1. Overview of Warship Classification: Naval warships are classified into various levels based on their size and function, traditionally including battleships, cruisers, destroyers, frigates, torpedo boats, as well as carriers and submarines.
2. Battleships: With displacements exceeding 30,000 tons and main gun calibers of over 300mm, battleships include battlescruisers and pocket battleships and are primarily used for fleet engagements and shore bombardment.
3. Cruisers: With displacements ranging from 6,000 to 30,000 tons and main gun calibers generally around 200mm, cruisers are divided into light, regular, and heavy types and are mostly used for fleet command and support in engagements.
4. Destroyers: With displacements between 1,000 and 3,000 tons, lead ships can be larger, and gun calibers usually exceed 100mm. They possess strong torpedo attack capabilities and depth charge throwing abilities, with high speed, primarily used for escort and anti-submarine operations, but can also act as a surprise force in fleet confrontations.
5. Frigates: With displacements below 2,000 tons, frigates are primarily used for escorting missions and have relatively weaker combat capabilities compared to destroyers.
6. Carrier Fleets: Carriers have a displacement of at least 20,000 tons, carrying more than 60 aircraft, serving as the maritime air combat core. Escort carriers have a displacement of about 10,000 tons and carry no more than 30 aircraft, primarily used for escorting.
7. Submarines: Varying from several dozen tons for special-purpose submarines to over 1,000 tons for mainline submarines, with the exception of Japan's unique submarine carriers.
8. Other Vessels: Including minesweepers, minehunters, supply ships, seaplane carriers, submarine support ships, and amphibious assault ships, each with its own distinct functions.
9. Development of Warships in WWII: Warships grew in size towards the end of WWII, such as the American fleet carriers reaching over 40,000 tons. The rise of missiles led to a decrease in the importance of torpedoes and artillery, with the size of warships no longer being the sole factor considered; the costly battleships and cruisers were gradually replaced by newer missile-equipped destroyers and frigates.
10. Post-War Nuclear Power Development: Submarines have become increasingly large, divided by their purpose into attack submarines, cruise missile submarines, and strategic missile submarines. Carriers also evolved into various types, including traditional heavy, light, and helicopter carriers, with amphibious ships enhancing their combat capabilities, some already exceeding the standards of light carriers. This summary covers the main classes and functions of naval warships, from traditional to modern developments, showcasing the evolution of warships from WWII to the present.
