The Most Successful Battleship, Ranked

Choose the battleship you think is the most successful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 25, 2024 07:27
Throughout history, battleships have played a pivotal role in naval warfare, serving as the backbone of fleets and often determining the outcome of significant sea battles. Their effectiveness can be measured in various ways, including firepower, armor, and technological advancements. Evaluating which battleship stands out as the most successful involves a thorough understanding of their strategic contributions during their operational years. By participating in this ranking, users have the opportunity to cast votes based on their knowledge and perspectives of different battleships' historical performances and technological merits. This interactive process not only engages a community of enthusiasts and historians but also helps to highlight which vessels are regarded most highly in popular opinion, providing a dynamic list that reflects collective assessment and admiration.

What Is the Most Successful Battleship?

  1. 1
    20
    votes

    HMS Warspite

    One of the most famous and decorated battleships of World War II, HMS Warspite was a Queen Elizabeth-class battleship that served with distinction both in World War I and World War II.
    • Launched: 1913
    • Displacement: 31,100 tons
  2. 2
    15
    votes

    Yamato

    The lead ship of the Yamato class of Imperial Japanese Navy World War II battleships, Yamato was the heaviest and most powerfully armed battleship ever constructed.
    • Launched: 1940
    • Displacement: 72,800 tons
  3. 3
    14
    votes

    Bismarck

    Bismarck was the first of two Bismarck-class battleships built for Nazi Germany's Kriegsmarine, representing one of the largest battleships in the world at the time of her launching in 1939.
    • Launched: 1939
    • Displacement: 41,700 tons
  4. 4
    1
    votes

    HMS Hood

    The pride of the Royal Navy, HMS Hood was the largest battlecruiser ever built. She was famously sunk by the Bismarck in 1941 in the Battle of the Denmark Strait.
    • Launched: 1918
    • Displacement: 47,430 tons
  5. 5
    0
    votes

    HMS Dreadnought (1906)

    A revolutionary design that made all previous battleships obsolete, HMS Dreadnought was the first battleship to have a uniform main battery, rather than having a few large guns supplemented by a numerous smaller ones.
    • Launched: 1906
    • Displacement: 20,730 tons
  6. 6
    0
    votes

    USS Missouri (BB-63)

    USS Missouri is an Iowa-class battleship and was the third ship of the United States Navy to be named in honor of the U.S. state of Missouri. Missouri was the site of the surrender of the Empire of Japan, which ended World War II.
    • Launched: 1944
    • Displacement: 57,540 tons
  7. 7
    0
    votes

    USS Arizona (BB-39)

    A Pennsylvania-class battleship, USS Arizona is most famously remembered for her tragic sinking during the attack on Pearl Harbor, which propelled the United States into World War II.
    • Launched: 1915
    • Displacement: 31,400 tons
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Richelieu

    Richelieu was a French fast battleship and the lead ship of her class. She served in World War II, first under the Vichy regime and later for the Free French Naval Forces.
    • Launched: 1939
    • Displacement: 35,000 tons
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    USS New Jersey (BB-62)

    An Iowa-class battleship, USS New Jersey is the most decorated battleship in U.S. history, having served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Lebanese Civil War.
    • Launched: 1942
    • Displacement: 57,540 tons
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    USS Iowa (BB-61)

    The lead ship of her class of battleship and the fourth in the United States Navy to be named after the state of Iowa, USS Iowa served in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans during World War II.
    • Launched: 1942
    • Displacement: 57,540 tons

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most successful battleship. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or battleship is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1862 views
  • 50 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each battleship once every 24 hours. The rank of each battleship is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Successful Battleship

Battleships have a storied history in naval warfare. They emerged in the late 19th century and dominated naval strategy in the early 20th century. These massive ships were symbols of national power and pride. They carried large guns and thick armor, making them formidable opponents on the seas.

The design of battleships evolved over time. Early models had mixed armament, with guns of different sizes. Later designs focused on uniform, large-caliber guns. This change allowed for more efficient targeting and firepower. Armor also improved, with better steel and advanced layouts to protect vital areas.

Battleships played key roles in many naval battles. Their primary purpose was to engage and destroy enemy ships. They also provided shore bombardment and supported land forces. Their presence often influenced the outcome of conflicts. Commanders used them to assert control over sea lanes and project power.

One of the most successful battleships set a high standard in naval warfare. It combined speed, firepower, and armor in a balanced design. This ship participated in several major battles. It demonstrated its capabilities by engaging multiple enemies and surviving intense combat. Its success came from a combination of superior design, skilled crew, and effective tactics.

The ship's design featured large, powerful guns. These guns had long range and high accuracy. They could penetrate the armor of enemy ships and cause significant damage. The ship's armor was also advanced. It used a combination of thick plating and angled surfaces to deflect incoming shells. This made it difficult for enemies to inflict critical damage.

Speed was another key factor in the ship's success. It could maneuver quickly and position itself advantageously in battle. This allowed it to evade enemy fire and strike effectively. The ship's engines were powerful and reliable, providing consistent performance.

The crew played a vital role in the ship's success. They were well-trained and disciplined. Their expertise in operating the ship's systems and weapons ensured optimal performance. Effective communication and coordination among the crew were crucial during combat. The ship's leadership also made smart tactical decisions, maximizing its strengths and minimizing risks.

The ship's success had a lasting impact on naval strategy. It influenced the design of future battleships and naval tactics. Its achievements demonstrated the importance of balanced design, combining firepower, armor, and speed. It also highlighted the value of skilled crews and effective leadership.

Despite its success, the era of battleships eventually came to an end. Advances in technology, such as aircraft and missiles, changed naval warfare. Battleships became less relevant as new threats emerged. However, their legacy endures. They remain symbols of naval power and engineering prowess.

In summary, the most successful battleship set a benchmark in naval warfare. Its balanced design, powerful guns, advanced armor, and speed made it a formidable force. The skill and discipline of its crew further contributed to its success. Although battleships are no longer the dominant force in naval warfare, their impact on history and naval strategy is undeniable.

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