Franklin D. Roosevelt – The Steel Giant of Tier X

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 American Premium Aircraft Carrier – World of Warships



Overview

The Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) is not just another Tier X carrier—it’s a floating fortress. With massive squadrons, thick armor, and devastating alpha strikes, FDR is designed for players who prefer brute force over finesse. She trades speed and regeneration for overwhelming damage potential, making her one of the most punishing carriers in the game when played with patience and precision.

Aircraft Squadrons – Bulk Over Speed

Attack Aircraft

FDR’s rocket planes are built for saturation rather than precision. Each attack run launches 52 rockets (26 per plane, two planes per run), with 14 aircraft per squadron. While the volume is impressive, the rockets suffer from low alpha damage, long aiming time, and a distant reticle, making them unreliable against destroyers.

Their 33 mm penetration allows them to hurt cruisers and battleships, but their slow speed (124 knots cruising) and long machine gun delay make them best used when other squadrons are depleted.

Torpedo Bombers

These are FDR’s primary weapon. Each run drops 8 torpedoes (4 per plane, two planes per run), with 14 aircraft per squadron. The torpedoes are slow, but the bombers feature a U-turn drop mechanic, allowing sharp turns during attack runs without dispersion penalties.

This flexibility makes them ideal for striking large targets from unexpected angles. Despite their slow speed (119 knots cruising), their high alpha potential and tight drop pattern make them lethal against battleships and cruisers.

Dive Bombers

FDR’s bombers drop 8 bombs per run (4 per plane, two planes per run), with 14 aircraft per squadron. These bombs are released from high altitude, similar to British carpet bombers, requiring more lead time and careful aim.

While each bomb has lower individual damage and fire chance than Midway’s, the sheer number dropped per run makes them excellent for starting fires and punishing ships that have used their Damage Control Party. Like the torpedo bombers, they can perform tight turns while fully aimed, making them surprisingly agile during strikes.

Hull & Survivability – A Fortress at Sea

FDR’s hull is built to take punishment. With 67,600 HP, an 87 mm armored flight deck, and the thickest citadel armor among Tier X carriers, she can shrug off most surface threats.

However, her poor concealment (15.4 km) and slow speed (33 knots) make her vulnerable to flanking and air strikes if left unsupported. Her AA defenses are weaker than Midway’s, with fewer mounts and less flak output, so positioning and allied cover are crucial.

Playstyle – Strategic Strikes and Patience

FDR is not a carrier for hit-and-run tactics. Her squadrons are slow, and her plane regeneration time is long (over 130 seconds for most types). This means every strike must count.

Use torpedo bombers and dive bombers as your primary tools, rotating between them to preserve reserves. Attack aircraft should be saved for emergencies or when other squadrons are depleted.

Her squadrons have high HP pools, allowing them to survive longer in AA zones, but dodging flak is still essential. Use the U-turn drop to reposition mid-strike and target ships that have recently used their Damage Control Party for maximum damage over time.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Massive squadrons with high alpha potential
  • Torpedo bombers can turn while fully aimed
  • Dive bombers drop large numbers of bombs
  • Thick armor and strong citadel protection
  • High plane HP pools

Cons:

  • Very slow aircraft
  • Long cooldown between attacks
  • Poor plane regeneration rate
  • Weak AA defenses
  • Poor concealment
  • Rockets are unreliable against agile targets

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades:

  1. Slot 1: Air Groups Modification 1 – Faster aircraft return speed
  2. Slot 2: Aircraft Engines Modification 1 – Longer engine boost duration
  3. Slot 3: Aerial Torpedoes Modification 1 – Faster torpedo travel speed
  4. Slot 4: Torpedo Bombers Modification 2 – Increased aircraft HP
  5. Slot 5: Flight Control Modification 1 – Faster restoration, more deck slots
  6. Slot 6: Flight Control Modification 2 – +5% cruising speed

Commander Skills:
Prioritize aircraft survivability, speed, and aiming time. Skills that reduce torpedo arming distance, increase HP, and improve flak resistance are essential. Secondary AA skills are optional but not a priority.

Final Thoughts

Franklin D. Roosevelt is a carrier for captains who value strategic patience and overwhelming force. She’s slow, deliberate, and devastating. Played with care, she can dismantle entire flanks and punish isolated ships with brutal efficiency. But she demands discipline—every squadron lost recklessly is a blow to her long-term power.


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