Destroyers - Slingshot
Destroyers - Slingshot
Destroyers - Slingshot
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Nihon Teikoku Kaigun<br />
<strong>Destroyers</strong> & Escorts<br />
Class Period HPs Size Speed Guns Torpedoes Points<br />
Akitsuki ML 35 3 6 8 x 4” 4 x 24” 90<br />
Asashio ML 25 2 6 6 x 5” 8 x 24” 85<br />
Fubuki ML 20 2 6 6 x 5” 9 x 24” 80<br />
Hatsuhara ML 20 2 6 5 x 5” 6 x 24” 75<br />
Mutsuki ML 15 2 6 4 x 5” 6 x 24” 70<br />
Minekaze ML 15 2 6 4 x 5” 6 x 21” 65<br />
Matsu L 15 2 5 3 x 5” 4 x 24” 65<br />
Momi ML 10 2 6 3 x 5” 4 x 21” 55<br />
Chidori ML 10 2 5 3 x 5” 2 x 21” 50<br />
Mikura L 10 2 4 3 x 5” - 30<br />
Kaibokan L 10 2 3 2 x 5” - 20<br />
Type CH ML 5 1 3 1 x 3” - 15<br />
Daihatsu ML 1 0 2 - - 5
Akitsuki class Destroyer (ML)<br />
90 points<br />
HPs: 35 Size: 3 Speed: 6 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
2 x twin 4” turrets (bow) HA<br />
2 x twin 4” turrets (stern) HA<br />
Torpedo Tubes: 1 x quadruple 24” mount (centreline)<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Features: Excellent Optics<br />
Long Lance Torpedoes<br />
Options:<br />
● Add Limited Radar (L) + 25 points<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
● Add Torpedo Reloads + 5 points<br />
● Add Depth Charge Throwers + 5 points<br />
● Add Extra Depth Charges + 5 points<br />
Conceived as an anti-aircraft escort, 12 of these large destroyers were produced during the war.<br />
The adoption of a 4” gun permitted a higher rate of fire than the standard 5” armament of other<br />
destroyers. They were some of the few Japanese destroyers to be fitted with radar and also had<br />
useful anti-submarine capabilities.<br />
Asashio, Kagero & Yugumo class Destroyer (ML)<br />
85 points<br />
HPs: 25 Size: 2 Speed: 6 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x twin 5” turret (bow) HA*<br />
2 x twin 5” turrets (stern) HA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: 2 x quadruple 24” mounts (centreline)<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Features: Excellent Optics<br />
Long Lance Torpedoes<br />
Options:<br />
● Replace 1 x twin 5” turret (stern) with Depth Charge Throwers for free<br />
● Add Limited Radar (L) + 20 points<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
● Add Torpedo Reloads + 10 points<br />
Overlooking treaty limitations the Japanese begun to build large destroyers of similar design based<br />
on the success of the ground-breaking Fubukis. The 10 Asashios were followed by 18 Kageros and<br />
the 20 near identical Yugumos. All saw heavy action, often performing double duties as fast<br />
transports as part of the “Tokyo Express” in the night battles around the aptly named Ironbottom<br />
Sound near Guadalcanal.
Fubuki class Destroyer (ML)<br />
80 points<br />
HPs: 20 Size: 2 Speed: 6 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x twin 5” turret (bow) HA*<br />
2 x twin 5” turrets (stern) HA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: 3 x triple 24” mounts (centreline)<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Features: Excellent Optics<br />
Long Lance Torpedoes<br />
Options:<br />
● Replace 1 x twin 5” turret (stern) with Depth Charge Throwers for free<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
● Add Limited Torpedo Reloads + 10 points<br />
Departing from overseas influences, the Fubukis were an advanced design, sometimes referred to<br />
as the “Special Type”. The first of this 20 strong class were made in the late 1920s and<br />
incorporated many features that would be replicated in later destroyers. The use of fully enclosed<br />
twin gun turrets capable of anti-ship and anti-aircraft dual purpose fire was unique at the time.<br />
They carried a very impressive armament for their size. The torpedo reloads and a turret was<br />
often removed for an increased number of anti-aircraft weaponry as the war progressed.
Hatsuhara & Shiratsuyu class Destroyer (ML)<br />
75 points<br />
HPs: 20 Size: 2 Speed: 6 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x twin 5” turret (bow) HA* or MA*<br />
1 x single 5” turret (centreline) HA* or MA*<br />
1 x twin 5” turret (stern) HA* or MA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: 2 x triple 24” mounts (centreline) for Hatsuhara<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Features: Excellent Optics Hatsuhara has HA guns<br />
Long Lance Torpedoes Shiratsuyu has MA guns<br />
Options:<br />
● Upgrade to 2 x quadruple 24” mounts (centreline) for Shiratsuyu + 5 points<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
● Add Torpedo Reloads (Hatsuhara) + 5 points<br />
● Add Torpedo Reloads (Shiratsuyu) + 10 points<br />
Due to treaty restrictions an attempt to fit the same sort of weapons layout of the larger Fubuki<br />
class onto a smaller displacement was attempted. Despite their overloading the Hatsuhara (6) and<br />
Shiratsuyu (10) classes were still very capable vessels.<br />
Mutsuki class Destroyer (ML)<br />
70 points<br />
HPs: 15 Size: 2 Speed: 6 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x single 5” turret (bow) LA*<br />
2 x single 5” turrets (centreline) LA*<br />
1 x single 5” turret (stern) LA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: 2 x triple 24” mounts (centreline)<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Features:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Excellent Optics<br />
Long Lance Torpedoes<br />
Options:<br />
● Replace 2 x single 5” turrets (centreline) with Depth Charge Throwers for free<br />
● Replace 1 x triple 24” mount (centreline) with Extra Depth Charges for free<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
Built as an improved Kamikaze class, the 12 Mutsuki class were the first Japanese destroyers to<br />
introduce the formidable 24” Long Lance torpedo. They were subject to modifications to increase<br />
their effectiveness as escorts.
Minekaze & Kamikaze class Destroyer (ML)<br />
65 points<br />
HPs: 15 Size: 2 Speed: 6 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x single 5” turret (bow) LA*<br />
2 x single 5” turrets (centreline) LA*<br />
1 x single 5” turret (stern) LA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: 3 x twin 21” mounts (centreline)<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Features:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Excellent Optics<br />
Extended Range Torpedoes<br />
Options:<br />
● Replace 2 x single 5” turrets (centreline) with Depth Charge Throwers for free<br />
● Replace 2 x twin 21” mounts (centreline) with Extra Depth Charges for free<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
Strongly influenced by Anglo-German designs these destroyers were largely used in a secondary<br />
role during the war. A total of 15 Minekaze and 9 Kamikaze destroyers were produced. They were<br />
often modified to act as minesweepers, fast transports and convoy escorts.<br />
Matsu class Destroyer Escort (L)<br />
65 points<br />
HPs: 15 Size: 2 Speed: 5 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x single 5” turret (bow) MA*<br />
1 x twin 5” turret (stern) MA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: 1 x quadruple 24” mount (centreline)<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Features: Excellent Optics<br />
Long Lance Torpedoes<br />
Unit Machinery<br />
Options:<br />
● Add Limited Radar + 20 points<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
● Add Depth Charge Throwers + 5 points<br />
Japanese shipyards were soon unable to replace the high losses in fleet destroyers after the hard<br />
fought early campaigns. The need for simplified and fast construction resulted in the 18 Matsu<br />
class, many more were planned and unfinished before the war ended.
Momi & Wakatake 2nd class Destroyer (ML)<br />
55 points<br />
HPs: 10 Size: 2 Speed: 6 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x single 5” turret (bow) LA*<br />
1 x single 5” turret (centreline) LA*<br />
1 x single 5” turret (stern) LA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: 2 x twin 21” mounts (centreline)<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Features:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Excellent Optics<br />
Extended Range Torpedoes<br />
Options:<br />
● Convert to Patrol Boat configuration: – 20 points<br />
Speed: 4<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x single 5” turret (bow) MA*<br />
1 x single 5” turret (stern) MA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: None<br />
Depth Charges: 20<br />
Depth Charge Throwers<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
These 20 Momi and 8 Wakatake ships were rated as 2nd class destroyers and were mostly used in<br />
coastal waters. They were eventually pressed into convoy protection duties by shedding a lot of<br />
their turrets and torpedo tubes.<br />
Chidori & Otori class Torpedo Boat (ML)<br />
50 points<br />
HPs: 10 Size: 2 Speed: 5 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x single 5” turret (bow) MA*<br />
1 x single 5” turret (centreline) MA*<br />
1 x single 5” turret (stern) MA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: 1 x twin 21” mount (centreline)<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Features:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Excellent Optics<br />
Extended Range Torpedoes<br />
Options:<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
● Add Depth Charge Throwers + 5 points<br />
These small ships mounted an impressive armament for their size. Despite the capsizing of a vessel<br />
in a storm highlighting their instability these 12 ships were often used as convoy escorts.
Mikura & Ukuru class Frigate (L)<br />
30 points<br />
HPs: 10 Size: 2 Speed: 4 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x single 5” turret (bow) HA*<br />
1 x twin 5” turret (stern) LA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: None<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Features: Excellent Optics<br />
Options:<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
● Add Extra Depth Charges + 5 points<br />
● Add Depth Charge Throwers + 5 points<br />
These vessels were large enough to undertake limited voyages on the open sea. The 8 Mikura and<br />
29 Ukuru ships were heavily armed escorts that could also carry an impressive load of depth<br />
charges.<br />
Type C & D “Kaibokan” class Frigate (L)<br />
20 points<br />
HPs: 10 Size: 2 Speed: 3 Lookouts: 3<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x single 5” turret (bow) HA*<br />
1 x single 5” turret (stern) HA*<br />
Torpedo Tubes: None<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Features: Excellent Optics<br />
Options:<br />
● Convert to Type D “Kaibokan” class + 5 points<br />
Speed: 4<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
● Add Extra Depth Charges + 5 points<br />
● Add Depth Charge Throwers + 5 points<br />
The pressing need for escorts was late in being implemented along with the formation of organised<br />
convoys. Over 50 diesel-driven Type C and over 60 steam turbine powered Type D utility vessels<br />
were constructed but never reached the numbers required to reverse the fortunes of the maritime<br />
war of attrition.
Type CH-13 & CH-28 class Submarine Chaser (ML)<br />
15 points<br />
HPs: 5 Size: 1 Speed: 3 Lookouts: 2<br />
Guns:<br />
1 x single 3” turret (bow) HA<br />
Torpedo Tubes: None<br />
Depth Charges: 10<br />
Sensors:<br />
Passive Sonar<br />
Features: Excellent Optics<br />
Options:<br />
● Add Limited Active Sonar + 15 points<br />
● Add Depth Charge Throwers + 5 points<br />
Around 50 of these diminutive steel and wooden-hulled vessels were tasked with defending the<br />
Imperial life-lines near coastal waters that were being ravaged by US submarines. Their Captains<br />
displayed formidable persistence in their role of “submarine chasing”. Submarines occasionally<br />
were forced into gunnery duels with these types of ships and often emerged as the victor.<br />
Daihatsu class Landing Barge (ML)<br />
5 points<br />
HPs: 1 Size: 0 Speed: 2 Lookouts: 1<br />
Guns:<br />
Torpedo Tubes:<br />
Depth Charges:<br />
Sensors:<br />
Features:<br />
None<br />
None<br />
None<br />
None<br />
Motor Torpedo Boat, Light<br />
Excellent Optics<br />
Options:<br />
● Convert to Medium Landing Barge configuration: + 5 points<br />
Features: Motor Torpedo Boat, Medium<br />
● Convert to Heavy Landing Barge configuration: + 10 points<br />
Features: Motor Torpedo Boat, Heavy<br />
Several hundred of these small landing craft were used by the Japanese in their occupation of the<br />
numerous islands that formed the perimeter of their Pacific empire. They routinely were employed<br />
to ferry troops and supplies to their island garrisons and became choice targets for marauding<br />
American PT boats.