With Blucher just starting construction in 1906, the second ship of the class was due to be laid down within 6 months, but was delayed for three months to allow changes to the basic design to allow for the knowledge gained from the Naval Attaches (who said Spies?) reports on the USS South Carolina with its superfiring mounts.
Going to superfiring mounts allowed for the same broadside with two less turrets. The saving in weight being used for both better armour and increased powerplant size. The chance was also taken to replace the triple expansion engines with the new turbine types.
![[ img ]](https://www.dropbox.com/s/jdjmhhekljh34ks/ACR_1910_Manteuffel.png?dl=1)
Class and type: Armoured cruiser
Displacement: 15,500 tons standard, 17,500 tons full load
Dimensions: 572.5 x 80 x 29 feet
Machinery: 4 shaft, turbines, 50,000shp
Speed: 28 knots
Endurance: 6500 nmi at 12 knots
Armour: 7.1" belt, 2" deck, 7.1"/3.4"/2.4" turrets
Armament:
8 x 8.2" (21cm) (4x2)
8 x 5.9" (8x1)
16 x 3.4" (16x1)
Crew: 41 officers, 812 sailors (1050 at Dogger Bank)
I am still thinking about what will happen to the ship during its service life. Being 2-3 knots faster than Blucher means it can keep up with the other cruisers at Dogger Bank and escape Bluchers fate. But what happens to the ship from there remains shrouded in mystery.