The USS Missouri (BB-63), the Yamato, and the Bismarck were three of the most famous battleships in World War II, each representing the peak of naval design and power for their respective nations. Despite their similarities in role as battleships, they differed significantly in design, capabilities, and the contexts in which they were used. Here’s a comparison of the three:
1. Size and Armament
USS Missouri:
Displacement: 45,000 tons
Length: 887 feet (270 meters)
Armament: Nine 16-inch (406 mm) guns in three turrets, twenty 5-inch (127 mm) guns, and various smaller caliber anti-aircraft guns.
The USS Missouri was the last of the Iowa-class battleships built for the U.S. Navy. Its armament was among the heaviest of any battleship at the time, and the battleship also benefited from advanced radar systems, which gave it a technological edge in targeting and fire control.
Yamato:
Displacement: 72,800 tons (full load)
Length: 862 feet (263 meters)
Armament: Nine 18.1-inch (460 mm) guns in three turrets, twelve 6.1-inch (155 mm) guns, and several smaller caliber anti-aircraft weapons.
The Yamato was the largest battleship ever built in terms of displacement and had the largest naval guns ever mounted on a warship. Its 18.1-inch guns were capable of devastating firepower, but their effectiveness was limited due to technological and tactical shortcomings later in the war.
Bismarck:
Displacement: 41,700 tons
Length: 824 feet (251 meters)
Armament: Eight 15-inch (380 mm) guns in four turrets, twelve 5.9-inch (150 mm) guns, and several anti-aircraft guns.
The Bismarck was slightly smaller than both the USS Missouri and the Yamato, but its 15-inch guns were still powerful, making it a formidable threat on the seas. Despite its firepower, its armor and speed were less advanced than the larger battleships.
2. Armor and Protection
USS Missouri:
The Missouri featured a well-balanced combination of armor and speed. Its armor was reinforced in key areas, including the main belt, which was 12.1 inches thick, providing protection against shellfire. However, its design prioritized speed and maneuverability, making it less heavily armored than the Yamato.
Yamato:
The Yamato boasted the heaviest armor of any battleship ever built. Its main belt armor was up to 16.1 inches thick, and its deck armor was similarly formidable. The Yamato was designed with a focus on resilience and firepower but lacked the speed of some other battleships. Its thick armor was intended to withstand hits from heavy naval shells, though it was ultimately compromised by Allied bombings and torpedo strikes later in the war.
Bismarck:
The Bismarck had a well-balanced armor scheme with 12.6-inch thick side armor and extensive deck protection. It was designed to withstand battleship-level hits, but its protection was not as formidable as that of the Yamato. It also lacked the more advanced fire control systems that would be found on later battleships like the Missouri.
3. Speed and Mobility
USS Missouri:
Speed: 33 knots (38 mph, 61 km/h)
The Missouri was one of the fastest battleships ever built. Its speed allowed it to keep up with fast carrier groups and engage in quick maneuvers, making it highly mobile in combat. This advantage helped the ship maintain control over its position during engagements.
Yamato:
Speed: 27 knots (31 mph, 50 km/h)
The Yamato was much slower than both the USS Missouri and the Bismarck. While it could reach relatively high speeds for a battleship of its size, its heavy weight and massive guns limited its overall mobility. This made it more vulnerable to fast-moving Allied forces.
Bismarck:
Speed: 30 knots (34.5 mph, 55.5 km/h)
The Bismarck was faster than the Yamato but slower than the Missouri. Its speed was still impressive for a battleship, allowing it to evade some attacks early in the war. However, it was ultimately overwhelmed during its final engagement, where speed could not save it.