German
destroyer classes were commonly known by the year they were designed in.
Destroyer Type 1936 C Six ships of the Zerstörer 1936C class were
requisitioned in 1942 and 1943; not one was launched, just two were begun. They
were a comeback to the vulnerability to air attack of former German destroyers
and would have utilised six new 12.8 cm Flak 40 guns (initially designed for the
Luftwaffe) as multi purpose weapons in twin mountings. The number of lesser calibre
anti-aircraft guns would have also been added to.
Destroyer Type 1938
A In order to assist supporting larger German warships operating faraway
from their bases, the evolution of large ocean going destroyers began in the late
1930s. These were the Zerstörer 1938A/Ac class ships. They would have had
dual power systems to provide the means for lengthy endurance cruises. Twenty-four
of these were in the making under Plan Z but the three that had been ordered were
cancelled. The concept was progressed further into the Sp�hkreuzer, which was
a large destroyer or Reconnaissance Cruiser in the German Kriegsmarine.
Destroyer Type 1938 B The Ships of the Zerstörer 1938B class would
have been small destroyers created to patrol and function in Baltic and seacoast
waters, but would have had quite large operational range for such purpose, and
would have also been put to use in the high seas. Twelve ships were requisitioned
in the summer of 1939, but after the outbreak of World War Two, all those orders
were recalled.
German
Warships, 1815-1945: Major Surface Vessels.
ISBN-10: 0851775330
German
Warships, 1815-1945: U-boats and Mine Warfare Vessels.
ISBN-10: 155750301X
German warships of the Second World War.
ISBN-10: 0668040378
For a complete list of
sources 
