The battleships "Kirsaj" and "Kentukki". Two -tier tower of the main caliber

in 1907-1909 The squadron of 16 battleships of the US Navy made a round -the -world voyage, overcoming about 43 thousand naval miles, visiting 20 ports on six continents and clearly demonstrating a high level of American industry. This squadron included two battleships of coastal defense type Kirsaj - USS KEARSARGE and USS Kentucky. Coastal armored vehicles were intended for actions in coastal areas - protecting the coast, supporting the ground forces, firing on coastal fortifications, operations in shallow water, rivers and lakes. Despite the not the best seaworthiness, which nevertheless allowed them to successfully commit a roundabout, the Kirsaji possessed a powerful rate of fire and solid armored protection. The armored belt, reaching a maximum thickness of 419 mm, was made of Garveevskaya steel and protected the entire length of the side. On this type of armadillos, the location of artillery was first used in two -tiered main caliber towers - American designers hoped that this would significantly reduce the weight of the ship, since the upper tower did not need barbet and horizontal tank mechanism. In addition, Kirsaj and Kentukki became the world's first ships on which electric drives were installed for almost all auxiliary mechanisms. This book for the first time in all details restores the history of the creation, design and service of unique American battleships. The publication is illustrated by many exclusive photographs and drawings.