[Coming Soon] Battleship Orion: the first superdreadnought

Historical note

At the height of the naval arms race between Britain and Germany, the Admiralty approved a new shipbuilding program that called for the construction of four advanced battleships equipped with 343-mm guns, replacing the outdated 305-mm guns. Along with the upgraded main armament and increased displacement, these new dreadnoughts featured superimposed turrets, marking another innovation for the Royal Navy.

Classified as "superdreadnoughts" due to their enhanced firepower, armor protection, and displacement, the lead ship, HMS Orion, joined the Grand Fleet in 1912. Alongside her three sister ships, Orion played an active role in World War I, including participation in the Battle of Jutland. In the spring of 1922, as per the Washington Naval Treaty, Orion was decommissioned and scrapped the following year.

In the upcoming seasonal update of War Thunder Mobile, the superdreadnought HMS Orion will join the Rank III naval battles. Compared to earlier British dreadnoughts, Orion boasts superior firepower, stronger defenses, and nearly the same speed. Let’s take a closer look at this naval giant, shall we?

HMS Orion (Rank III)

Let's begin with the weaponry. HMS Orion was uniquely armed for its time, featuring ten 343 mm guns housed in five turrets.

All of Orion's turrets are positioned along the ship's centerline, allowing for a full broadside from all guns. The auxiliary armament consists of sixteen 102 mm guns, some mounted in casemates and others in open positions behind armored shields.

The ship's armor includes an armored deck, reinforced protection for the main gun turrets, and three armor belts, with the strongest protecting the area near the waterline. When angled toward enemies, the thickness of Orion's armor allows it to endure prolonged engagements while delivering devastating blows to enemy ships with each salvo.

The battleship's speed and maneuverability are quite limited. From the start of the battle, the commander must choose a route and commit to it, as changing flanks quickly isn't an option. However, the Orion is among the most heavily armed and armored ships in the game, making it your mission to take down the enemy team's most formidable and resilient vessels.

Choosing the right position and quickly assessing the battlefield are crucial for an Orion commander to become the top player on the team in every battle!

The battleship HMS Orion (Rank III) will be available from the Big Trophy of the Ship Campaign or from an offer after the start of the Season.