User blog comment:Void Samukai/Alaska class discussion post/@comment-10905876-20150621052250/@comment-25373667-20150622024403

But the South Dokatas weren't in commission until 1942, and Bismarck went down in 1941, so it'd be pitting a North Carolina against a Bismarck. Bismarck would edge out slightly in a few ways. However, the North Carolina has some advantages as well.


 * 1) The Bismarck was a few knots faster than the North Carolina, so worst case scenario, the Bismarck runs away.


 * 1) The allies by this time didn't have radar that was miles ahead of the axis. The allies have slightly better, but the Germans aren't too far behind.


 * 1) The 16in guns of the North Carolina were meant for long distances in the clear Pacific, where as the Bismarck's 380mm were meant for shorter ranges in the foggy Atlantic, where the battle would likely occur.


 * 1) The battle will most likely occur at shorter ranges, due to less accurate radar at the time, and the foggy seas in the Atlantic, where Bismarcks slightly better 12.6in belt will win over the North Carolinas 12in belt.


 * 1) North Carolina has a huge advantage at long range, since her 9 16in guns easily outclass the 8 15in guns of Bismarck in long range gunnery. Combined with the North Carolina's much better deck armor, a long range duel is fatal of Bismarck.

So, in short, both ships are fairly equally matched, both having their advantages. But, if the battle is at long ranges, where the North Carolina can use its bigger guns and better deck armor to its advantage, the win goes to the North Carolina. But if the Bismarck can close the distance and use its better belt armor and close range firepower, Bismarck has a good chance at bagging a victory.