HMS Ocean – The Jet-Powered Pioneer of Tier X

British Premium Aircraft Carrier – World of Warships

Overview

The HMS Ocean is a Tier X premium British aircraft carrier that stands apart from her peers. As a Colossus-class light carrier, she was historically designed for mass production and later became a testbed for the first carrier-based jet fighter. In-game, Ocean embraces that legacy by introducing jet-powered tactical squadrons, offering blistering speed and unique consumables. She’s fragile and slow as a ship, but her aircraft bring unmatched flexibility and surprise tactics to the battlefield.

Air Wing – Jets and Torpedoes

Tactical Attack Aircraft

Ocean’s rocket planes are jet-powered, giving them incredible speed (up to 322 knots). Each run launches 8 RP-3 rockets with 28 mm penetration and an 11% fire chance. Their payload is small, and their HP pool is low, so every strike must be carefully chosen. Their main strength lies in rapid redeployment and the ability to use the Smoke Curtain Generator to shield allies or themselves.

Tactical Dive Bombers

Her dive bombers are also jets, dropping 500 lb HE bombs with a massive 52% fire chance. Each run drops two bombs per plane, with four planes per attack. Like the attack aircraft, they are fragile but fast, and they too can deploy smoke screens. These bombers excel at starting fires and punishing cruisers or battleships that have already used their Damage Control Party.

Torpedo Bombers

Unlike her jets, Ocean’s torpedo bombers are conventional prop-driven aircraft. They are slower but sturdier, with 2,340 HP per plane and a 71-second restoration time. Each run drops a single Mark XIV torpedo with 5,566 damage, a short arming time of 4.25 seconds, and a high 51% flooding chance. With a large hangar and fast regeneration, these bombers are Ocean’s most reliable damage dealers.

Unique Consumable – Smoke Curtain Generator

Ocean’s tactical squadrons can deploy a moving smoke screen. This consumable allows her to:

  • Conceal allies during pushes
  • Cover retreats
  • Fire from safety while spotted by teammates

It’s a versatile tool that adds a layer of team utility rarely seen on carriers.

Survivability – Weak Hull, Strong Concealment

Ocean’s hull is fragile, with only 54,100 HP, thin armor, and poor torpedo protection (13%). She has no secondary armament, making her completely reliant on positioning and allies for defense.

However, her surface detectability of 11.4 km is excellent for a carrier, allowing her to reposition more safely than most Tier X CVs.

AA Defense – Modest Protection

Her AA defenses are serviceable but not exceptional. With 410 continuous mid-range damage and 100% hit probability, she can deter some strikes but won’t stop determined carrier attacks. Allied support is essential.

Mobility – The Slowest of Tier X Carriers

  • Maximum speed: 25 knots
  • Turning circle: 950 m
  • Rudder shift: 10.7 s

Ocean is sluggish, making her vulnerable if caught out of position. Careful planning and map awareness are critical.

Playstyle – Speed in the Skies, Patience at Sea

Ocean is a paradox: her hull is slow and fragile, but her aircraft are lightning-fast. To succeed:

  • Use jets for quick strikes, harassment, and smoke support.
  • Rely on torpedo bombers for consistent damage and flooding.
  • Stay near allies—your hull cannot survive alone.
  • Use smoke offensively to shield pushes or defensively to disengage.
  • Avoid overcommitting jets; their low HP makes them easy prey for strong AA ships.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • Jet-powered squadrons with unmatched speed
  • Unique Smoke Curtain Generator for tactical plays
  • Reliable torpedo bombers with high flooding chance
  • Excellent concealment for a carrier
  • Large hangar and fast plane regeneration

Cons:

  • Weak hull and armor
  • No secondary armament
  • Slowest Tier X carrier
  • Fragile jet squadrons with small payloads
  • Modest AA defenses

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades:

  1. Slot 1: Air Groups Modification 1
  2. Slot 2: Aircraft Engines Modification 1
  3. Slot 3: Aerial Torpedoes Modification 1
  4. Slot 4: Torpedo Bombers Modification 2
  5. Slot 5: Concealment System Modification 1
  6. Slot 6: Flight Control Modification 2

Commander Skills:
Prioritize aircraft survivability, engine boost duration, and torpedo performance. Skills that enhance concealment and fire resistance on the hull are also valuable.

Final Thoughts

HMS Ocean is a carrier for captains who want to bring speed, utility, and tactical creativity to Tier X battles. She’s fragile and slow on the water, but her jet squadrons and smoke screens make her a unique support-damage hybrid. Played with patience and coordination, she can dictate the pace of battle and turn the tide with well-timed strikes and smokes.

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