Northampton Class

=History=

The Northampton class was a group of six heavy cruisers built for the U.S. Navy in the 1930's. The design of the ships was heavily influenced by the Washington Naval Treaty, which limited cruisers to a maximum of 10,000 tons displacement and a maximum main battery caliber of 8 inches (203 mm). The Northamptons were a reaction to the weight and cost of the immediately preceding Pensacola class, differing in several ways. The Pensacolas mounted a main battery of 10 8-inch (203 mm) guns in four turrets, a triple and superfiring twin fore and aft. In contrast, the Northamptons mounted 9 8-inch (203 mm) guns in three triple turrets, two forward and one aft, the layout followed in all subsequent U.S. heavy cruisers. Although armor was increased the Northamptons turned out to be lighter than the Pensacolas, and nearly 1,000 tons below the treaty limitations. Freeboard was increased in the Northamptons by adopting a high forecastle, which was extended aft in the last three for use as flagships. These ships were also the first U.S. ships to adopt a hangar for aircraft, and bunks instead of hammocks. Their lighter than expected weight also caused them to roll excessively which necessitated the fitting of deep bilge keels.The immediately following Portland class was essentially a modified Northampton.

The Northamptons saw much action in World War II. Three (Northampton, Chicago, and Houston) were lost during the war. The other three were decommissioned soon after the end of the war, and scrapped in 1959-1961.

List of Northampton-class ships

Northampton (CA-26) Chester (CA-27) Louisville (CA-28) Chicago (CA-29) Houston (CA-30) Augusta (CA-31)

=In Game=

Commissioned in 1930, this class of heavy cruiser is powerfully armed, carrying nine 8" guns in triple turrets, along with a varied antiaircraft suite. However, they carry no torpedo tubes, which puts them at a disadvantage against heavier opponents as they are forced to engage solely with gunfire. Nevertheless, these are potent ships, ideally suited to carrier escort duty, or as the flagship of a cruiser division.