Kreuzer N

Design work on the M-class light cruisers began in spring 1936. Earlier German light cruisers lacked the range required for commerce warfare, so the new class was designed for greater endurance. A mixed propulsion system combined diesel engines for economical cruising with steam turbines for high speed. Their armament and protection were modest for their size when compared with contemporary Allied designs such as the British Southampton class. The first group comprised Kreuzer M, N, O and P; the enlarged Kreuzer Q and R were to receive stronger heavy antiaircraft batteries and improved fire control. Orders for the first four ships were placed on 28 May 1938, with construction scheduled to take about two and a half years. Preliminary work began in November 1938, but the planned keel laying on 1 November 1939 did not take place. After the outbreak of war, the prepared material was scrapped. For further details, see Kreuzer M.