secondary armament of two 40 mm QF Mark VII autocannons. These are mounted in turrets on each side of the ship, just aft of the midpoint. The positioning of these turrets means they can both engage vessels on the same side, in an 80-degree arc from the front of the ship, this allows them to cause substantial damage to enemy ships within this area.
  
−
The 40 mm QF Mark VII is an extremely potent weapon, with a good rate of fire, and a shell large enough to pierce most armour found at this tier it is capable of causing incredible amounts of damage to both enemy ships and aircraft.
+
The 40 mm QF Mark VII is an extremely potent weapon, with a good rate of fire, and a shell large enough to pierce most armour found at this tier, it is capable of causing incredible amounts of damage to both enemy ships and aircraft.
  
 
;Secondary Armament
 
;Secondary Armament
  
−
* 2 x 40 mm QF Mark VII auto-cannon, mid-ship turrets, 2,000 rounds of ammo each
+
* 2 x 40 mm QF Mark VII autocannon, mid-ship turrets, 2,000 rounds of ammo each
 
** Horizontal guidance: ±180°
 
** Horizontal guidance: ±180°
 
** Vertical guidance: -10° / +90°
 
** Vertical guidance: -10° / +90°
 
** Horizontal targeting speed: 40°/s
 
** Horizontal targeting speed: 40°/s
 
** Vertical targeting speed: 34°/s
 
** Vertical targeting speed: 34°/s
 +
 +
* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 +
* '''40 mm HE clips:''' {{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|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
 +
* '''40 mm AP clips:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}
 +
 +
{{:QF Mark VII (40 mm)/Ammunition|HEFI-T, AP-T}}
  
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
 
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
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{{main|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}
  
−
In addition to its 40 mm secondary turrets the River class also has a pair of single Oerlikon Mk.II 20 mm auto-cannons mounted on each side of the bridge for anti-aircraft use. The Oerlikon's have a decent rate of fire and damage and are more than capable of taking down most aircraft you will face with little issue. It is also possible to use them against lightly armoured enemy ships, however, their damage is fairly limited and their mediocre gun depression coupled with high mounting location means they cannot effectively engage targets at less than about 200 m range.
+
In addition to its 40 mm secondary turrets, the River class also has a pair of single Oerlikon Mk.II 20 mm autocannons mounted on each side of the bridge for anti-aircraft use. The Oerlikon's have a decent rate of fire and damage and are more than capable of taking down most aircraft you will face with little issue. It is also possible to use them against lightly armoured enemy ships, however, their damage is fairly limited, and their mediocre gun depression coupled with high mounting location means they cannot effectively engage targets at less than about 200 m range.
  
 
;Anti-aircraft Armament
 
;Anti-aircraft Armament
  
−
* 2 x 20 mm Oerlikon Mk.II auto-cannon, either side of bridge, 2,400 rounds of ammo each
+
* 2 x 20 mm Oerlikon Mk.II autocannon, either side of bridge, 2,400 rounds of ammo each
 
** Horizontal guidance: ±180°
 
** Horizontal guidance: ±180°
 
** Vertical guidance: -5° / +65°
 
** Vertical guidance: -5° / +65°
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{{main|Mk.VII depth charge|Mk.10 Hedgehog mortar|Y-gun Mk.VII depth charge}}
 
{{main|Mk.VII depth charge|Mk.10 Hedgehog mortar|Y-gun Mk.VII depth charge}}
  
−
The River class can carry a truly staggering assortment of depth charges, of three different types. The first component consists of 34 Mk.VII depth charges which are dropped into the water from two dispensers on the stern of the ship (in the same manner as on the [[Flower class (K-218)|Flower class]]). The next component of the River class's depth charge armament consists of 48 Mk.VII depth charges distributed evenly between 8 depth charge mortars (6 chargers per mortar). There are four mortars on each side located at the rear of the ship, two mortars on each side launch depth charges directly out the side of the ship, with the other two are angled, pointing rearwards at approximately 45°. The final component is a 24 shot Mk.10 Hedgehog mortar (with another 24 depth charges in stock to reload it). This mortar is mounted on the bow of the ship and is capable of rapidly shooting 24 depth charges covering an area between about 200 m and 400 m directly in front of the ship.
+
The River class can carry a truly staggering assortment of depth charges, of three different types. The first component consists of 34 Mk.VII depth charges, which are dropped into the water from two dispensers on the stern of the ship (in the same manner as on the [[HMCS Brantford|Flower class]]). The next component of the River class's depth charge armament consists of 48 Mk.VII depth charges, distributed evenly between 8 depth charge mortars (6 chargers per mortar). There are four mortars on each side located at the rear of the ship, two mortars on each side launch depth charges directly out the side of the ship, with the other two are angled, pointing rearwards at approximately 45°. The final component is a 24 shot Mk.10 Hedgehog mortar (with another 24 depth charges in stock to reload it). This mortar is mounted on the bow of the ship and is capable of rapidly shooting 24 depth charges covering an area between about 200 m and 400 m directly in front of the ship.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 HMS Spey spawns at the destroyer / large ships spawn, where you can play the River-class frigate as a mini-destroyer and use your decent cannons to engage enemy ships at longer distances. However, its sluggish pace makes is a sitting duck for enemy destroyers in the open.
+
The HMS Spey spawns at the destroyer / large ships spawn, where you can play the HMS Spey frigate as a mini-destroyer and use your decent cannons to engage enemy ships at longer distances. However, its sluggish pace makes is a sitting duck for enemy destroyers in the open.
  
−
When facing smaller ships, the River-class can be used as somewhat of a brawler. You can use your large calibre guns to devastate smaller torpedo boats (if you can hit them) and use the secondary 40 mm cannons to consistently shred fast-moving targets. The River-class' large size, some armour, and fairly large crew means it can take a reasonable beating, however ships of powerful auto-cannons can still rapidly deplete your crew, and short-range torpedo attacks are always a major threat.
+
When facing smaller ships, the HMS Spey can be used as somewhat of a brawler. You can use your large calibre guns to devastate smaller torpedo boats (if you can hit them) and use the secondary 40 mm cannons to consistently shred fast-moving targets. HMS Spey's large size, some armour, and fairly large crew means it can take a reasonable beating, however ships of powerful autocannons can still rapidly deplete your crew, and short-range torpedo attacks are always a major threat.
  
−
A safer option can be to keep out of the immediate area of the main fight use your impressive armament to rain down destruction from a distance while being somewhat safer from enemy return fire and torpedoes.
+
A safer option can be to keep out of the immediate area of the main fight, to use your impressive armament to rain down destruction from a distance while being somewhat safer from enemy return fire and torpedoes.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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* Good primary armament
 
* Good primary armament
−
* Lethal secondary armament can be used effectively against ships and aircraft
+
* Lethal secondary armament, effective against both ships and aircraft
 
* Adequate anti-aircraft armament
 
* Adequate anti-aircraft armament
−
* Carries an astounding amount of depth charges
+
* Fairly manoeuvrable, considering its size
−
* Fairly manoeuvrable (considering its size)
+
* Can withstand a reasonable amount of damage
−
* Can take a reasonable beating
+
* The rear turret can point quite far forward, allowing you to engage most targets with both main guns
−
* Rear turret can point quite far forwards, allowing you to hiot most targets with both of your main guns
+
* All turrets can rotate a full 360°, so switching to a target on the opposite side of the ship is less challenging than on some other ships
−
* All turrets can rotate a full 360° so switching to a target on the other side of the ship is less of an issue than on some other ships
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Fairly slow
 
* Fairly slow
 
* Very large target
 
* Very large target
−
* Armour is lacking
+
* No armour protection over essential components
−
* Turrets susceptible to damage, leaving you in precarious situations
+
* Turrets are susceptible to damage, leaving you in precarious situations
−
* Large engine / transmission assembly prone to frequent damage and fires
+
* Large engine and transmission assembly prone to frequent damage and fires
−
* Ships with quick-firing autocannons can rapidly deplete your crew
+
* Large number of depth charges makes it a tempting target, which, when detonated, can destroy the vessel
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
−
The River-class frigates were developed in the early 1940s on the same premise as the preceding Flower-class corvettes; quick and cheap to build convoy escort vessels which would protect merchant shipping in the North Atlantic from the ever-growing axis submarine threat. Unlike the Flower-class corvettes, however, River-class frigates were larger, had a longer range and were overall more suitable for operations in the North Atlantic.
+
The [[River (Family)|River-class]] frigates were developed in the early 1940s on the same premise as the preceding Flower-class corvettes; quick and cheap to build convoy escort vessels which would protect merchant shipping in the North Atlantic from the ever-growing axis submarine threat. Unlike the Flower-class corvettes, however, River-class frigates were larger, had a longer range and were overall more suitable for operations in the North Atlantic.
  
 
Production of the River-class frigates began in 1941, with the first vessels being completed in the following year. Overall, over 150 River-class frigates would be built throughout WW2, of which only 17 were lost in combat actions.
 
Production of the River-class frigates began in 1941, with the first vessels being completed in the following year. Overall, over 150 River-class frigates would be built throughout WW2, of which only 17 were lost in combat actions.
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* [[Flower class (K-218)]]
+
* [[HMCS Brantford]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* [[wt:en/news/6297-development-river-class-k-246-off-shore-defender-en/|[Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> River class (K-246): Off shore defender]]
+
* [[wt:en/news/6297-development-river-class-k-246-off-shore-defender-en|[Development] River class (K-246): Off shore defender]]
  
 
{{ShipManufacturer Smiths Dock Company}}
 
{{ShipManufacturer Smiths Dock Company}}
 
{{Britain boats}}
 
{{Britain boats}}
 
{{Britain premium ships}}
 
{{Britain premium ships}}

Latest revision as of 15:04, 7 November 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
HMS Spey
uk_frigate_river.png
GarageImage HMS Spey.jpg
HMS Spey
Britain flag.png Britain
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.3 3.3 3.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
MARKET

Description

The River-class, HMS Spey (K-246) is a premium gift rank IV British gunboat with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced during Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy" as a reward for the 2019 Operation H.E.A.T event.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Main fire tower5 / 5 / 0 mm
Hull16 mm (steel)
Superstructure4 mm (steel)
Number of section6
Displacement2 050 t
Crew107 people

The River class does not have much in the way of armour. The hull of the ship is made from 8 mm thick steel, with the superstructure being made of 4 mm thick steel. This is enough to repel damage from low calibre machine-guns, but does little against the cannons and autocannons commonly found at this battle rating. The only armour on the ship is around some gun shields.

Armour Layout
  • Ship Construction
    • Hull: 8 mm steel
    • Superstructure: 4 mm steel
  • 5 mm Anti-fragmentation armour - Main calibre (102 mm) turrets gun shields
  • 12.7 mm Hardened armour - AA (20 mm) turrets gun shields

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB53 / 20 km/h
RB38 / 14 km/h

The River class is not particularly fast, with a top speed less than that of destroyers. However, it is relatively manoeuvrable for its size. Despite this, you must remember the River class is no small vessel. Because of your size, you're a prime target for torpedoes, and you need to be aware of your surroundings and the likely direction of enemy torpedoes if you wish to avoid them in time.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 53 20
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 38 14

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB4 632 Sl icon.png
RB6 701 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts400 000 Sl icon.png
Aces940 Ge icon.png
Research Aces960 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 280 / 450 / 50 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
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
Mods ship anti fragmentation protection.png
Shrapnel Protection
Mods ship venting.png
Ventilation
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Mods ship ammo wetting.png
Ammo Wetting
Mods new aa caliber turrets.png
Anti-Air Armament Targeting
Mods tank ammo.png
102mm_uk_mkxvi_navy_SAP_ammo_pack
Mods ammo.png
40 mm HE clips
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Mods he frag dist fuse ship.png
102mm_uk_mkxvi_navy_he_dist_fuse_ammo_pack
Mods ammo.png
40 mm AP clips
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Mods ship rangefinder.png
Improved Rangefinder
Mods depth charge.png
Depth Charges
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods he frag dist fuse ship.png
102mm_uk_mkxvi_navy_he_radio_fuse_ammo_pack
Mods ship mortar.png
Bomb mortar

Armament

Primary armament

2 х Turret4 inch/45 Mark XVI cannon
Ammunition200 rounds
Vertical guidance-4° / 60°
Main article: 4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)

The primary armament of the River class consists of two Mark XIX 102 mm cannons, located at the front and rear of the ship. These are powerful cannons at the River class's battle rating; the HE shells can cause devastating damage to torpedo boats and sometimes destroy them in a single salvo. Even against larger ships, the HE shells can cause significant damage, which coupled with the high rate of fire (3 - 3.9 second reload depending on the crew) allows you to kill enemy vessels very quickly.

The semi-armour piecing shells have a fairly good penetration of 137 mm at 1 km, this is better than the SAP shells found on most British destroyers, however the explosive mass is 600 g of TNT, less than the 700 - 900 g usually found on British destroyer guns.

Primary Armament
  • 1 x 102 mm Mark XIX cannon, forward turret, 200 rounds of ammo
    • Horizontal guidance: ±180°
    • Vertical guidance: -4° / +60°
    • Horizontal targeting speed: 10°/s
    • Vertical targeting speed: 10°/s
  • 1 x 102 mm Mark XIX cannon, aft turret, 200 rounds of ammo
    • Horizontal guidance: ±180°
    • Vertical guidance: -3° / +60°
    • Horizontal targeting speed: 10°/s
    • Vertical targeting speed: 8°/s

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
1,000 m 2,500 m 5,000 m 7,500 m 10,000 m 15,000 m
4 inch HE HE 20 20 20 20 20 20
4 inch SAP SAP 102 85 64 48 38 30
4 inch HE-TF HE-TF 20 20 20 20 20 20
4 inch HE-VT HE-VT 20 20 20 20 20 20
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(s) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
4 inch HE HE 811 15.88 0 0.1 1,550 79° 80° 81°
4 inch SAP SAP 811 17.35 0.015 5 600 47° 60° 65°
4 inch HE-TF HE-TF 811 15.88 0 0.1 1,550 79° 80° 81°
Proximity-fused shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Arming
distance (m) 		Trigger
radius (m) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
4 inch HE-VT HE-VT 811 15.88 0 0.1 274 18 1,550 79° 80° 81°

Secondary armament

2 х Turret40 mm QF Mark VII gun
Ammunition2000 rounds
Belt capacity4 rounds
Fire rate160 shots/min
Main article: QF Mark VII (40 mm)

The River class has a very powerful secondary armament of two 40 mm QF Mark VII autocannons. These are mounted in turrets on each side of the ship, just aft of the midpoint. The positioning of these turrets means they can both engage vessels on the same side, in an 80-degree arc from the front of the ship, this allows them to cause substantial damage to enemy ships within this area.

The 40 mm QF Mark VII is an extremely potent weapon, with a good rate of fire, and a shell large enough to pierce most armour found at this tier, it is capable of causing incredible amounts of damage to both enemy ships and aircraft.

Secondary Armament
  • 2 x 40 mm QF Mark VII autocannon, mid-ship turrets, 2,000 rounds of ammo each
    • Horizontal guidance: ±180°
    • Vertical guidance: -10° / +90°
    • Horizontal targeting speed: 40°/s
    • Vertical targeting speed: 34°/s
  • Universal: AP-T · HEFI-T
  • 40 mm HE clips: HEFI-T · HEFI-T · HEFI-T · AP-T
  • 40 mm AP clips: AP-T · AP-T · AP-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 3 3 3 3 3 3
AP-T 81 78 68 58 49 41
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 874 0.9 0 0.1 67.13 79° 80° 81°
AP-T 874 0.89 - - - 47° 60° 65°

Anti-aircraft armament

2 х Turret20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II autocannon
Ammunition1800 rounds
Belt capacity60 rounds
Fire rate450 shots/min
Main article: 20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)

In addition to its 40 mm secondary turrets, the River class also has a pair of single Oerlikon Mk.II 20 mm autocannons mounted on each side of the bridge for anti-aircraft use. The Oerlikon's have a decent rate of fire and damage and are more than capable of taking down most aircraft you will face with little issue. It is also possible to use them against lightly armoured enemy ships, however, their damage is fairly limited, and their mediocre gun depression coupled with high mounting location means they cannot effectively engage targets at less than about 200 m range.

Anti-aircraft Armament
  • 2 x 20 mm Oerlikon Mk.II autocannon, either side of bridge, 2,400 rounds of ammo each
    • Horizontal guidance: ±180°
    • Vertical guidance: -5° / +65°

Additional armament

Setup 134 x Mk.VII depth charge
Setup 248 x Y-gun Mk.VII depth charge
34 x Mk.VII depth charge
Setup 348 x Mk.10 "Hedgehog" mortar
Setup 448 x Mk.10 "Hedgehog" mortar
8 x Y-gun Mk.VII depth charge
Setup 548 x Mk.10 "Hedgehog" mortar
34 x Mk.VII depth charge
Setup 648 x Mk.10 "Hedgehog" mortar
8 x Y-gun Mk.VII depth charge
34 x Mk.VII depth charge
Main articles: Mk.VII depth charge, Mk.10 Hedgehog mortar, Y-gun Mk.VII depth charge

The River class can carry a truly staggering assortment of depth charges, of three different types. The first component consists of 34 Mk.VII depth charges, which are dropped into the water from two dispensers on the stern of the ship (in the same manner as on the Flower class). The next component of the River class's depth charge armament consists of 48 Mk.VII depth charges, distributed evenly between 8 depth charge mortars (6 chargers per mortar). There are four mortars on each side located at the rear of the ship, two mortars on each side launch depth charges directly out the side of the ship, with the other two are angled, pointing rearwards at approximately 45°. The final component is a 24 shot Mk.10 Hedgehog mortar (with another 24 depth charges in stock to reload it). This mortar is mounted on the bow of the ship and is capable of rapidly shooting 24 depth charges covering an area between about 200 m and 400 m directly in front of the ship.

Usage in battles

The HMS Spey spawns at the destroyer / large ships spawn, where you can play the HMS Spey frigate as a mini-destroyer and use your decent cannons to engage enemy ships at longer distances. However, its sluggish pace makes is a sitting duck for enemy destroyers in the open.

When facing smaller ships, the HMS Spey can be used as somewhat of a brawler. You can use your large calibre guns to devastate smaller torpedo boats (if you can hit them) and use the secondary 40 mm cannons to consistently shred fast-moving targets. HMS Spey's large size, some armour, and fairly large crew means it can take a reasonable beating, however ships of powerful autocannons can still rapidly deplete your crew, and short-range torpedo attacks are always a major threat.

A safer option can be to keep out of the immediate area of the main fight, to use your impressive armament to rain down destruction from a distance while being somewhat safer from enemy return fire and torpedoes.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good primary armament
  • Lethal secondary armament, effective against both ships and aircraft
  • Adequate anti-aircraft armament
  • Fairly manoeuvrable, considering its size
  • Can withstand a reasonable amount of damage
  • The rear turret can point quite far forward, allowing you to engage most targets with both main guns
  • All turrets can rotate a full 360°, so switching to a target on the opposite side of the ship is less challenging than on some other ships

Cons:

  • Fairly slow
  • Very large target
  • No armour protection over essential components
  • Turrets are susceptible to damage, leaving you in precarious situations
  • Large engine and transmission assembly prone to frequent damage and fires
  • Large number of depth charges makes it a tempting target, which, when detonated, can destroy the vessel

History

The River-class frigates were developed in the early 1940s on the same premise as the preceding Flower-class corvettes; quick and cheap to build convoy escort vessels which would protect merchant shipping in the North Atlantic from the ever-growing axis submarine threat. Unlike the Flower-class corvettes, however, River-class frigates were larger, had a longer range and were overall more suitable for operations in the North Atlantic.

Production of the River-class frigates began in 1941, with the first vessels being completed in the following year. Overall, over 150 River-class frigates would be built throughout WW2, of which only 17 were lost in combat actions.

River-class frigates primarily served with the Royal Navy, but they also served with many other nations during WW2, such as Canada, Australia, the USA, France, Netherlands and South Africa. They remained popular even after the war, serving with Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, India, Portugal, Egypt, Argentina, Chile and many more nations! The last River-class frigates were decommissioned from military service during the 1970s.

A River-class frigate, HMAS Diamantina is currently a museum ship in Brisbane, Australia. Diamantina was active from 1945 to 1946, was placed in reserve, then was recommissioned as a survey ship from 1959 until 1980. Going aboard shows how small and compact these warships are.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

See also

External links


Smith's Dock Company
Frigates 
River-class  HMS Spey

Britain boats
Motor torpedo boats  Brave Borderer · Dark Aggressor · Dark Aggressor TD · Fairmile D (617) · Fairmile D (697) · Fairmile D (5001) · HMS Gay Archer
  MTB-1(1) · MTB-1(2) · MTB Vosper · MTB Vosper(2) · MTB-422
Motor gun boats  Dark Adventurer · Fairmile A (ML100) · Fairmile B (ML345) · Fairmile C (312) · Fairmile C (332) · Fairmile D (601) · Fairmile H LCS(L)(2)
  HMAS Arrow · HMAS Fremantle · MGB-61 · MGB-75 · ML 1383 · SGB Grey Fox · SGB Grey Goose
Gunboats  HMS Spey

Britain premium ships
Motor torpedo boats  MTB-1(2) · MTB-422 · Fairmile D (5001) · HMS Gay Archer
Motor gun boats  MGB-75 · SGB Grey Goose
Gunboats  HMS Spey
Sub-chasers  LÉ Orla
Frigates  HMS Whitby
Destroyers  HMS Montgomery · HMS Valhalla · HMS Verdun · ORP Garland · HMS Jervis · HMCS Haida · HMS Mohawk · HMS Cadiz · HMS Diamond
Light cruisers  HMS Belfast
Battleships  HMS Iron Duke

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