KMS Graf Zeppelin (CV-1)

The Graf Zeppelin as seen in-game. (Table statistics do not reflect flag bonuses)\*

## Armaments

### Secondary Batteries

-= (x8) Class 1 =--Type 1-

Range: 950m to 1,158m

Damage: 9,369 to 11,421

Reload Time: 12s to 8s

### Anti-Aircraft Guns

-= (x6) Class 1 =--Type 1-

DPS: 308 to 367

-Type 2-

DPS: 339 to 442

-= (x10) Class 2 =-

-Type 1-

DPS: 252 to 309

-Type 2-

DPS: 277 to 340

-Type 3-

DPS: 302 to 360

-= (x6) Class 3 =-

-Type 1-

DPS: 188 to 238

-Type 2-

DPS: 207 to 270

-Type 3-

DPS: 226 to 277

### Aircraft Details

-Type 1-HP: 482 to 629

Torpedo Damage: 20,034 to 23,760

Bomb Damage: 34,990 to 41,498

Reload Time: 12s to 9s

-Type 2-

HP: 482 to 591

Torpedo Damage: 23,039 to 26,380

Bomb Damage: 40,238 to 46,073

Reload Time: 12s to 10s

Graf Zeppelin was a Kriegsmarine carrier that was under construction but was abandoned when about 85% done during WWII

The main reasons for this is the lack of carrier trained pilots and suitable planes.

## Tactics

Although she offers the least amount of HP among the top-tier trio, Graf Zeppelin is notorious for being the most devastating CV in the game with the highest damaging planes. She is often characterized as the glass cannon of warships and carrier killer. With the highest speeds of top-tier CVs, high damage and great AA it's easy to see why. She is equally as effective taking down large, tanky battleships, stripping them of any health advantage. She is one of the most feared ships of the game because of this.

### Playing as Graf Zeppelin

Graf Zeppelin is the thinnest top-tier CV, but the hardest hitting. A mediocrely upgraded Graf Zeppelin is, unfortunately, set to a support role being constantly guarded and gets to experience the weak side of her. But, when fully upgraded (possibly with pirate flag), players get to experience her killer side.

Graf, unlike her top-tier sisters, has two different set of planes. The first set has the tankiest planes in the game with a 9 second reload (45 seconds to ready a wing) and slightly less damaging torpedoes compared to Midway but slightly higher bomb damage. Her second set of planes has less health (still more than Shinano's), a terrible 10 second reload (50 seconds to ready a wing) but possess the highest damaging armaments among CVs. Either way, she is perfectly suitable for cutting down larger ships.

At the beginning of the rounds wait and analyze the enemy team. Look for where a majority of their larger ships are heading, pay attention to where the destroyers are. Most importantly, be very aware of the enemy CV(s). Once you see a pattern form, go ahead and find cover behind and island, preferably closest to the enemy's heaviest ships. Her speed is the highest among the CV trio, so she can respond quickly and head into action late while still being on time. Once you have at least 2 wings ready, look to see if the enemy is distracted and attack. Drop torpedoes in front of their paths when they are 4-2 km within your range. Watch your enemy and see if he reacts to your torpedoes or reacts to your fleet's gunfire. Next, adjust your attack and predict where they might change directions and hit them hard. During all of this, keep your carrier moving. A sitting carrier is easy prey for enemy CVs. You want to turn while moving back and fourth to dodge bombs, and circle an area to avoid torpedoes.

Carrier killer and glass cannon. She embodies it perfectly. Her AA damage is insane and can effectively tear apart many aircraft before they can launch their armaments. When it comes to carrier vs. carrier fights she is most likely to carry the win with the highest damaging planes, and the tankiest planes around. Graf is based around her planes and blitzkrieg-like attacks because of the ship's speed - not reload time for planes. In fact, she resembles a Hornet with her fast speeds and hard hitting planes. In addition, the same thing can be applied to large battleships that leave too much of themselves exposed. She can literally strip the health of an Iowa to take them to half health with 5 torps, and bombs can tear a Yamato's health nearly in half. There's a reason why they want you dead first, so be careful.

The biggest threat besides CVs are the fast, small ships that can shred your HP - destroyers. Destroyers are highly effective against Grafs because firstly they lack the HP to withstand torpedo hits. Secondly is the fact that a Graf cannot effectively retaliate against destroyers. Her secondary weapons can hit but not as hard as Midway's. On top of that, if you have the second plane set you have a 10 second late reaction for each wing you launch. So fast attacks are impossible. You can only hope your teammates can help you or at least outrun them with guns and planes blazing behind you to get them off your tail and then seek cover again. However, this might have worked to get you in the sights of the enemy battleships.

### Playing alongside Graff Zeppelin

The Graf Zeppelin does not go without weakness. Like all carriers they have a tough time dealing with smaller vessels - cruisers and destroyers. Battleships are best to ward off these smaller threats and if they wander into sight and range, then they'll regret it. Graf Zeppelin does not need much help in AA but destroyers and other dense AA nests vessels are always appreciated.

### Playing against Graf Zeppelin

The Graf Zeppelin when played within the right hands can be quite the tough ship. You'll need coordinated attacks to successfully defeat such skilled players. A destroyer pushing them out of cover and a battleship covering the side that the Graf is retreating to. To know how to defeat such a ship you'll need the right ships.

Destroyers are the fire to the carrier's ice - they're damn good at melting them. Destroyers exceed in AA and dodging coordinated plane attacks from Grafs. Destroyers of any kind should rush them and try set them on fire any time they peak. If they are in plain sight, and your destroyer dishes out good damage, switch to AP shells and bash them repeatedly. Just before they go under cover switch to HE shells and try to set them on fire. Shimakazes should try to close the distance much closer and try a guaranteed torpedo strike barrage of less than 1km. Shimakazes should also rely on AP shells to sink them faster.

Cruisers are harder to maneuver but deal much more damage. San Diego and Atago have an average AA system for cruisers. San Diego should focus on setting the Zeppelin on fire and bait it into false torpedo runs. San Diego's AA should be more than enough to hold off any buzzing bees. Atagos at range should try to HE shells but should switch to AP shells within 3-2km and fire torpedoes at 2-1km to stay safe and make the Graf change their plans.

Battleships can tear apart anything. . . except cliffs, islands, and icebergs. Battleships, while large and powerful, are rather vulnerable to torpedoes and, therefore, flooding. Not only torpedoes, but when in close proximity to an enemy carrier they are threatened even more by dive bombers. Remember, Graf has the heaviest hitting bombs and torpedoes, so battleships should avoid close encounters. Battleships should engage the Graf within the comfortable range of 4-5km.

Carrier fights are fun and interesting fights. Shinano has tank and reload, meaning she can attack faster and last longer than the Graf, and Midway has more planes, meaning she can take on a lasting fight. Graf Zeppelin fights are rather tough and devote their skills to outplay and outsmart the other Graf. You should focus on moving your ship and make quick attacks on the enemy Graf so that you don't leave yourself open to easy, predictable attacks.

## Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

* The highest damaging planes among top-tier CVs.
* High speeds - responds rather quickly.
* Currently has the Highest Bomb Damage in game's. Dive Bomber Damage dealing 230,365 (46073x5) damage if all 5 planes hit and can easily take down BB Easily Or another ship

Disadvantages

* Her second set of planes (the highest damaging) have the slowest reload time among CVs.
* Weakest CV in terms of HP.

## Trivia

* The Graf Zeppelin was built by the Germans as a part of Plan Z, which included several H-class battleships and other aircraft carriers. But the Graf Zeppelin was never completed.
* The Graf Zeppelin is named after Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin who was the inventor of the Zeppelin Airships.
* Destroyers that often rush and quickly destroy Graf Zeppelins are often referred to as "Hindenburg Igniters".

## Gallery

Moderately damaged Graf Zeppelin struggling against an enemy CV.