It's just re-equipping for the threat at hand. What's a destroyer going to torpedo in 1945? Any surface ship that isn't sunk will be sunk by airpower not surface fleets, so all that's left are kamikazes and maybe a sub.
And... oh yeah, they have two launchers each for firing to port and starboard. I couldn't find which torpedo tubes were removed in 1943 but apparently, Sterett didn't launch any torpedoes at Vella Gulf.
It should be noted that US torpedoes were 21 inch (533mm) compared to the much larger Japanese 24 inch (610mm).
In addition the Benham Class destroyers's torpedoes were not on the centreline, meaning only a broadside of 8 can be fired per side, a poor arrangement for a destroyer.
It should be noted that US torpedoes were 21 inch (533mm) compared to the much larger Japanese 24 inch (610mm).
In addition the Benham Class destroyers's torpedoes were not on the centreline, meaning only a broadside of 8 can be fired per side, a poor arrangement for a destroyer.
It's just as well, as torpedoes only would have mattered early in the war, back when they were using the garbage early Mark 15, which had the same problems as the Mark 14. At least firing less torpedoes would mean there was less chance of sinking yourself with one!
Commissioned 1939~1942Has more torpedoes than any IJN DestroyerUSS Sterett0 torpedos --> all torpedo launchers removed53cm quad-torpedo launcher x4 = 16 torpedoes!Shimakaze: 5 torpedoes/launcher x 3 launchers = 15 torpedoes2 quad-torpedo launchers = 8 torpedoesDespite having less torpedoes, she still fought well.
A joint effort with DD-401 Maury resulted in sinking Hagikaze, Arashi, and Kawakaze.Goddamn Kamikazes!!Enhanced AA power and anti-submarine powerDepth charge
Leave a comment