6. Admiral Hipper-class Cruiser
Combining great firepower with cutting-edge technology, the Admiral Hipper-class heavy cruiser is among the most powerful ships built thus. With their eight 203mm guns in four twin turrets, these ships had an amazing range for devastating broadsides against any surface target. The advanced fire control systems of the ships, which included optical and radar rangefinders, allowed amazing accuracy even in bad weather. High-pressure steam turbines made up their sophisticated propulsion system, which let them keep great speeds while chasing opponent vessels or evading threats. Particularly creative was the class's armor protection, which used a distinctive turtleback armor system to offer remarkable defense against both direct strikes and plunging fire. Most remarkably, these cruisers had a large anti-aircraft battery that could form an almost perfect barrier of fire against adversary aircraft. In many battles, they regularly exceeded their contemporaries in terms of accuracy, survivability, and tactical flexibility, so proving their combat effectiveness.
