The Tirpitz was a German battleship of the Bismarck class, launched in 1939. Named after Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz, it was one of the largest battleships ever built and served during World War II. The ship was designed to challenge the naval power of the Royal Navy and was heavily armed with 38 cm guns. Throughout its service, the Tirpitz was primarily stationed in Norway, posing a significant threat to Allied shipping routes. However, it was ultimately sunk by British bombers in 1944, marking a pivotal moment in naval warfare during the conflict.