Duchaffault: Tier VI French Destroyer 1942
One of the Soldati-class destroyers built in Italy in the 1930s and 40s, formerly known as Legionario. During World War II, she participated in operations to intercept convoys, ensure the transition of the battle fleet, and deliver supplies for Italian troops. In 1948, she was transferred to France as part of reparations and renamed Duchaffault. She differed from the French destroyers in the caliber of her guns: Duchaffault was equipped with Italian 120 mm guns and 533 mm torpedo launchers.
Key Features of the new French Destroyers
Tier V and Above:
The new French destroyer line starts from Tier V and includes six ships.
All-Round Capabilities:
These destroyers are designed to be versatile, with good main battery and torpedo armaments.
Torpedo Strength:
The torpedoes on these ships are particularly strong, with high base damage, speed, and range.
Main Battery:
The main guns offer reasonable damage per minute and solid shell damage.
Survivability:
A unique saturation mechanic allows these destroyers to take reduced damage after a certain threshold, enhancing their durability.
Emergency Engine Power:
This consumable provides a short burst of high speed, similar to the Ragnar’s ability.
However, there are trade-offs:
Torpedo Damage Drop-off:
The torpedoes lose damage over distance, dealing high damage up to 6 kilometers, then diminishing.
Main Battery Ballistics:
The shell ballistics are poor, making long-range engagements challenging.
Speed and Smoke:
These ships have a lower base speed and no access to the Smoke Generator consumable.
Gameplay
Close-Range Combat:
The design encourages close-range, surprise attacks.
Short Skirmishes:
They excel in brief confrontations, thanks to their saturation mechanic and Emergency Engine Power.
Avoid Prolonged Battles:
Extended fights can be risky without consumables available.
Duchaffault Info
Armor
Main Battery Armament:
1x1 120 mm/50 Ansaldo Model 1937 on a Model 1940:
Shell Types
HE Shells
AP Shells
Depth Charges:
Torpedoes:
AA Defence:
Short Range:
4x1 20 mm/65 Model 1939 on a Model 1939 mount: