Today, we’ll be taking a look at RN Roma, one of three Littorio-class battleships constructed as the most advanced capital ships for the Italian Navy during the Second World War.
RN Roma: A Battleship for Italy at Rank VII
At a glance:
- Powerful 381 mm (15 inch) main battery
- Innovative torpedo protection
- Catapult aircraft
- Good mobility
Vehicle History
By the mid 1930s, the naval arms race in Europe had picked up again, despite the established international naval treaties of the time. In response to the French Dunkerque-class, the Italian navy started construction of a series of new battleships as part of the Littorio-class. Roma was the third and final battleship of the class, representing the most advanced capital ships built by Italy up until that time. These ships featured powerful main batteries of nine 381 mm (15 inch) guns, high speed, and innovative protection, including the Pugliese torpedo defense system.
Despite their impressive design, the Littorio-class ships were hindered by Italy’s limited wartime resources, especially fuel shortages and a constrained strategic position in the Mediterranean. Commissioned in mid-1942, Roma saw little action due to these factors and Italy’s increasingly defensive naval posture. After Italy signed an armistice with the Allies in September 1943, Roma led the fleet to surrender, following orders to sail to Malta. En route, the warship was attacked by German bombers employing Fritz X radio-guided bombs. Two hits caused catastrophic explosions, causing Roma to sink off Sardinia with heavy losses. The remaining two Littorio battleships however, made it to port in Malta and were later on handed over as war prizes to the U.S. and Great Britain.
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Introducing RN Roma!
RN Roma is the third and last of the Littorio-class battleships, built for the Regia Marina during the Second World War. Coming to the game in the next major update, this battleship incorporates the latest technological developments in naval warfare at the time, which allowed RN Roma to really stand out. Let’s take a closer look at today’s blog!
Entering service at the height of the Second World War means RN Roma comes fitted with a formidable arsenal, capable of posing a serious threat to most other battleships. Outfitted with a primary battery of three triple 381 mm (15 inch) cannons, RN Roma can comfortably engage in long range gun duels against other battleships! This is all while the potent secondary battery consisting of twelve 152 mm (6 inch) and four 120 mm (4.7 inch) make short work of any smaller vessel daring to stray close.
Aircraft will also have a hard time breaking through RN Roma’s formidable defenses, especially at closer ranges, as they’ll be facing a barrage of fire coming from the ship’s 90 mm AA guns and the plethora of 37 and 20 mm automatic cannons.
Interesting: Roma’s sinking by the German Fritz X bomb marked the first successful use of precision munitions against a warship.
RN Roma’s arsenal is truly impressive, and so is its armor! As is typical for battleships, RN Roma is no exception in terms of possessing an extensive armor layout, notably consisting of a 350 mm thick belt (spaced armor, 70 plus 280 mm) and turret armor. This in turn enables this battleship to comfortably shrug off high-caliber fire at medium range engagements. Additionally, RN Roma features a special “Pugliese” type anti-torpedo bulkhead. The elaborate design consists of a series of drum-shaped cavities below the ship’s main belt, reducing explosive damage and improving overall torpedo protection. This, coupled with the ability to reach a top speed of 30 kts (56 km/h), allows RN Roma to form the vanguard of any attack and pursue any enemies fleeing from its thunderous advance!
That’s it for this one! RN Roma will surely provide excellent firepower capabilities and will soon be coming to the game in the next major update. In the meantime, be sure to keep scanning the horizon for more news as we continue sharing the latest on what the upcoming update has in store for you. Until then, calm seas and happy hunting!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
