Spahkreuzer (Germany Z Plan)

There were 3 main designs proposed for this ship class, the 1938 design, the 1939 design and the 1940 design. The 1940 design was slightly larger and heavier however it was planned to install a slightly more powerful power plant to keep or exceed the 1938 design performance. Both main designs, along with a few design variations, planned the main artillery layout of 6-5.9 inch guns in 3 double turrets: one positioned on the bow and the remaining 2 on the stern. This was to allow a more offensive retreat, as these vessels were designed to scout ahead of the Plan Z battle groups.

A design designated as 1939 introduced the plan to carry a sea plane in the mid ship area and no torpedoes to facilitate this. The catapult was suggested to be mounted between the 2 funnels of the design, however there never seemed to be line drawings, or blueprints that actually reflect this fact.