War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

IJN Kongo

2023-08-26T16:43:00Z

U63379673: added more detailed history section + bibliography

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_battlecruiser_kongo
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (金剛, [[Abbreviations#.28JP.29_Naval|namesake]]: Mount Kongō) was the lead ship of the Kongō-class and would be the last Japanese capital ship built outside Japan. Designed by the British naval engineer George Thurston and laid down in 1911 initially as a battlecruiser, she would see 2 major refits that would reclassify her as a fast battleship. First commissioned in 1913, patrolling the Chinese coast during WWI, she would see many major naval actions in the Pacific War until November 1944 when she would be sunk by a submarine while in transit.

{{PAGENAME}}
was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]]. Being a sidegrade to the other capital ships Japan offers, the Kongō offers speed over total amount of guns and armour, this gives her more opportune reaction times in regards of angling her armour, and getting to desired locations faster than other battleships. Being in her last refit of 1944, she provides a large suite of 25 mm anti-air cannons to fend off medium-close range aerial targets.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}


Kongo's armour truly reflects her legacy as a battlecruiser, even though she has been uparmoured from her original design. Her 203 mm main belt is the second weakest capital ship belt in the game - only HMS Invincible's 152 mm belt is worse, and it's enough to stop cruiser shells, but will stand no chance against battleships. The rest of her amidships hull is protected by 152 mm armour, which greatly improves her survivability against splash damage and weaker shells, but is not very effective against enemy AP. Her bow has a 76 mm belt that extends from the waterline, but as with most battleships, the majority of the bow is left unarmoured. Her turrets have 254 mm of armour, while her barbettes have 229 mm. This is reasonable by battleship standards, but still leaves her turrets vulnerable to even cruiser AP. Her conning tower, nestled behind turret B, is surrounded by 254 mm of armour.

Within the ship, all four magazines are protected by a turtleback armour scheme, which greatly improves her protection against ammunition detonations, especially at close range. In addition to this, the steering at the stern of the ship is armoured by an enormous concrete block.

Overall, her armour is certainly enough to give her protection against most cruisers and some battleships, especially when angled, but given her design and playstyle, it will never be her strength. At the end of the day, she is a battlecruiser at her core, and you should not expect her armour to make you impervious to battleship fire.

The {{PAGENAME}}'s crew consists of 1,437 personnel, which is respectable. It is far more than any World War One-era dreadnought, although it's less than the Scharnhorst's complement, and is smaller than the crews of even some World War Two cruisers.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

The Kongo's nature as a battlecruiser reflects in her speed, which is a very good 56 km/h. This is only slightly less than most cruisers, and is leaps and bounds ahead of the speed of dreadnoughts. However, her acceleration and deceleration is still unexceptional, and her turning is not very good.

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|36 cm/45 Type 41 (356 mm)}}

The 36 cm/45 Type 41, also seen on IJN Hyuga, is an exceptional 356 mm battleship cannon. Compared to the Hyuga, the {{PAGENAME}} gets only 8 guns, but she features a new selection of shells. Her stock shell, ''Ordinary SAP'', is identical to the shell on Hyuga, and certainly gets the job done. With the equivalent of 68.64 kg of TNT, her SAP is still a head and shoulders over even the HE on most other battleships. These shells will smash cruisers whenever they hit, and against battleships, while they will rarely penetrate the hull armour, the splash damage from the detonation will frequently destroy guns and turrets. Type 91 APC is an improvement over the Hyuga's equivalent AP shell, with extra penetration. This shell is mostly used against battleships, where the extra penetration is needed to penetrate the belt armour. The last shell is Type 0 Common, an HE shell. This shell is very poor, possessing only half the explosive filler of SAP. It may find some utility when it comes to sniping patrol boats or stray floatplanes, but overall, it isn't very good.

{{:36 cm/45 Type 41 (356 mm)/Ammunition|356 mm ordinary SAP, 356 mm Type 91 APC, 356 mm Common Type 0}}

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|15 cm/50 Type 41 (152 mm)}}

The Kongo's secondaries consist of eight 15 cm/50 Type 41 cannons, four per side. Comparable guns can be found on the IJN Agano, although these guns can maintain a sustained rate of fire of 10 RPM. While they are 6-inch secondaries, they are nothing to write home about, as the best shell only has 81 mm of penetration at point blank range. That being said, the exceptionally high explosive mass of the SAP round - nearly as good as HE - makes it very well suited for fighting destroyers.

{{:15 cm/50 Type 41 (152 mm)/Ammunition|152 mm Type 0 HE, 152 mm Type 4 SAP}}

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|5 inch/40 Type 89 (127 mm)|25 mm/60 Type 96 (25 mm)}}

The IJN Kongo's AA armament sets her apart from other battleships. It includes six 127 mm (5 inch/40 Type 89) twin cannons, as well as a total of 100 25 mm cannons. The 127 mm guns, which behave more like secondaries, are automatically loaded with HE-TF, with no alternate ammunition choice, which makes them pretty useless against surface targets, as the shells will always detonate early, but decent against aircraft. Meanwhile, the 25 mm cannons provide the Kongo with exceptional close-range AA firepower, being able to put up a hail of fire in any direction. However, note the stopping power of the 25 mm is not very good, and these cannons are only really suitable for self-defence.

=== Scout plane ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Plane}}

Located between the aft main turrets is a deck area and catapult for one Aichi E13A1 scout plane which provides unique offensive and defensive abilities, expanding tactical options. Ship-launched scout planes fly just like regular tree units but lack munition choices and cockpit views. The E13A1 is equipped with a [[Type 97 navy (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Type 97]] defensive machine gun and a formidable load of 4 x 60 kg bombs. It also has the scout plane ability to cap zones and lay down smoke cover (up to 3 times). Captains will be wise to remember to utilize the aircraft and consider when best to use it, for example to cap a point early or late in the match, to create a smoke screen to stymie enemy bombardment and repair, to attack enemy units directly, or perhaps something completely new! Carrying a heavier bomb load than most other scout planes, this unit has a very good chance to sink enemy boats or even a destroyer.

== Usage in battles ==


Aside from perhaps the Scharnhorst, there is no better ship when it comes to aggressive capital ship gameplay. While the {{PAGENAME}} has the ability to snipe passively, the Hyuga simply is more specialized in that role over the Kongo. It is best to lean into the {{PAGENAME}}'s advantages, and play like the battlecruiser that she was originally designed as. Her speed allows her to keep pace with friendly cruisers, while her exceptional gun arcs on the rear turrets (±150°) allow her to make the most of her somewhat lacklustre armour, as well as maintaining the ability to deliver full broadsides while sailing into combat. In addition, her AA is an extremely useful asset, as it allows her to be self-sufficient in combat, instead of relying on teammates for AA support.

Overall, the Kongo is the most efficient ship in the game when it comes to delivering devastating firepower to the enemy. Don't sit passively - put your ship on the line and don't be too afraid to engage in brawls, despite her light protection. While she isn't exactly a very well protected capital ship, her armour is good enough to let her speed and firepower do the rest.

'''Specific enemies worth noting'''

* [[:Category:Heavy cruisers|Heavy cruisers]] - Most cruisers are completely incapable of doing significant damage to you, but if left to their own devices they will eventually chip away at you. Learn their ammunition locations, and dispose of them quickly with SAP. Also, keep in mind which enemy cruisers are armed with torpedoes, and keep them at arms length.
* [[Scharnhorst]] - The Scharnhorst is the Kongo's biggest rival, boasting heavier armour and a lower profile hull, while having weaker but more rapid firing armament. Approach them with caution, aiming to disable turrets, and preferably have backup from your team. Never brawl them, as the Scharnhorst's torpedoes will be decisive.
* [[USS Arizona]] - The USS Arizona is extremely durable, and their broadside of twelve 356 mm guns is very imposing. However, her Achilles' heel is her reload. Knocking out turrets and dodging incoming fire from an Arizona will cripple their damage output, while you can bombard them until they eventually explode.
* [[IJN Hyuga]] - Essentially having your guns, but four more of them, the Hyuga has the deadliest broadside in the game. Chip away from them at long range, and make sure you do not get hit in return. If the Hyuga is playing passively, use your speed to flank and attack from an unexpected direction.
* [[Kronshtadt]] - This Soviet battlecruiser is another key rival, possessing a total of nine highly lethal 305 mm cannons in three triple turrets. This ship has a very effective armour layout that can significantly reduce damage when angled, especially at longer ranges, whilst the anti-frag armour and lack of deck clutter renders the vessel quite resistant to fragmentation damage from explosions. It's best to face these ships by focusing on the frontal turrets and taking them out before they can cripple or destroy you first. Ignoring fire coming from this ship is a great way to get blown up.

=== Pros and cons===

'''Pros:'''

* Exceptional 356 mm guns with the most potent SAP round in the game and comfortable gun arcs
* Relatively fast for her size
* Good AA protection, 25 mm AA guns don't cost crew count (the animated crew models don't affect the gameplay)
* Workable armour above waterline; turtleback around the magazines
* Access to floatplanes

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely weak underwater protection, vulnerable to large calibre diving shots from heavy cruiser or above
* Subject to flooding and capsizing in addition due to aforementioned weakness
* 25 mm guns don't have good range - may fire on a target too late, or not at all if at high altitude
* 127mm batteries are categorized into AAA group and hence no combined manual control or ammo options

== History ==

=== Design and Construction ===
The end of the Russo-Japanese war and the end of the pre-dreadnaught era saw the IJN pursuing bigger and more powerful capital ships to bolster the fleet. However, much of the IJN's budget was spent repairing the newly captured Russian warships and thus Japan's first attempts at a Dreadnaught design suffered, leading to them becoming "semi-dreadnaughts" with a mixed main armament. To overcome their current technological deficit, it was decided to order a new ship of the battlecruiser type from Great Britain and the contract was awarded to Vickers Sons & Co, the same company who built Mikasa several years earlier. This contract would lead to the final Japanese warship built by a foreign power and would update the Japanese warship building industry to the latest British standards. The Vickers design would displace 27 000 tons and carry a speed of 26 knots, this was significantly larger than domestic designs. The Naval General Staff worked closely with Vickers to ensure that the new battlecruiser would meet the operational needs of the IJN. Originally, the ship was to have 10x12"/50cal guns in 5 dual turrets. The NGS decided against this and opted to use the newer and much more powerful Vickers 14"/45cal guns, resulting in numerous design changes after the keel of the first ship of the class, Kongō, had already been laid down.

The final design would be a ship with a waterline length of 212m and beam of 28m. She would be armed with 8x14" guns in 4 dual turrets with superfiring pairs fore and aft, 16 casement mounted 6" guns, several 8cm AA guns and 8 submerged torpedo tubes. Protection was offered by an 8" thick main belt, 9-10" on the main turrets and 1.5" on the main deck. Propulsion was provided by 36 mixed-fired (coal sprayed with oil) boilers and two sets of Parsons turbines for a designed output of 64 000shp.

A technical dispatch would be present for the construction of Kongō and would later finalize the technology transfer to allow the remaining 3 ships of the class; Hiei, Kirishima and Haruna, to be built in Japanese shipyards. Kongō would be launched on May 18th 1912 at Barrow-In-Furness and completed a year later on the 16th of August 1913. During her sea trials Kongō displaced 27 580 tons and attained a top speed of 27.5 knots with 78 275shp. Kongō would leave Britain the same year and arrive in Japan on November 5th.

Kongō would see very little operational service during WW1. The British requested for her and her 3 sisters to be transferred to the Grand Fleet to counter the German Navy, however this was denied and instead they remained in the Pacific and were used to confiscate island territories of the German Empire. Kongō attempted to intercept the cruiser Nurnberg but saw little action after.

=== The Naval Treaties and subsequent reconstructions in the interwar period ===
The Washington Arms Limitation treaty of 1922 put a stop to all ongoing battleship construction and had limited the possession of major warships of the US, Great Britain, Japan, France and Italy to a ratio of 5:5:3:1.75:1.75 for the respective nations. Replacements were only permitted for warships exceeding 20 years of age, as a result the IJN would set about refitting the Kongō class as these were the oldest dreadnaughts in their fleet.

The first reconstruction of Kongō would begin in December 1928 and would finish in September 1932. Major visual changes would include the reduction in the number of funnels from 3 to 2, the superstructure- which had been built up with platforms and positions from the simple tripod mast of the 1910s, had become more refined and would become the famous Pagoda mast seen on all major Japanese battleships of WW2.

Internally; 4 of her 8 submerged torpedo tubes were removed due to the threat of an internal explosion should the torpedo room sustain damage and her turret rangefinders were updated to newer, more accurate types along with the new Type 13 fire control system. The deck armour over her decks was increased to 3.2” and 4.8” over the magazines and machinery rooms as well a doubling of the turret roofs from 3” to 6” to protect against plunging fire. Bulkheads and anti-torpedo bulges were added to protect against torpedoes and “diving shells”. An emergency counterflooding system was also added to quickly correct a list by up to 8 degrees.

Her 36 Yarrow boilers were replaced by 10 new Kampon-RO boilers. Although intended for a complete conversion from mixed to oil, 6 mixed fired boilers had to be retained. Power output from the boilers increased from 64 000shp to 75 000shp, however, the increase in displacement from 26 330 tons to 29 330 tons as well as an increased beam resulted in a reduction in speed to 25 knots. During this reconstruction, Kongō and her sisters (with the exception of Hiei who would be de-armed and converted into a training ship) would be re-rated as battleships.

In 1936, Japan had left the Naval treatises. Tensions with the various powers and the need to keep a qualitative advantage over their USN and RN adversaries had meant the abandonment of the limitations imposed upon them.

Thus the Kongō class would once again enter drydock for another reconstruction. Kongō’s main guns would have their maximum elevation increased from 33 degrees to 43 degrees resulting in a range increase from 28 600m to 34 450m. Secondary battery was reduced from 16 to 14 guns but the range was also from 14 200m to 19 350m. Her remaining torpedo tubes were removed and her AA complement would now consist of 10 twin mounts of the infamous 25mm Type 96 AA gun. Numerous surface and air fire directors and rangefinders were added or improved to make use of the new ranges the ship was capable of engaging at.

The old oil fired boilers and turbines were replaced with new Kampon RO-Go oil boilers and geared turbines, new propellers, larger rudders and an increased length- achieved through the cuttaway, lengthening and reattachment of the bow and stern, resulted in her achieving a top speed of 30.27 knots with 137 200shp during trials at a displacement of 37 003 tons (almost 10 000 tons more than her original displacement in 1912). Re-rated as a fast battleship, Kongō had the speed and firepower but still retained the weak armour of her battlecruiser origin.

=== The Pacific War ===
Following the attack on Pearl Harbour in 1941, Kongō and her sistership Haruna were assigned to cover the invasions of Malaya, the Philippines and later, the Dutch East Indies in 1942. By March Kongō would sail with all her sisters during the Indian Ocean raid, escorting the IJN’s carrier force. This would be the only time the 4 Kongō class would operate together. Kongō would then be assigned to the Midway invasion force along with Hiei, the other 2 sisters were part of the carrier escort group.

Bombardment of Henderson Field

Following the disastrous loss of 4 fleet carriers at Midway, Kongō was tasked with what would be the most successful IJN battleship operation. To prevent US air forces from harassing transports for the Army landing forces destined for Guadalcanal, Kongō and her sister Haruna were dispatched to destroy Lunga Airfield. Lunga had previously come under unsuccessful daytime air attack, therefore a night bombardment involving battleships had to be executed. For the operation, the two battleships were to use the Type 3 Anti Aircraft Incendiary shells, the timed fuses were to be set to detonate the shells 50-150 meters above the airfield to spread shrapnel and incendiary tubes over a large area of the airfield. During the night between October 13th and 14th Kongō would expend 104 Type 3 shells before resorting to Type 91 AP shells. Of the 45 fighters, 45 dive bombers and 8 B-17 Flying Fortresses, 35 fighters, 7 dive bombers and 6 B-17s remained. Almost all the Kerosene had burned leaving Henderson Field and the Cactus Force out of action.

1943-1944

It was becoming increasingly clear that the Japanese were unable to keep hold of the Solomons and the decision was made to evacuate Guadalcanal. Kongō would cover the operation before returning to Japan for an overhaul and would spend the remainder of 1943 in Truk thereafter. The following year Kongō participated in the catastrophic Battle of the Marianas and achieved very little. She then tested radar directed gunfire for the first time prior to Leyte Gulf and would use this at Samar at nearly 20 000 meters, where she would play a part in the sinking of USS Samuel B. Roberts and damaging USS Heerman. The rest of 1944 would be spent avoiding air attacks by US aircraft.

=== Sinking by USS Sealion ===
On November 16th, Kongō departed Brunei accompanied by the battleships Yamato and Nagato. Initially zigzagging to avoid submarine torpedo attacks, the fleet would stop soon after entering the Formosa Strait (now known as the Taiwan Strait) on November 20th. At 0020 hours on November 21st, USS Sealion would pick up radar contact and at 0245 and 0300 hours begin sending torpedoes into the formation. At 0301, Yamato would report 2 hits on Kongō while Sealion reports 3. Boiler rooms 6 and 8 would flood, causing a 15 degree list to port. Despite the damage, Kongō continues on at 16 knots. At 0450 the ship slows to 11 knots and to a complete stop at 0520. Kongō would capsize and explode 4 minutes later, taking 1200 sailors. 237 sailors were rescued by the accompanying destroyers Hamakaze and Isokaze.

=== [[wt:en/news/7600-development-kongō-battleship-the-imperial-jewel-en|Devblog]] ===
After the Royal Navy commissioned the battlecruiser HMS Invincible into service in 1908, the IJN was quick to react with a plan to expand its fighting force with modern warships being approved already by the end of the decade. However, the problem persisted that Japanese shipyards simply lacked the technological know-how to build such warships at the time. As a result, taking advantage of the existing naval cooperation agreement with Great Britain, Japan sought assistance from the Vickers company, who besides helping design a matching warship, also agreed to manufacture the lead ship, to be named Kongō, while the remaining ones would be built in Japan.

IJN Kongō was laid down in January 1911 as the lead ship of its class of modern battlecruisers to be built for the Imperial Japanese Navy. It was launched in May 1912 and completed in April 1913, subsequently entering service in August as the most advanced Japanese warship of its time. During WWI, IJN Kongō took part in minor operations but was quickly placed in reserve after the conflict. With international agreements limiting naval power after WWI, Japan was forced to upgrade existing warships in order to maintain its fighting power. As a result, Kongō was extensively upgraded on two occasions in the interwar period, not only vastly improving its characteristics but also noticeably changing its visual appearance.

During WWII however, Kongō had a rather illustrious service record. It took part in several major operations, including the Invasion of the Dutch East Indies, the Battle of Midway and also supported Japanese forces at Guadalcanal. After taking part in the famous Battle of Leyte Gulf, Kongō would serve until November 1944 when it was sunk by a successful torpedo attack by the American submarine USS Sealion.

== Media ==


;
;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_battlecruiser_kongo Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


* [[Kongo (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7600-development-kongō-battleship-the-imperial-jewel-en|Kongō battleship: The Imperial Jewel]]
* http://combinedfleet.com/kongo.htm

'''Bibliography'''

* Ahlberg, Lars, and Hans Lengerer. ''Kongō-Class Battleships''. ''Schiffer Military'', 2021.
* Low, Joseph E. ''The Kongō Class Battleship of the Imperial Japanese Navy''. vol. 3, ''Kindle Direct Publishing'', 2022.
* Stille, Mark E. ''The Imperial Japanese Navy in the Pacific War''. ''Osprey Publishing'', 2013.
{{Manufacturer Vickers-Armstrongs}}
{{Japan battleships}}

File:GF in Indian Ocean, 1942.jpg

2023-08-26T16:04:42Z

U63379673: IJN task force in the Indian ocean, 1942, taken from Zuikaku. From right to left: Kongo, Haruna, Kirishima, Hiei, Hiryu, Soryu and Akagi Source: 神立尚紀『零戦最後の証言II』光人社、2000年、p.119 Available: https://commons.wikimedia...

IJN task force in the Indian ocean, 1942, taken from Zuikaku.

From right to left: Kongo, Haruna, Kirishima, Hiei, Hiryu, Soryu and Akagi

Source: 神立尚紀『零戦最後の証言II』光人社、2000年、p.119
Available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GF_in_Indian_Ocean,_1942.jpg

File:BBKongo1stReconstruction.jpg

2023-08-26T15:57:09Z

U63379673: Kongo after 1st reconstruction of 1929-1931 Available at: https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-90000/NH-90506.html

Kongo after 1st reconstruction of 1929-1931

Available at: https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/nhhc/our-collections/photography/numerical-list-of-images/nhhc-series/nh-series/NH-90000/NH-90506.html

File:BCKongo1913.jpg

2023-08-26T15:54:04Z

U63379673: HIJMS Kongo in the Irish Sea during sea trials, 1913. Published in Scientific American, August 16, 1913, page 129

HIJMS Kongo in the Irish Sea during sea trials, 1913.

Published in Scientific American, August 16, 1913, page 129

USS Gearing

2022-06-19T20:33:11Z

U63379673: /* Media */

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_destroyer_gearing
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)}}

''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)|Bofors L/60 Mark 2 (40 mm)}}

''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}

''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.''

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Mk.6 mortar depth charge|Mk.15 (533 mm)}}

''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

'''Design and Construction'''

Design work of the Gearing class started with the preceding Sumner class, which were themselves a modified Fletcher incorperating the new twin high angle twin mounts for the 5"/38 calbre guns. The Gearing design mainly evolves from the Sumner by increasing the length of the hull by 4.3 metres, allowing greater fuel storage and therefore increased range. The higher beam to length ratio also increased the top speed, most of the ships in the class achieving 36 knots. USS Gearing herself was commissioned on May 3rd 1945.

'''FRAM I Upgrades'''

During the 1960s, USS Gearing recieved the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) 1 upgrades. This converted the Gearing from a primarily anti aircraft destroyer into a dedicated anti submarine warfare destroyer. Modifications include the new advanced sonar, the ASROC anti-submarine torpedo launcher (also capable of launching nuclear depth charges), the Mk.44 torpedo and the DASH anti-submarine helicopter which had a range of 35km as well as the hangar and facilities needed to maintain it.

'''Service History'''

USS Gearing was comissoned a few months before the end of WW2 and trained crews for other destroyers until early October of 1945. Her immediate postwar career was spent in peacetime operations on the Atlantic side of the Americas before sailing into the Mediterranean in 1947 until 1948. Gearing would then operate around the Caribbean before taking part in Operation Frostbite, sailing into the Arctic to test and develop cold water techniques and equipment before returning to operate in the Caribbean and Mediterranean until 1961 when she took part in the negotiations for the Santa Maria hijacking. In the following year, Gearing would take part in the blockade of Cuba before moving on to operate in the Atlantic when diplomatic negotiation ended the crisis. After recieving the FRAM I upgrades she would continue her normal operations.

Gearing would be decomissioned in 1973 and then sold for scrap the following year.

== Media ==
<gallery widths="240" heights="240">
File:USS Gearing (DD-710) underway in 1964.jpg|By U.S. Department of Defense - U.S. Navy All Hands magazine July 1964, p. 1., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33846478
File:USS Gearing (DD-710) in heavy seas c1958.jpg|By USN - U.S. Navy All Hands magazine June 1958, p. 34., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32551738
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[USS Sumner]]
* [[IJN Akizuki]]
* [[Z43]]
* [[HMAS Tobruk]]

== External links ==


* https://www.usnfleet.us/gearing-class
* [https://youtu.be/MSTfyQ7p3hE ''https://youtu.be/MSTfyQ7p3hE'']
* https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/g/gearing.html

{{Template:ShipManufacturer Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Co.}}
{{USA destroyers}}

USS Gearing

2022-06-19T20:32:47Z

U63379673: Added history, historical images and external links

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_destroyer_gearing
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]].

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)}}

''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)|Bofors L/60 Mark 2 (40 mm)}}

''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}

''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.''

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Mk.6 mortar depth charge|Mk.15 (533 mm)}}

''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

'''Design and Construction'''

Design work of the Gearing class started with the preceding Sumner class, which were themselves a modified Fletcher incorperating the new twin high angle twin mounts for the 5"/38 calbre guns. The Gearing design mainly evolves from the Sumner by increasing the length of the hull by 4.3 metres, allowing greater fuel storage and therefore increased range. The higher beam to length ratio also increased the top speed, most of the ships in the class achieving 36 knots. USS Gearing herself was commissioned on May 3rd 1945.

'''FRAM I Upgrades'''

During the 1960s, USS Gearing recieved the Fleet Rehabilitation and Modernization (FRAM) 1 upgrades. This converted the Gearing from a primarily anti aircraft destroyer into a dedicated anti submarine warfare destroyer. Modifications include the new advanced sonar, the ASROC anti-submarine torpedo launcher (also capable of launching nuclear depth charges), the Mk.44 torpedo and the DASH anti-submarine helicopter which had a range of 35km as well as the hangar and facilities needed to maintain it.

'''Service History'''

USS Gearing was comissoned a few months before the end of WW2 and trained crews for other destroyers until early October of 1945. Her immediate postwar career was spent in peacetime operations on the Atlantic side of the Americas before sailing into the Mediterranean in 1947 until 1948. Gearing would then operate around the Caribbean before taking part in Operation Frostbite, sailing into the Arctic to test and develop cold water techniques and equipment before returning to operate in the Caribbean and Mediterranean until 1961 when she took part in the negotiations for the Santa Maria hijacking. In the following year, Gearing would take part in the blockade of Cuba before moving on to operate in the Atlantic when diplomatic negotiation ended the crisis. After recieving the FRAM I upgrades she would continue her normal operations.

Gearing would be decomissioned in 1973 and then sold for scrap the following year.

== Media ==
<gallery widths="240" heights="240">
File:USS Gearing (DD-710) underway in 1964.jpg|By U.S. Department of Defense - U.S. Navy All Hands magazine July 1964, p. 1., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33846478
File:USS Gearing (DD-710) in heavy seas c1958.jpg|By USN - U.S. Navy All Hands magazine June 1958, p. 34., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32551738
File:USS Gearing (DD-710) in the Mediterranean Sea in 1960.jpg|By Unknown author - U.S. Navy photo NH 107006, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41104077
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[USS Sumner]]
* [[IJN Akizuki]]
* [[Z43]]
* [[HMAS Tobruk]]

== External links ==


* https://www.usnfleet.us/gearing-class
* [https://youtu.be/MSTfyQ7p3hE ''https://youtu.be/MSTfyQ7p3hE'']
* https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/g/gearing.html

{{Template:ShipManufacturer Federal Shipbuilding and Drydock Co.}}
{{USA destroyers}}

File:USS Gearing (DD-710) in heavy seas c1958.jpg

2022-06-19T20:24:37Z

U63379673: By USN - U.S. Navy All Hands magazine June 1958, p. 34., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32551738

By USN - U.S. Navy All Hands magazine June 1958, p. 34., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32551738

File:USS Gearing (DD-710) in the Mediterranean Sea in 1960.jpg

2022-06-19T20:22:10Z

U63379673: By Unknown author - U.S. Navy photo NH 107006, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41104077

By Unknown author - U.S. Navy photo NH 107006, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=41104077

File:USS Gearing (DD-710) underway in 1964.jpg

2022-06-19T20:19:44Z

U63379673: By U.S. Department of Defense - U.S. Navy All Hands magazine July 1964, p. 1., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33846478

By U.S. Department of Defense - U.S. Navy All Hands magazine July 1964, p. 1., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33846478

HMS Hood

2022-06-18T21:17:24Z

U63379673: /* Description */

{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_battlecruiser_hood
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British battlecruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]].

Conceptualized during World War I as the ultimate "super dreadnought" to counter any Imperial German ship, the Admiral-class battlecruiser underwent several redesigns (including being downgraded from the originally intended battleship design) before being finalized in 1918. The HMS Hood, the sole completed ship of the class, represents a compromise between her ambitious design and the financial downturn after the Great War that forced the British to reduce her capabilities.

Nevertheless, when the "Mighty Hood" was launched in 1920, she became the largest and heaviest warship in the world, a title she held until 1940 when the Japanese launched the Yamato-class battleship. Due to this, the HMS Hood became the status symbol of the might of the British Empire and the pride of the Royal Navy, up until the fateful battle at the Denmark Strait in 1941.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|15 inch/42 BL Mark I (381 mm)}}

''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)}}

''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|2pdr QF Mk.VIII (40 mm)|Vickers Mk.V (12.7 mm)}}

''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.''

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Mk.IV (533 mm)}}

''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==


=== [[wt:en/news/7691-development-hms-hood-the-imperial-representative-en|Devblog]] ===
The British Admiral-class battlecruisers date back to 1915, when an original battleship design with characteristics similar to Queen Elizabeth-class was converted into 30 knot battlecruisers. In 1916, the project was approved and orders were placed at the shipyards, but the Battle of Jutland, which showed the full omissions in the defense of the British battlecruisers, required new improvements to the project, which dragged on until August 1917.

Although four Admiral-class battlecruisers were ordered and laid down in shipyards, only one would be completed. The one ship of the class that would see completion would become HMS Hood, named after an 18th century British admiral. The ship was laid down in the John Brown & Company shipyard in Scotland in September 1916. Following its launching in 1918 and subsequent fitting-out, HMS Hood was commissioned into the ranks of the Royal Navy in May 1920, thus also becoming the largest warship in service at the time.

Upon entering service, HMS Hood took part in several showing-the-flag and training exercises in the interwar period. In November 1923 the ship set out to circumnavigate the globe, visiting ports in South Africa, India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States before returning to British waters in September 1924.

At the outbreak of WWII, the recently overhauled HMS Hood was operating in the area around Iceland, hunting for German vessels. After the Fall of France, HMS Hood took part in Operation Catapult - the destruction of the French fleet at Mers-el-Kébir in July 1940. However, HMS Hood’s most famous and final engagement would become that of the Battle of the Denmark Strait in which the warship, along with HMS Prince of Wales clashed with the German battleship Bismarck and the accompanying heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen. Suffering a lethal strike to one of its magazines shortly after the start of the engagement, HMS Hood blew up and sank within three minutes with catastrophic losses. Due to its popularity among the British at the time and its tragic loss during the vessel’s fateful last engagement, HMS Hood retains its legendary status and is to this day one of the most well-known British warships.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7691-development-hms-hood-the-imperial-representative-en|[Devblog] HMS Hood: The Imperial Representative]]

{{Template:ShipManufacturer John Brown and Company}}
{{Britain battlecruisers}}

IJN Aoba

2022-02-15T23:34:26Z

U63379673: /* Anti-aircraft armament */

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_cruiser_aoba
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].

While originally part of the Furutaka class of heavy cruisers first laid down in 1922, the development of new guns and turrets prompted the modification of Aoba and her sister ship Kinugasa in 1924, placing them into their own class with Aoba being the lead ship. Aoba shares her armour and main armament with [[IJN Furutaka|Furutaka]] while having vastly improved anti-aircraft capability and can be played in a similar manner.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Aoba is lightly armoured. The belt armour is only 76.2 mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) and does not extend towards the front and rear turrets to offer additional protection for the magazines; most other heavy cruisers and some light cruisers have thicker armour. Fortunately, the ammunition magazines for the main guns are below the water line and the top is covered by 32 mm of RHA. The fuel tanks in the centre are protected by the belt armour, but the thin steel means these can be easily set on fire which can then spread to the engines. Additional fuel tanks in the bow and stern are completely unprotected and since they are located quite close to the ammunition, the fire can spread to the ammunition. The turrets are large and easy to hit, with only 25mm of RHA. HE from destroyer calibre guns have no issue disabling the turrets.

With only 657 crew, Aoba has the second fewest number of sailors for a heavy cruiser after [[IJN Kako]]. This leaves her vulnerable to complete crew loss in a few minutes if concentrated upon by multiple ships.

Although other cruisers can easily put Aoba out of commission, destroyers will have a hard time dealing any significant damage outside of disabling turrets and starting fires.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

With 12 boilers producing 102,000 SHP combined, Aoba will accelerate to her top speed of 72 km/h (38.9 knots) in AB and 62 km/h (33.5 knots) in RB in 40 seconds. In Arcade, the rudder takes 7 seconds to traverse completely from either side to the next and Aoba can complete a sustained turn in 102 seconds. Realistic battles drops Aoba's sustained turn time to 180 seconds. Overall, Aoba has good mobility, closely matching a number of lighter vessels such as the Omaha-class and Leipzig-class cruisers.

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|20 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 (203 mm)}}

Aoba has 6 x 20.3 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 guns split into 3 turrets with 2 guns each. 2 turrets are forward and a single aft of the superstructure. The forward turrets are superfiring, meaning the one behind can shoot over the one in front. She can use HE, HE-TF, and AP shells. The turrets have a slow rotation speed but great firing angles. The guns have a reload time of 12 seconds with the top crew skills, putting them on par with the German Admiral Hipper-class and British County-class heavy cruisers.

HE-TF should be avoided since the slow turret rotation speed and low rate of fire makes this shell basically useless against air targets, and it is not effective against surface targets unlike HE-VT. However, the AP has the best HE filler of all the 20.3 cm (8 inch) armed cruisers and is shared with the much larger and more powerful heavy cruisers in the Japanese fleet, [[IJN Mogami|Mogami]] and [[IJN Tone|Tone]]. The great HE filler deals significant damage to cruisers and has an increased chance of detonating the ammunition storages of enemy ships.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)}}

Aoba comes equipped with 4 turrets with a single 120 mm gun each. These guns are dual purpose, able to use HE-TF against aircraft. Since there are only 4 guns however, it is unlikely these will deter any oncoming aircraft. With very thin armour, and limited numbers, these guns are not all that useful.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|25 mm/60 Type 96 (25 mm)}}

Aoba sees a great improvement over Furutaka in the anti-air department, going from just 4 x dual mount 25 mm auto cannons and 2 x 13.2 mm machine guns, to 15 x single mount, 10 x double mount, and 5 x triple mount 25 mm cannons (a total of 50 cannons overall). The 25 mm auto cannons can shoot down fighters and small attackers with ease, although some heavier aircraft such as bombers can shrug off enough of the fire to get close enough to drop bombs or torpedoes, although the addition of an air search radar allows the player to spot and plan for air attacks.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 (610 mm)}}

The Type 93 torpedoes can be found on Aoba. Also nicknamed the "Long Lance", these are arguably the best family of torpedoes in the game. The ones carried by Aoba are the longer range versions. With a top speed of 93 km/h (50 knots), range of 20 km, and explosive TNT equivalent of over 600 kg, these torpedoes have the power to destroy even battleships with a single salvo.

== Usage in battles ==

The decent turret firing angles allow the Aoba to sail bow front, maximizing the protective capabilities of the relatively thin armour while keeping all 6 guns pointed at the enemy. The AP shells have decent HE filler and deal good damage against all but the most heavily armoured ships. Target light and heavy cruisers, aiming for turrets can help you get satisfying ammunition detonations.

The Type 93 torpedoes can be launched from the spawn and can hit targets from extreme ranges, although the probability of a successful torpedo hit at these ranges is low due to many factors such as the low speed making them easier to dodge. Alternatively the torpedoes can be used at closer ranges where they will be much more difficult to dodge due to their speed.

If downtiered, Aoba can be played more aggressively as she will be able to shrug off destroyer gunfire despite her thin armour. Be mindful though as other heavy cruisers such as Admiral Hipper class and HMS Kent can also be in the same situation: both of these will be able to outgun you.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The main guns have decent firing angles
* AP shells have great explosive filler
* Torpedoes have excellent range, speed and explosive filler
* Improved AA defence capability over Furutaka

'''Cons:'''

* Torpedo launchers have limited firing angles
* Thin armour compared to other heavy cruisers
* Only 3 main gun turrets
* Main gun turrets are fragile

== History ==

'''Design and construction'''

In 1922, after revisions made to the navy following the signing of the Washington Naval Treaty, the proposed 7,500-ton scout cruisers before the treaty were now to become the Furutaka-class cruisers. The ships were designed by Constructor Captain Hiraga Yuzuru with assistance from Constructor Lieutenant Commander Fujimoto Kikuo. The Furutaka-class were designed to surpass the Omaha and Hawklins-class cruisers of the US and Royal British Navy, incorporating 6 x 20 cm guns in single turrets and giving the ships a broadside weight of fire nearly double that of the Omahas as well as a top speed of 35 kts achieved using 12 boilers with a combined 110,000 SHP, and armour that could resist 15 cm shells from 12-15 km away.

In 1922, the Furutaka-class cruisers were first laid down. In 1924, the recently promoted Rear Admiral Hiraga was sent abroad and during his absence Fujimoto was pressured into using the newly developed 2 x 20 cm gun turrets by the Naval General Staff on the new ships. However, Furutaka and Kako were too far into construction to retrofit the new equipment, therefore the remaining two ships, Aoba and Kinugasa, would be retrofitted with the new armament and placed in a separate class. Fujimoto modified the designs of Aoba and Kinugasa to incorporate the new gun turrets and also agreed to add aircraft catapults to the ships while the machinery and armour remained the same. After Kako was completed in 1926, design flaws in the funnel and bridge structure were discovered, corrections to these would also be used before completion of Aoba and her sistership.

When completed, Aoba was overweight by almost 1,000 tons, sparking fears that this would negatively affect the stability of Aoba and her sistership. Luckily, the ships were designed with a considerable degree of stability, owing to Captain Hiraga designing the ships to be more stable than necessary so that the ships can have the machine spaces on one side be flooded without the threat of capsizing. Thus the stability loss was minor and the seaworthiness of the ships proved to be good. Aoba received her gunpowder-powered aircraft catapult in 1929. In 1930, the navy won approval for the modernization of the A-class cruisers to counter the numerical advantage enjoyed by the US Navy. However, the political situation limited the modernization given. Modifications started in 1938 and included new 20.3 cm/50 main guns, 4 x dual 25 mm AA guns around the funnel, and mounting of new quad torpedo launchers with the Type 90 torpedoes (Replaced with Type 93s in 1940). The total increase in weight meant Aoba had needed bulges added to the hull to restore stability.

'''Service Career'''

Aoba was completed in 1927 and assigned to Cruiser Division (CruDiv) 5, then CruDiv6 in 1933, and then CruDiv7. In the late 1920s to 1930s, Aoba was frequently used to patrol the China coast. After her 1938-40 modifications were completed, she was returned to CruDiv6. In 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbour, Aoba and the other cruisers of CruDiv6 engaged in the invasion of Guam, and she then participated in the second invasion of Wake Island.

In the Battle of Coral Sea, 1942, Aoba and CruDiv6 rendezvous at sea with light carrier Shoho. Dive and torpedo bombers from USS Yorktown and Lexington sunk Shoho on May 7th at 1100 hours. The next day, Aoba covered the withdrawal of the Port Moresby invasion convoy. On May 22nd, Aoba returned to Kure Naval Arsenal for repairs and was then sent to Santa Isabel Island for patrols before being assigned to the recently created Eighth Fleet on July 14th and was assigned to patrols around New Britain, New Ireland, and the Solomon Islands.

On August 7th 1942, an E13 spotter plane from Aoba found "one battleship, one auxiliary carrier, four cruisers, seven destroyers and 15 transports" off Teluga Point. In the Battle of Savo Island, Aoba accompanied CruDiv6, Takao-class cruiser Chokai, light cruisers Tenryuu and Yubari, and destroyer Yunagi, and engaged the Allied fleet at night, sinking cruisers USS Astoria, Quincy, Vincennes and HMAS Canberra and damaging the cruiser USS Chicago and destroyers Ralph Talbot and Patterson. Aoba was hit once during the battle while her sister ship Kinugasa was hit twice with Chokai being hit 3 times. Aoba then provided cover for the Japanese reinforcements heading for Guadalcanal.

In the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11th 1942, CruDiv6 departed with destroyers Fubuki and Hatsuyuki to cover reinforcement troops by shelling Henderson Field. They were spotted by 2 American OS2U Kingfishers and at 2235 the fleet was spotted by radar from USS Helena. Both sides opened fire, however Admiral Goto who was in command of CruDiv6 believed they were under friendly fire and ordered his ships to turn, thus exposing the broadsides of the fleet. Furutaka was sunk and Aoba suffered severe damage, No.2 turret was knocked out and No.3 turret was destroyed. 4 of Aoba<nowiki/>'s boilers were inoperable. Admiral Goto was mortally wounded and 80 crewmen were killed. After temporary repairs at Shortland, Aoba sailed to Truk on October 15th where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto inspected the damage before sending her back to Japan.

After returning to Kure, Aoba was repaired. The destroyed No.3 turret was replaced with a triple mount 25 mm AA gun and sent back to Truk on February 24th 1943. On April 3rd, Aoba was bombed by B-17 Flying Fortresses while moored at Kavieng. Two of Aoba<nowiki/>'s Type 93 torpedoes exploded and started a fire while she was strafed by machine gun fire from the B-17s. She was beached to prevent her from sinking. Aoba was then towed to Truk and then back to Kure where she was repaired and refitted. No.3 turret was returned, a Type 21 air-search radar was installed and 2 twin mount 25 mm AA guns were added. Irreparable engine damage limited Aoba<nowiki/>'s top speed to just 46 km/h (25 knots).

Aoba was then sent to Singapore as part of the First Southern Expeditionary Fleet on December 24th 1943. She was based outside of Singapore and escorted convoys to Burma and the Andaman Islands. On February 25th 1944, Aoba returned to CruDiv6 where she participated in the Indian Ocean raid in March and then resumed escort duties through the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea. In July, Aoba was refitted again in Singapore with the Type 22 air-search radar and gained an additional 4 triple mount 25 mm AA guns and 15 single mount 25 mm AA guns.

On October 11th, Aoba received minor damage after an accidental collision with cruiser Kinu. However, US submarine Bream attacked Aoba on October 23rd. 1 of 6 torpedoes struck Aoba in the No.2 engine room, she then sailed to Cavite Naval Yard near Manila for emergency repairs. While undergoing repairs, on October 29th Aoba was bombed by planes from Task Force 38. Aoba was then assigned to a convoy and sent back to Japan again despite incomplete repairs. While heading for Japan, the convoy was attacked by US submarines Guitarro, Bream, Raton and Ray off Luzon on November 6th. 23 torpedoes were launched by the submarines, 2 hit cruiser Kumano but Aoba escaped with no further damage. Upon arrival at Kure, Aoba was declared irreparable and re-rated into a reserve ship.

A US air raid on Kure on April 24th 1945 damaged Aoba further, causing her to sink and settle at the bottom of the shallow harbour. She was not repaired, instead additional 25 mm AA guns were fitted and she was turned into a floating AA battery with a total of 50 x 25 mm guns, 5 triple, 10 double and 15 single mounts. On July 14th, Kure was attacked again, this time by planes from Task Force 38. Aoba was bombed once again where she settled at the bottom at 2200 hours. 4 days later, the wreck of Aoba was bombed again by Task Force 38, 4 bomb hits set her on fire and B-24 Liberators hit her again with 4 bombs, breaking off her stern.

Aoba was formally removed from the Navy list in November 15th 1945 and her wreckage was scrapped in 1946-47.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[IJN Furutaka]]
* [[HMS Hawkins]]
* [[RN Zara]]
* [[Omaha (Family)]]
* [[USS Helena]]

== External links ==


* [https://www.world-war.co.uk/japan/aoba.php <nowiki>[WW2Cruisers]</nowiki> Aoba Class Heavy Cruiser]
* [http://www.combinedfleet.com/aoba_t.htm <nowiki>[Imperial Japanese Navy Page]</nowiki> IJN AOBA]

;Bibliography

* [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/898922.Japanese_Cruisers_of_the_Pacific_War Japanese Cruisers of the Pacific War - Eric Lacroix, Linton Wells II]

{{ShipManufacturer Mitsubishi Shipbuilding}}
{{Japan heavy cruisers}}

IJN Aoba

2022-02-04T10:53:34Z

U63379673:

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_cruiser_aoba
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].

While originally part of the Furutaka class of heavy cruisers first laid down in 1922, the development of new guns and turrets prompted the modification of Aoba and her sister ship Kinugasa in 1924, placing them into their own class with Aoba being the lead ship. Aoba shares her armour and main armament with [[IJN Furutaka|Furutaka]] while having vastly improved anti-aircraft capability and can be played in a similar manner.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Aoba is lightly armoured. The belt armour is only 76.2 mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) and does not extend towards the front and rear turrets to offer additional protection for the magazines; most other heavy cruisers and some light cruisers have thicker armour. Fortunately, the ammunition magazines for the main guns are below the water line and the top is covered by 32 mm of RHA. The fuel tanks in the centre are protected by the belt armour, but the thin steel means these can be easily set on fire which can then spread to the engines. Additional fuel tanks in the bow and stern are completely unprotected and since they are located quite close to the ammunition, the fire can spread to the ammunition. The turrets are large and easy to hit, with only 25mm of RHA. HE from destroyer calibre guns have no issue disabling the turrets.

With only 657 crew, Aoba has the second fewest number of sailors for a heavy cruiser after [[IJN Kako]]. This leaves her vulnerable to complete crew loss in a few minutes if concentrated upon by multiple ships.

Although other cruisers can easily put Aoba out of commission, destroyers will have a hard time dealing any significant damage outside of disabling turrets and starting fires.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

With 12 boilers producing 102,000 SHP combined, Aoba will accelerate to her top speed of 72 km/h (38.9 knots) in AB and 62 km/h (33.5 knots) in RB in 40 seconds. In Arcade, the rudder takes 7 seconds to traverse completely from either side to the next and Aoba can complete a sustained turn in 102 seconds. Realistic battles drops Aoba's sustained turn time to 180 seconds. Overall, Aoba has good mobility, closely matching a number of lighter vessels such as the Omaha-class and Leipzig-class cruisers.

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|20 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 (203 mm)}}

Aoba has 6 x 20.3 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 guns split into 3 turrets with 2 guns each. 2 turrets are forward and a single aft of the superstructure. The forward turrets are superfiring, meaning the one behind can shoot over the one in front. She can use HE, HE-TF, and AP shells. The turrets have a slow rotation speed but great firing angles. The guns have a reload time of 12 seconds with the top crew skills, putting them on par with the German Admiral Hipper-class and British County-class heavy cruisers.

HE-TF should be avoided since the slow turret rotation speed and low rate of fire makes this shell basically useless against air targets, and it is not effective against surface targets unlike HE-VT. However, the AP has the best HE filler of all the 20.3 cm (8 inch) armed cruisers and is shared with the much larger and more powerful heavy cruisers in the Japanese fleet, [[IJN Mogami|Mogami]] and [[IJN Tone|Tone]]. The great HE filler deals significant damage to cruisers and has an increased chance of detonating the ammunition storages of enemy ships.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)}}

Aoba comes equipped with 4 turrets with a single 120 mm gun each. These guns are dual purpose, able to use HE-TF against aircraft. Since there are only 4 guns however, it is unlikely these will deter any oncoming aircraft. With very thin armour, and limited numbers, these guns are not all that useful.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|25 mm/60 Type 96 (25 mm)}}

Aoba sees a great improvement over Furutaka in the anti-air department, going from just 4 x dual mount 25 mm auto cannons and 2 x 13.2 mm machine guns, to 15 x single mount, 10 x double mount, and 5 x triple mount 25 mm cannons (a total of 50 cannons overall). The 25 mm auto cannons can shoot down fighters and small attackers with ease, although some heavier aircraft such as bombers can shrug off enough of the fire to get close enough to drop bombs or torpedoes.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 (610 mm)}}

The Type 93 torpedoes can be found on Aoba. Also nicknamed the "Long Lance", these are arguably the best family of torpedoes in the game. The ones carried by Aoba are the longer range versions. With a top speed of 93 km/h (50 knots), range of 20 km, and explosive TNT equivalent of over 600 kg, these torpedoes have the power to destroy even battleships with a single salvo.

== Usage in battles ==

The decent turret firing angles allow the Aoba to sail bow front, maximizing the protective capabilities of the relatively thin armour while keeping all 6 guns pointed at the enemy. The AP shells have decent HE filler and deal good damage against all but the most heavily armoured ships. Target light and heavy cruisers, aiming for turrets can help you get satisfying ammunition detonations.

The Type 93 torpedoes can be launched from the spawn and can hit targets from extreme ranges, although the probability of a successful torpedo hit at these ranges is low due to many factors such as the low speed making them easier to dodge. Alternatively the torpedoes can be used at closer ranges where they will be much more difficult to dodge due to their speed.

If downtiered, Aoba can be played more aggressively as she will be able to shrug off destroyer gunfire despite her thin armour. Be mindful though as other heavy cruisers such as Admiral Hipper class and HMS Kent can also be in the same situation: both of these will be able to outgun you.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The main guns have decent firing angles
* AP shells have great explosive filler
* Torpedoes have excellent range, speed and explosive filler
* Improved AA defence capability over Furutaka

'''Cons:'''

* Torpedo launchers have limited firing angles
* Thin armour compared to other heavy cruisers
* Only 3 main gun turrets
* Main gun turrets are fragile

== History ==

'''Design and construction'''

In 1922, after revisions made to the navy following the signing of the Washington Naval Treaty, the proposed 7,500-ton scout cruisers before the treaty were now to become the Furutaka-class cruisers. The ships were designed by Constructor Captain Hiraga Yuzuru with assistance from Constructor Lieutenant Commander Fujimoto Kikuo. The Furutaka-class were designed to surpass the Omaha and Hawklins-class cruisers of the US and Royal British Navy, incorporating 6 x 20 cm guns in single turrets and giving the ships a broadside weight of fire nearly double that of the Omahas as well as a top speed of 35 kts achieved using 12 boilers with a combined 110,000 SHP, and armour that could resist 15 cm shells from 12-15 km away.

In 1922, the Furutaka-class cruisers were first laid down. In 1924, the recently promoted Rear Admiral Hiraga was sent abroad and during his absence Fujimoto was pressured into using the newly developed 2 x 20 cm gun turrets by the Naval General Staff on the new ships. However, Furutaka and Kako were too far into construction to retrofit the new equipment, therefore the remaining two ships, Aoba and Kinugasa, would be retrofitted with the new armament and placed in a separate class. Fujimoto modified the designs of Aoba and Kinugasa to incorporate the new gun turrets and also agreed to add aircraft catapults to the ships while the machinery and armour remained the same. After Kako was completed in 1926, design flaws in the funnel and bridge structure were discovered, corrections to these would also be used before completion of Aoba and her sistership.

When completed, Aoba was overweight by almost 1,000 tons, sparking fears that this would negatively affect the stability of Aoba and her sistership. Luckily, the ships were designed with a considerable degree of stability, owing to Captain Hiraga designing the ships to be more stable than necessary so that the ships can have the machine spaces on one side be flooded without the threat of capsizing. Thus the stability loss was minor and the seaworthiness of the ships proved to be good. Aoba received her gunpowder-powered aircraft catapult in 1929. In 1930, the navy won approval for the modernization of the A-class cruisers to counter the numerical advantage enjoyed by the US Navy. However, the political situation limited the modernization given. Modifications started in 1938 and included new 20.3 cm/50 main guns, 4 x dual 25 mm AA guns around the funnel, and mounting of new quad torpedo launchers with the Type 90 torpedoes (Replaced with Type 93s in 1940). The total increase in weight meant Aoba had needed bulges added to the hull to restore stability.

'''Service Career'''

Aoba was completed in 1927 and assigned to Cruiser Division (CruDiv) 5, then CruDiv6 in 1933, and then CruDiv7. In the late 1920s to 1930s, Aoba was frequently used to patrol the China coast. After her 1938-40 modifications were completed, she was returned to CruDiv6. In 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbour, Aoba and the other cruisers of CruDiv6 engaged in the invasion of Guam, and she then participated in the second invasion of Wake Island.

In the Battle of Coral Sea, 1942, Aoba and CruDiv6 rendezvous at sea with light carrier Shoho. Dive and torpedo bombers from USS Yorktown and Lexington sunk Shoho on May 7th at 1100 hours. The next day, Aoba covered the withdrawal of the Port Moresby invasion convoy. On May 22nd, Aoba returned to Kure Naval Arsenal for repairs and was then sent to Santa Isabel Island for patrols before being assigned to the recently created Eighth Fleet on July 14th and was assigned to patrols around New Britain, New Ireland, and the Solomon Islands.

On August 7th 1942, an E13 spotter plane from Aoba found "one battleship, one auxiliary carrier, four cruisers, seven destroyers and 15 transports" off Teluga Point. In the Battle of Savo Island, Aoba accompanied CruDiv6, Takao-class cruiser Chokai, light cruisers Tenryuu and Yubari, and destroyer Yunagi, and engaged the Allied fleet at night, sinking cruisers USS Astoria, Quincy, Vincennes and HMAS Canberra and damaging the cruiser USS Chicago and destroyers Ralph Talbot and Patterson. Aoba was hit once during the battle while her sister ship Kinugasa was hit twice with Chokai being hit 3 times. Aoba then provided cover for the Japanese reinforcements heading for Guadalcanal.

In the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11th 1942, CruDiv6 departed with destroyers Fubuki and Hatsuyuki to cover reinforcement troops by shelling Henderson Field. They were spotted by 2 American OS2U Kingfishers and at 2235 the fleet was spotted by radar from USS Helena. Both sides opened fire, however Admiral Goto who was in command of CruDiv6 believed they were under friendly fire and ordered his ships to turn, thus exposing the broadsides of the fleet. Furutaka was sunk and Aoba suffered severe damage, No.2 turret was knocked out and No.3 turret was destroyed. 4 of Aoba<nowiki/>'s boilers were inoperable. Admiral Goto was mortally wounded and 80 crewmen were killed. After temporary repairs at Shortland, Aoba sailed to Truk on October 15th where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto inspected the damage before sending her back to Japan.

After returning to Kure, Aoba was repaired. The destroyed No.3 turret was replaced with a triple mount 25 mm AA gun and sent back to Truk on February 24th 1943. On April 3rd, Aoba was bombed by B-17 Flying Fortresses while moored at Kavieng. Two of Aoba<nowiki/>'s Type 93 torpedoes exploded and started a fire while she was strafed by machine gun fire from the B-17s. She was beached to prevent her from sinking. Aoba was then towed to Truk and then back to Kure where she was repaired and refitted. No.3 turret was returned, a Type 21 air-search radar was installed and 2 twin mount 25 mm AA guns were added. Irreparable engine damage limited Aoba<nowiki/>'s top speed to just 46 km/h (25 knots).

Aoba was then sent to Singapore as part of the First Southern Expeditionary Fleet on December 24th 1943. She was based outside of Singapore and escorted convoys to Burma and the Andaman Islands. On February 25th 1944, Aoba returned to CruDiv6 where she participated in the Indian Ocean raid in March and then resumed escort duties through the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea. In July, Aoba was refitted again in Singapore with the Type 22 air-search radar and gained an additional 4 triple mount 25 mm AA guns and 15 single mount 25 mm AA guns.

On October 11th, Aoba received minor damage after an accidental collision with cruiser Kinu. However, US submarine Bream attacked Aoba on October 23rd. 1 of 6 torpedoes struck Aoba in the No.2 engine room, she then sailed to Cavite Naval Yard near Manila for emergency repairs. While undergoing repairs, on October 29th Aoba was bombed by planes from Task Force 38. Aoba was then assigned to a convoy and sent back to Japan again despite incomplete repairs. While heading for Japan, the convoy was attacked by US submarines Guitarro, Bream, Raton and Ray off Luzon on November 6th. 23 torpedoes were launched by the submarines, 2 hit cruiser Kumano but Aoba escaped with no further damage. Upon arrival at Kure, Aoba was declared irreparable and re-rated into a reserve ship.

A US air raid on Kure on April 24th 1945 damaged Aoba further, causing her to sink and settle at the bottom of the shallow harbour. She was not repaired, instead additional 25 mm AA guns were fitted and she was turned into a floating AA battery with a total of 50 x 25 mm guns, 5 triple, 10 double and 15 single mounts. On July 14th, Kure was attacked again, this time by planes from Task Force 38. Aoba was bombed once again where she settled at the bottom at 2200 hours. 4 days later, the wreck of Aoba was bombed again by Task Force 38, 4 bomb hits set her on fire and B-24 Liberators hit her again with 4 bombs, breaking off her stern.

Aoba was formally removed from the Navy list in November 15th 1945 and her wreckage was scrapped in 1946-47.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[IJN Furutaka]]
* [[HMS Hawkins]]
* [[RN Zara]]
* [[Omaha (Family)]]
* [[USS Helena]]

== External links ==


* [https://www.world-war.co.uk/japan/aoba.php <nowiki>[WW2Cruisers]</nowiki> Aoba Class Heavy Cruiser]
* [http://www.combinedfleet.com/aoba_t.htm <nowiki>[Imperial Japanese Navy Page]</nowiki> IJN AOBA]

;Bibliography

* [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/898922.Japanese_Cruisers_of_the_Pacific_War Japanese Cruisers of the Pacific War - Eric Lacroix, Linton Wells II]

{{ShipManufacturer Mitsubishi Shipbuilding}}
{{Japan heavy cruisers}}

IJN Aoba

2021-12-13T16:32:11Z

U63379673: Corrections to mobility, added more to design and construction in history section

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_cruiser_aoba
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].

While originally part of the Furutaka class of heavy cruisers first laid down in 1922, the development of new guns and turrets prompted the modification of Aoba and her sister ship Kinugasa in 1924, placing them into their own class with Aoba being the lead ship. Aoba shares her armour and main armament with [[IJN Furutaka|Furutaka]] while having vastly improved anti-aircraft capability and can be played in a similar manner.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Aoba is lightly armoured. The belt armour is only 76.2 mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) and does not extend towards the front and rear turrets to offer additional protection for the magazines; most other heavy cruisers and some light cruisers have thicker armour. Fortunately, the ammunition magazines for the main guns are below the water line and the top is covered by 32 mm of RHA. The fuel tanks in the centre are protected by the belt armour, but the thin steel means these can be easily set on fire which can then spread to the engines. Additional fuel tanks in the bow and stern are completely unprotected and since they are located quite close to the ammunition, the fire can spread to the ammunition. The turrets are large and easy to hit, with only 25mm of RHA. HE from destroyer calibre guns have no issue disabling the turrets.

With only 657 crew, Aoba has the second fewest number of sailors for a heavy cruiser after [[IJN Kako]]. This leaves her vulnerable to complete crew loss in a few minutes if concentrated upon by multiple ships.

Although other cruisers can easily put Aoba out of commission, destroyers will have a hard time dealing any significant damage outside of disabling turrets and starting fires.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

With 12 boilers producing 108,000 SHP combined, Aoba will accelerate to her top speed of 72 km/h (38.9 knots) in AB and 62 km/h (33.5 knots) in RB in 40 seconds. In Arcade, the rudder takes 7 seconds to traverse completely from either side to the next and Aoba can complete a sustained turn in 102 seconds. Realistic battles drops Aoba's sustained turn time to 180 seconds. Overall, Aoba has good mobility, closely matching a number of lighter vessels such as the Omaha-class and Leipzig-class cruisers.

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|20 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 (203 mm)}}

Aoba has 6 x 20.3 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 guns split into 3 turrets with 2 guns each. 2 turrets are forward and a single aft of the superstructure. The forward turrets are superfiring, meaning the one behind can shoot over the one in front. She can use HE, HE-TF, and AP shells. The turrets have a slow rotation speed but great firing angles. The guns have a reload time of 12 seconds with the top crew skills, putting them on par with the German Admiral Hipper-class and British County-class heavy cruisers.

HE-TF should be avoided since the slow turret rotation speed and low rate of fire makes this shell basically useless against air targets, and it is not effective against surface targets unlike HE-VT. However, the AP has the best HE filler of all the 20.3 cm (8 inch) armed cruisers and is shared with the much larger and more powerful heavy cruisers in the Japanese fleet, [[IJN Mogami|Mogami]] and [[IJN Tone|Tone]]. The great HE filler deals significant damage to cruisers and has an increased chance of detonating the ammunition storages of enemy ships.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)}}

Aoba comes equipped with 4 turrets with a single 120 mm gun each. These guns are dual purpose, able to use HE-TF against aircraft. Since there are only 4 guns however, it is unlikely these will deter any oncoming aircraft. With very thin armour, and limited numbers, these guns are not all that useful.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|25 mm/60 Type 96 (25 mm)}}

Aoba sees a great improvement over Furutaka in the anti-air department, going from just 4 x dual mount 25 mm auto cannons and 2 x 13.2 mm machine guns, to 15 x single mount, 10 x double mount, and 5 x triple mount 25 mm cannons (a total of 50 cannons overall). The 25 mm auto cannons can shoot down fighters and small attackers with ease, although some heavier aircraft such as bombers can shrug off enough of the fire to get close enough to drop bombs or torpedoes.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 (610 mm)}}

The Type 93 torpedoes can be found on Aoba. Also nicknamed the "Long Lance", these are arguably the best family of torpedoes in the game. The ones carried by Aoba are the longer range versions. With a top speed of 93 km/h (50 knots), range of 20 km, and explosive TNT equivalent of over 600 kg, these torpedoes have the power to destroy even battleships with a single salvo.

== Usage in battles ==

The decent turret firing angles allow the Aoba to sail bow front, maximizing the protective capabilities of the relatively thin armour while keeping all 6 guns pointed at the enemy. The AP shells have decent HE filler and deal good damage against all but the most heavily armoured ships. Target light and heavy cruisers, aiming for turrets can help you get satisfying ammunition detonations.

The Type 93 torpedoes can be launched from the spawn and can hit targets from extreme ranges, although the probability of a successful torpedo hit at these ranges is low due to many factors such as the low speed making them easier to dodge. Alternatively the torpedoes can be used at closer ranges where they will be much more difficult to dodge due to their speed.

If downtiered, Aoba can be played more agressively as- despite her thin armour, she will be able to shrug off destroyer gunfire. Be mindfull though as other 5.7 heavy cruisers such as Admiral Hipper class and County class can also be in the same situation, both of these will be able to outgun you.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The main guns have decent firing angles
* AP shells have great explosive filler
* Torpedoes have excellent range, speed and explosive filler
* Improved AA defence capability over Furutaka

'''Cons:'''

* Torpedo launchers have limited firing angles
* Thin armour compared to other heavy cruisers
* Only 3 main gun turrets
* Main gun turrets are fragile

== History ==

'''Design''' '''and Construction'''

In 1922, after revisions made to the navy following the signing of the Washington Naval Treaty, the proposed 7,500 ton scout cruisers before the treaty were now to become the Furutaka-class cruisers. The ships were designed by Constructor Captain Hiraga Yuzuru with assistance from Constructor Lieutenant Commander Fujimoto Kikuo. The Furutaka-class were designed to surpass the Omaha and Hawklins-class cruisers of the US and Royal British Navy, incorporating 6 x 20 cm guns in single turrets and giving the ships a broadside weight of fire nearly double that of the Omahas as well as a top speed of 35 Knots- achieved using 12 boilers with a combined 110,000 SHP, and armour that could resist 15cm shells from 12-15km away.

In 1922, the Furutaka-class cruisers were first laid down. In 1924 the recently promoted Rear Admiral Hiraga was sent abroad and during his absence Fujimoto was pressured into using the newly developed 2 x 20 cm gun turrets by the Naval General Staff on the new ships. However, Furutaka and Kako were too far into construction to retrofit the new equipment, therefore the remaining two ships, Aoba and Kinugasa, would be retrofitted with the new armament and placed in a separate class. Fujimoto modified the designs of Aoba and Kinugasa to incorporate the new gun turrets and also agreed to add aircraft catapults to the ships while the machinery and armour remained the same. After Kako was completed in 1926, design flaws in the funnel and bridge structure were discovered, corrections to these would also be used before completion of Aoba and her sistership

When completed, Aoba was overweight by almost 1,000 tons, sparking fears that this would negatively affect the stability of Aoba and her sistership. Luckily, the ships were designed with a considerable degree of stability, owing to Captain Hiraga designing the ships to be more stable than necessary so that the ships can have the machine spaces on one side be flooded without the threat of capsizing. Thus the stability loss was minor and the seaworthiness of the ships proved to be good. Aoba received her gunpowder-powered aircraft catapult in 1929. In 1930, the navy won approval for the modernization of the A-class cruisers to counter the numerical advantage enjoyed by the US Navy. However, the political situation limited the modernization given. Modifications started in 1938 and included new 20.3 cm/50 main guns, 4 x dual 25 mm AA guns around the funnel, and mounting of new quad torpedo launchers with the Type 90 torpedoes (Replaced with Type 93s in 1940). The total increase in weight meant Aoba had needed bulges added to the hull to restore stability.

'''Service Career'''

Aoba was completed in 1927 and assigned to Cruiser Division (CruDiv) 5, then CruDiv6 in 1933, and then CruDiv7. In the late 1920s to 1930s, Aoba was frequently used to patrol the China coast. After her 1938-40 modifications were completed, she was returned to CruDiv6. In 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbour, Aoba and the other cruisers of CruDiv6 engaged in the invasion of Guam, and she then participated in the second invasion of Wake Island.

In the Battle of Coral Sea, 1942, Aoba and CruDiv6 rendezvous at sea with light carrier Shoho. Dive and torpedo bombers from USS Yorktown and Lexington sunk Shoho on May 7th at 1100 hours. The next day, Aoba covered the withdrawal of the Port Moresby invasion convoy. On May 22nd, Aoba returned to Kure Naval Arsenal for repairs and was then sent to Santa Isabel Island for patrols before being assigned to the recently created Eighth Fleet on July 14th and was assigned to patrols around New Britain, New Ireland, and the Solomon Islands.

On August 7th 1942, an E13 spotter plane from Aoba found "one battleship, one auxiliary carrier, four cruisers, seven destroyers and 15 transports" off Teluga Point. In the Battle of Savo Island, Aoba accompanied CruDiv6, Takao-class cruiser Chokai, light cruisers Tenryuu and Yubari, and destroyer Yunagi, and engaged the Allied fleet at night, sinking cruisers USS Astoria, Quincy, Vincennes and HMAS Canberra and damaging the cruiser USS Chicago and destroyers Ralph Talbot and Patterson. Aoba was hit once during the battle while her sister ship Kinugasa was hit twice with Chokai being hit 3 times. Aoba then provided cover for the Japanese reinforcements heading for Guadalcanal.

In the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11th 1942, CruDiv6 departed with destroyers Fubuki and Hatsuyuki to cover reinforcement troops by shelling Henderson Field. They were spotted by 2 American OS2U Kingfishers and at 2235 the fleet was spotted by radar from USS Helena. Both sides opened fire, however Admiral Goto who was in command of CruDiv6 believed they were under friendly fire and ordered his ships to turn, thus exposing the broadsides of the fleet. Furutaka was sunk and Aoba suffered severe damage, No.2 turret was knocked out and No.3 turret was destroyed. 4 of Aoba<nowiki/>'s boilers were inoperable. Admiral Goto was mortally wounded and 80 crewmen were killed. After temporary repairs at Shortland, Aoba sailed to Truk on October 15th where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto inspected the damage before sending her back to Japan.

After returning to Kure, Aoba was repaired. The destroyed No.3 turret was replaced with a triple mount 25 mm AA gun and sent back to Truk on February 24th 1943. On April 3rd, Aoba was bombed by B-17 Flying Fortresses while moored at Kavieng. Two of Aoba<nowiki/>'s Type 93 torpedoes exploded and started a fire while she was strafed by machine gun fire from the B-17s. She was beached to prevent her from sinking. Aoba was then towed to Truk and then back to Kure where she was repaired and refitted. No.3 turret was returned, a Type 21 air-search radar was installed and 2 twin mount 25 mm AA guns were added. Irreparable engine damage limited Aoba<nowiki/>'s top speed to just 46 km/h (25 knots).

Aoba was then sent to Singapore as part of the First Southern Expeditionary Fleet on December 24th 1943. She was based outside of Singapore and escorted convoys to Burma and the Andaman Islands. On February 25th 1944, Aoba returned to CruDiv6 where she participated in the Indian Ocean raid in March and then resumed escort duties through the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea. In July, Aoba was refitted again in Singapore with the Type 22 air-search radar and gained an additional 4 triple mount 25 mm AA guns and 15 single mount 25 mm AA guns.

On October 11th, Aoba received minor damage after an accidental collision with cruiser Kinu. However, US submarine Bream attacked Aoba on October 23rd. 1 of 6 torpedoes struck Aoba in the No.2 engine room, she then sailed to Cavite Naval Yard near Manila for emergency repairs. While undergoing repairs, on October 29th Aoba was bombed by planes from Task Force 38. Aoba was then assigned to a convoy and sent back to Japan again despite incomplete repairs. While heading for Japan, the convoy was attacked by US submarines Guitarro, Bream, Raton and Ray off Luzon on November 6th. 23 torpedoes were launched by the submarines, 2 hit cruiser Kumano but Aoba escaped with no further damage. Upon arrival at Kure, Aoba was declared irreparable and re-rated into a reserve ship.

A US air raid on Kure on April 24th 1945 damaged Aoba further, causing her to sink and settle at the bottom of the shallow harbour. She was not repaired, instead additional 25 mm AA guns were fitted and she was turned into a floating AA battery with a total of 50 x 25 mm guns, 5 triple, 10 double and 15 single mounts. On July 14th, Kure was attacked again, this time by planes from Task Force 38. Aoba was bombed once again where she settled at the bottom at 2200 hours. 4 days later, the wreck of Aoba was bombed again by Task Force 38, 4 bomb hits set her on fire and B-24 Liberators hit her again with 4 bombs, breaking off her stern.

Aoba was formally removed from the Navy list in November 15th 1945 and her wreckage was scrapped in 1946-47.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[IJN Furutaka]]
* [[HMS Hawkins]]
* [[RN Zara]]
* [[Omaha (Family)]]
* [[USS Helena]]

== External links ==


* [https://www.world-war.co.uk/japan/aoba.php <nowiki>[WW2Cruisers]</nowiki> Aoba Class Heavy Cruiser]
* [http://www.combinedfleet.com/aoba_t.htm <nowiki>[Imperial Japanese Navy Page]</nowiki> IJN AOBA]

;Bibliography

* [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/898922.Japanese_Cruisers_of_the_Pacific_War Japanese Cruisers of the Pacific War - Eric Lacroix, Linton Wells II]

{{ShipManufacturer Mitsubishi Shipbuilding}}
{{Japan heavy cruisers}}

IJN Aoba

2021-12-10T15:10:27Z

U63379673: Added some text to mobility, added more detail to construction history

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_cruiser_aoba
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].

While originally part of the Furutaka class of heavy cruisers first laid down in 1922, the development of new guns and turrets prompted the modification of Aoba and her sister ship Kinugasa in 1924, placing them into their own class with Aoba being the lead ship. Aoba shares her armour and main armament with [[IJN Furutaka|Furutaka]] while having vastly improved anti-aircraft capability and can be played in a similar manner.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Aoba is lightly armoured. The belt armour is only 76.2 mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) and does not extend towards the front and rear turrets to offer additional protection for the magazines; most other heavy cruisers and some light cruisers have thicker armour. Fortunately, the ammunition magazines for the main guns are below the water line and the top is covered by 32 mm of RHA. The fuel tanks in the centre are protected by the belt armour, but the thin steel means these can be easily set on fire which can then spread to the engines. Additional fuel tanks in the bow and stern are completely unprotected and since they are located quite close to the ammunition, the fire can spread to the ammunition. The turrets are large and easy to hit, with only 25mm of RHA. HE from destroyer calibre guns have no issue disabling the turrets.

With only 657 crew, Aoba has the second fewest number of sailors for a heavy cruiser after [[IJN Kako]]. This leaves her vulnerable to complete crew loss in a few minutes if concentrated upon by multiple ships.

Although other cruisers can easily put Aoba out of commission, destroyers will have a hard time dealing any significant damage outside of disabling turrets and starting fires.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

With 12 boilers producing 108000 SHP combined, Aoba will accelerate to her top speed of 72km/h (38.9 knots) in arcade and 62km/h (33.5 knots) in realistic in 40 seconds.

In Arcade the rudder takes 7 seconds to traverse completely from either side to the next and in Aoba can complete a sustained turn in 102 seconds. Realistic battles drops Aoba's sustained turn time to 180 seconds.

Overall, Aoba has good mobility, closely matching a number of lighter vessels such as the Omaha-class and Leipzig-class cruisers

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|20 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 (203 mm)}}

Aoba has 6 x 20.3 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 guns split into 3 turrets with 2 guns each. 2 turrets are forward and a single aft of the superstructure. The forward turrets are superfiring, meaning the one behind can shoot over the one in front. She can use HE, HE-TF, and AP shells. The turrets have a slow rotation speed but great firing angles. The guns have a reload time of 12 seconds with the top crew skills, putting them on par with the German Admiral Hipper-class and British County-class heavy cruisers.

HE-TF should be avoided since the slow turret rotation speed and low rate of fire makes this shell basically useless against air targets, and it is not effective against surface targets unlike HE-VT. However, the AP has the best HE filler of all the 20.3 cm (8 inch) armed cruisers and is shared with the much larger and more powerful heavy cruisers in the Japanese fleet, [[IJN Mogami|Mogami]] and [[IJN Tone|Tone]]. The great HE filler deals significant damage to cruisers and has an increased chance of detonating the ammunition storages of enemy ships.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)}}

Aoba comes equipped with 4 turrets with a single 120 mm gun each. These guns are dual purpose, able to use HE-TF against aircraft. Since there are only 4 guns however, it is unlikely these will deter any oncoming aircraft. With very thin armour, and limited numbers, these guns are not all that useful.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|25 mm/60 Type 96 (25 mm)}}

Aoba sees a great improvement over Furutaka in the anti-air department, going from just 4 x dual mount 25 mm auto cannons and 2 x 13.2 mm machine guns, to 15 x single mount, 10 x double mount, and 5 x triple mount 25 mm cannons (a total of 50 cannons overall). The 25 mm auto cannons can shoot down fighters and small attackers with ease, although some heavier aircraft such as bombers can shrug off enough of the fire to get close enough to drop bombs or torpedoes.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 (610 mm)}}

The Type 93 torpedoes can be found on Aoba. Also nicknamed the "Long Lance", these are arguably the best family of torpedoes in the game. The ones carried by Aoba are the longer range versions. With a top speed of 93 km/h (50 knots), range of 20 km, and explosive TNT equivalent of over 600 kg, these torpedoes have the power to destroy even battleships with a single salvo.

== Usage in battles ==

The decent turret firing angles allow the Aoba to sail bow front, maximizing the protective capabilities of the relatively thin armour. The AP shells have decent HE filler and deal good damage against all but the most heavily armoured ships. The Type 93 torpedoes can be launched from the spawn and can hit targets from extreme ranges, although the probability of a successful torpedo hit at these ranges is low due to many factors such as the low speed making them easier to dodge. Alternatively the torpedoes can be used at closer ranges where they will be much more difficult to dodge.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The main guns have decent firing angles
* AP shells have great explosive filler
* Torpedoes have excellent range, speed and explosive filler
* Improved AA defence capability over Furutaka

'''Cons:'''

* Torpedo launchers have limited firing angles
* Thin armour compared to other heavy cruisers
* Main gun turrets are fragile

== History ==

'''Construction'''

In 1922, the ''Furutaka''-class cruisers (known as A class in the Japanese navy) were first laid down. These ships were concieved and designed by Captain Hiraga Yuzuru to surpass the capabilities of the American ''Omaha'' class and British ''Hawkins'' class cruisers. The ''Furutaka'' class were designed to incorporate 6x20cm guns in single turrets and giving the ships a broadside weight of fire nearly double that of the Omahas. As well as this the new ships were to have superior protection and and a similar top speed. In 1924, it was decided to use the newly developed 2 x 20 cm gun turrets on the ships. However, ''Furutaka'' and ''Kako'' were too far into construction to retrofit the new equipment, therefore the remaining two ships, ''Aoba'' and ''Kinugasa'', would be retrofitted with the new armament and placed in a separate class. The machinery producing 110000 SHP and armour designed to directly resist 15cm shells from 12-15km remained the same. When completed, Aoba was overweight by almost 1000 tons, sparking fears that this would negatively affect the stability of Aoba and her sistership. Luckily, the ships were designed with a considerable degree of stability, owing to Captain Hiraga designing the ships to be more stable than necessary so that the ships can have the machine spaces on one side be flooded without the threat of capsizing. Thus the stability loss was minor and the seaworthiness of the ships proved to be good. ''Aoba'' received her gunpowder-powered aircraft catapult in 1929. In 1930, the navy won approval for the modernization of the A-class cruisers to counter the numerical advantage enjoyed by the US Navy. However, the political situation limited the modernization given. Modifications started in 1938 and included new 20.3 cm/50 main guns, 4 x dual 25 mm AA guns around the funnel, and mounting of new quad torpedo launchers with the Type 90 torpedoes (Replaced with Type 93s in 1940). The total increase in weight meant ''Aoba'' had needed bulges added to the hull to restore stability.

'''Service Career'''

''Aoba'' was completed in 1927 and assigned to Cruiser Division (CruDiv) 5, then CruDiv6 in 1933, and then CruDiv7. In the late 1920s to 1930s, ''Aoba'' was frequently used to patrol the China coast. After her 1938-40 modifications were completed, she was returned to CruDiv6. In 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbour, ''Aoba'' and the other cruisers of CruDiv6 engaged in the invasion of Guam, and she then participated in the second invasion of Wake Island.

In the Battle of Coral Sea, 1942, ''Aoba'' and CruDiv6 rendezvous at sea with light carrier ''Shoho''. Dive and torpedo bombers from USS ''Yorktown'' and ''Lexington'' sunk ''Shoho'' on May 7th at 1100 hours. The next day, ''Aoba'' covered the withdrawal of the Port Moresby invasion convoy. On May 22nd, ''Aoba'' returned to Kure Naval Arsenal for repairs and was then sent to Santa Isabel Island for patrols before being assigned to the recently created Eighth Fleet on July 14th and was assigned to patrols around New Britain, New Ireland, and the Solomon Islands.

On August 7th 1942, an E13 spotter plane from ''Aoba'' found "one battleship, one auxiliary carrier, four cruisers, seven destroyers and 15 transports" off Teluga Point. In the Battle of Savo Island, ''Aoba'' accompanied CruDiv6, ''Takao''-class cruiser ''Chokai'', light cruisers ''Tenryuu'' and ''Yubari'', and destroyer ''Yunagi'', and engaged the Allied fleet at night, sinking cruisers USS ''Astoria'', ''Quincy'', ''Vincennes'' and HMAS ''Canberra'' and damaging the cruiser USS ''Chicago'' and destroyers ''Ralph Talbot'' and ''Patterson''. ''Aoba'' was hit once during the battle while her sister ship ''Kinugasa'' was hit twice with ''Chokai'' being hit 3 times. ''Aoba'' then provided cover for the Japanese reinforcements heading for Guadalcanal.

In the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11th 1942, CruDiv6 departed with destroyers ''Fubuki'' and ''Hatsuyuki'' to cover reinforcement troops by shelling Henderson Field. They were spotted by 2 American OS2U Kingfishers and at 2235 the fleet was spotted by radar from USS ''Helena''. Both sides opened fire, however Admiral Goto who was in command of CruDiv6 believed they were under friendly fire and ordered his ships to turn, thus exposing the broadsides of the fleet. ''Furutaka'' was sunk and ''Aoba'' suffered severe damage, No.2 turret was knocked out and No.3 turret was destroyed. 4 of ''Aoba''<nowiki/>'s boilers were inoperable. Admiral Goto was mortally wounded and 80 crewmen were killed. After temporary repairs at Shortland, ''Aoba'' sailed to Truk on October 15th where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto inspected the damage before sending her back to Japan.

After returning to Kure, ''Aoba'' was repaired. The destroyed No.3 turret was replaced with a triple mount 25 mm AA gun and sent back to Truk on February 24th 1943. On April 3rd, ''Aoba'' was bombed by B-17 Flying Fortresses while moored at Kavieng. Two of ''Aoba''<nowiki/>'s Type 93 torpedoes exploded and started a fire while she was strafed by machine gun fire from the B-17s. She was beached to prevent her from sinking. ''Aoba'' was then towed to Truk and then back to Kure where she was repaired and refitted. No.3 turret was returned, a Type 21 air-search radar was installed and 2 twin mount 25 mm AA guns were added. Irreparable engine damage limited ''Aoba''<nowiki/>'s top speed to just 46 km/h (25 knots).

''Aoba'' was then sent to Singapore as part of the First Southern Expeditionary Fleet on December 24th 1943. She was based outside of Singapore and escorted convoys to Burma and the Andaman Islands. On February 25th 1944, ''Aoba'' returned to CruDiv6 where she participated in the Indian Ocean raid in March and then resumed escort duties through the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea. In July, ''Aoba'' was refitted again in Singapore with the Type 22 air-search radar and gained an additional 4 triple mount 25 mm AA guns and 15 single mount 25 mm AA guns.

On October 11th, ''Aoba'' received minor damage after an accidental collision with cruiser ''Kinu''. However, US submarine ''Bream'' attacked ''Aoba'' on October 23rd. 1 of 6 torpedoes struck ''Aoba'' in the No.2 engine room, she then sailed to Cavite Naval Yard near Manila for emergency repairs. While undergoing repairs, on October 29th ''Aoba'' was bombed by planes from Task Force 38. ''Aoba'' was then assigned to a convoy and sent back to Japan again despite incomplete repairs. While heading for Japan, the convoy was attacked by US submarines ''Guitarro'', ''Bream'', ''Raton'' and ''Ray'' off Luzon on November 6th. 23 torpedoes were launched by the submarines, 2 hit cruiser ''Kumano'' but ''Aoba'' escaped with no further damage. Upon arrival at Kure, ''Aoba'' was declared irreparable and re-rated into a reserve ship.

A US air raid on Kure on April 24th 1945 damaged ''Aoba'' further, causing her to sink and settle at the bottom of the shallow harbour. She was not repaired, instead additional 25 mm AA guns were fitted and she was turned into a floating AA battery with a total of 50 x 25 mm guns, 5 triple, 10 double and 15 single mounts. On July 14th, Kure was attacked again, this time by planes from Task Force 38. ''Aoba'' was bombed once again where she settled at the bottom at 2200 hours. 4 days later, the wreck of ''Aoba'' was bombed again by Task Force 38, 4 bomb hits set her on fire and B-24 Liberators hit her again with 4 bombs, breaking off her stern.

''Aoba'' was formally removed from the Navy list in November 15th 1945 and her wreckage was scrapped in 1946-47.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[IJN Furutaka]]
* [[HMS Hawkins]]
* [[RN Zara]]
* [[Omaha (Family)]]
* [[USS Helena]]

== External links ==


* https://www.world-war.co.uk/japan/aoba.php
* http://www.combinedfleet.com/aoba_t.htm
* https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/898922.Japanese_Cruisers_of_the_Pacific_War

{{ShipManufacturer Mitsubishi Shipbuilding}}
{{Japan heavy cruisers}}

IJN Aoba

2021-11-10T11:04:35Z

U63379673: /* Primary armament */

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_cruiser_aoba
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].

While originally part of the Furutaka class of heavy cruisers first laid down in 1922, the development of new guns and turrets prompted the modification of Aoba and her sister ship Kinugasa in 1924, placing them into their own class with Aoba being the lead ship. Aoba shares her armour and main armament with [[IJN Furutaka|Furutaka]] while having vastly improved anti-aircraft capability and can be played in a similar manner.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Aoba is lightly armoured. The belt armour is only 76.2 mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) and does not extend towards the front and rear turrets to offer additional protection for the magazines; most other heavy cruisers and some light cruisers have thicker armour. Fortunately, the ammunition magazines for the main guns are below the water line and the top is covered by 32 mm of RHA. The fuel tanks in the centre are protected by the belt armour, but the thin steel means these can be easily set on fire which can then spread to the engines. Additional fuel tanks in the bow and stern are completely unprotected and since they are located quite close to the ammunition, the fire can spread to the ammunition. The turrets are large and easy to hit, with only 25mm of RHA. HE from destroyer calibre guns have no issue disabling the turrets.

With only 657 crew, Aoba has the second fewest number of sailors for a heavy cruiser after [[IJN Kako]]. This leaves her vulnerable to complete crew loss in a few minutes if concentrated upon by multiple ships.

Although other cruisers can easily put Aoba out of commission, destroyers will have a hard time dealing any significant damage outside of disabling turrets and starting fires.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|20 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 (203 mm)}}

Aoba has 6 x 20.3 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 guns split into 3 turrets with 2 guns each. 2 turrets are forward and a single aft of the superstructure. The forward turrets are superfiring, meaning the one behind can shoot over the one in front. She can use HE, HE-TF, and AP shells. The turrets have a slow rotation speed but great firing angles. The guns have a reload time of 12 seconds with the top crew skills, putting them on par with the German Admiral Hipper-class and British County-class heavy cruisers.

HE-TF should be avoided since the slow turret rotation speed and low rate of fire makes this shell basically useless against air targets, and it is not effective against surface targets unlike HE-VT. However, the AP has the best HE filler of all the 20.3 cm (8 inch) armed cruisers and is shared with the much larger and more powerful heavy cruisers in the Japanese fleet, [[IJN Mogami|Mogami]] and [[IJN Tone|Tone]]. The great HE filler deals significant damage to cruisers and has an increased chance of detonating the ammunition storages of enemy ships.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)}}

Aoba comes equipped with 4 turrets with a single 120 mm gun each. These guns are dual purpose, able to use HE-TF against aircraft. Since there are only 4 guns however, it is unlikely these will deter any oncoming aircraft. With very thin armour, and limited numbers, these guns are not all that useful.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|25 mm/60 Type 96 (25 mm)}}

Aoba sees a great improvement over Furutaka in the anti-air department, going from just 4 x dual mount 25 mm auto cannons and 2 x 13.2 mm machine guns, to 15 x single mount, 10 x double mount, and 5 x triple mount 25 mm cannons (a total of 50 cannons overall). The 25 mm auto cannons can shoot down fighters and small attackers with ease, although some heavier aircraft such as bombers can shrug off enough of the fire to get close enough to drop bombs or torpedoes.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 (610 mm)}}

The Type 93 torpedoes can be found on Aoba. Also nicknamed the "Long Lance", these are arguably the best family of torpedoes in the game. The ones carried by Aoba are the longer range versions. With a top speed of 93 km/h (50 knots), range of 20 km, and explosive TNT equivalent of over 600 kg, these torpedoes have the power to destroy even battleships with a single salvo.

== Usage in battles ==

The decent turret firing angles allow the Aoba to sail bow front, maximizing the protective capabilities of the relatively thin armour. The AP shells have decent HE filler and deal good damage against all but the most heavily armoured ships. The Type 93 torpedoes can be launched from the spawn and can hit targets from extreme ranges, although the probability of a successful torpedo hit at these ranges is low due to many factors such as the low speed making them easier to dodge. Alternatively the torpedoes can be used at closer ranges where they will be much more difficult to dodge.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The main guns have decent firing angles
* AP shells have great explosive filler
* Torpedoes have excellent range, speed and explosive filler
* Improved AA defence capability over Furutaka

'''Cons:'''

* Torpedo launchers have limited firing angles
* Thin armour compared to other heavy cruisers
* Main gun turrets are fragile

== History ==

'''Construction'''

In 1922, the ''Furutaka''-class cruisers (known as A class in the Japanese navy) were first laid down. Designed to compete with the American ''Omaha'' class and British ''Hawkins'' class, the ''Furutaka'' class were just as fast, had a heavier broadside and had more powerful torpedoes. In 1924, it was decided to use the newly developed 2 x 20 cm gun turrets on the ships. However, it was too late to retrofit ''Furutaka'' and ''Kako'', therefore the remaining two ships, ''Aoba'' and ''Kinugasa'', would be retrofitted with the new armament and placed in a separate class. The machinery and armour remained the same. ''Aoba'' received a gunpowder-powered aircraft catapult in 1929. In 1930, the navy won approval for the modernization of the A-class cruisers to counter the numerical advantage enjoyed by the US Navy. However, the political situation limited the modernization given. Modifications started in 1938 and included new 20.3 cm/50 main guns, 4 x dual 25 mm AA guns around the funnel, and mounting of new torpedo launchers with the Type 93 torpedoes. The total increase in weight meant ''Aoba'' had needed bulges added to the hull to restore stability.

'''Service Career'''

''Aoba'' was completed in 1927 and assigned to Cruiser Division (CruDiv) 5, then CruDiv6 in 1933, and then CruDiv7. In the late 1920s to 1930s, ''Aoba'' was frequently used to patrol the China coast. After her 1938-40 modifications were completed, she was returned to CruDiv6. In 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbour, ''Aoba'' and the other cruisers of CruDiv6 engaged in the invasion of Guam, and she then participated in the second invasion of Wake Island.

In the Battle of Coral Sea, 1942, ''Aoba'' and CruDiv6 rendezvous at sea with light carrier ''Shoho''. Dive and torpedo bombers from USS ''Yorktown'' and ''Lexington'' sunk ''Shoho'' on May 7th at 1100 hours. The next day, ''Aoba'' covered the withdrawal of the Port Moresby invasion convoy. On May 22nd, ''Aoba'' returned to Kure Naval Arsenal for repairs and was then sent to Santa Isabel Island for patrols before being assigned to the recently created Eighth Fleet on July 14th and was assigned to patrols around New Britain, New Ireland, and the Solomon Islands.

On August 7th 1942, an E13 spotter plane from ''Aoba'' found "one battleship, one auxiliary carrier, four cruisers, seven destroyers and 15 transports" off Teluga Point. In the Battle of Savo Island, ''Aoba'' accompanied CruDiv6, ''Takao''-class cruiser ''Chokai'', light cruisers ''Tenryuu'' and ''Yubari'', and destroyer ''Yunagi'', and engaged the Allied fleet at night, sinking cruisers USS ''Astoria'', ''Quincy'', ''Vincennes'' and HMAS ''Canberra'' and damaging the cruiser USS ''Chicago'' and destroyers ''Ralph Talbot'' and ''Patterson''. ''Aoba'' was hit once during the battle while her sister ship ''Kinugasa'' was hit twice with ''Chokai'' being hit 3 times. ''Aoba'' then provided cover for the Japanese reinforcements heading for Guadalcanal.

In the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11th 1942, CruDiv6 departed with destroyers ''Fubuki'' and ''Hatsuyuki'' to cover reinforcement troops by shelling Henderson Field. They were spotted by 2 American OS2U Kingfishers and at 2235 the fleet was spotted by radar from USS ''Helena''. Both sides opened fire, however Admiral Goto who was in command of CruDiv6 believed they were under friendly fire and ordered his ships to turn, thus exposing the broadsides of the fleet. ''Furutaka'' was sunk and ''Aoba'' suffered severe damage, No.2 turret was knocked out and No.3 turret was destroyed. 4 of ''Aoba''<nowiki/>'s boilers were inoperable. Admiral Goto was mortally wounded and 80 crewmen were killed. After temporary repairs at Shortland, ''Aoba'' sailed to Truk on October 15th where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto inspected the damage before sending her back to Japan.

After returning to Kure, ''Aoba'' was repaired. The destroyed No.3 turret was replaced with a triple mount 25 mm AA gun and sent back to Truk on February 24th 1943. On April 3rd, ''Aoba'' was bombed by B-17 Flying Fortresses while moored at Kavieng. Two of ''Aoba''<nowiki/>'s Type 93 torpedoes exploded and started a fire while she was strafed by machine gun fire from the B-17s. She was beached to prevent her from sinking. ''Aoba'' was then towed to Truk and then back to Kure where she was repaired and refitted. No.3 turret was returned, a Type 21 air-search radar was installed and 2 twin mount 25 mm AA guns were added. Irreparable engine damage limited ''Aoba''<nowiki/>'s top speed to just 46 km/h (25 knots).

''Aoba'' was then sent to Singapore as part of the First Southern Expeditionary Fleet on December 24th 1943. She was based outside of Singapore and escorted convoys to Burma and the Andaman Islands. On February 25th 1944, ''Aoba'' returned to CruDiv6 where she participated in the Indian Ocean raid in March and then resumed escort duties through the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea. In July, ''Aoba'' was refitted again in Singapore with the Type 22 air-search radar and gained an additional 4 triple mount 25 mm AA guns and 15 single mount 25 mm AA guns.

On October 11th, ''Aoba'' received minor damage after an accidental collision with cruiser ''Kinu''. However, US submarine ''Bream'' attacked ''Aoba'' on October 23rd. 1 of 6 torpedoes struck ''Aoba'' in the No.2 engine room, she then sailed to Cavite Naval Yard near Manila for emergency repairs. While undergoing repairs, on October 29th ''Aoba'' was bombed by planes from Task Force 38. ''Aoba'' was then assigned to a convoy and sent back to Japan again despite incomplete repairs. While heading for Japan, the convoy was attacked by US submarines ''Guitarro'', ''Bream'', ''Raton'' and ''Ray'' off Luzon on November 6th. 23 torpedoes were launched by the submarines, 2 hit cruiser ''Kumano'' but ''Aoba'' escaped with no further damage. Upon arrival at Kure, ''Aoba'' was declared irreparable and re-rated into a reserve ship.

A US air raid on Kure on April 24th 1945 damaged ''Aoba'' further, causing her to sink and settle at the bottom of the shallow harbour. She was not repaired, instead additional 25 mm AA guns were fitted and she was turned into a floating AA battery with a total of 50 x 25 mm guns, 5 triple, 10 double and 15 single mounts. On July 14th, Kure was attacked again, this time by planes from Task Force 38. ''Aoba'' was bombed once again where she settled at the bottom at 2200 hours. 4 days later, the wreck of ''Aoba'' was bombed again by Task Force 38, 4 bomb hits set her on fire and B-24 Liberators hit her again with 4 bombs, breaking off her stern.

''Aoba'' was formally removed from the Navy list in November 15th 1945 and her wreckage was scrapped in 1946-47.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[IJN Furutaka]]
* [[HMS Hawkins]]
* [[RN Zara]]
* [[Omaha (Family)]]
* [[USS Helena]]

== External links ==


* https://www.world-war.co.uk/japan/aoba.php
* http://www.combinedfleet.com/aoba_t.htm

{{Japan heavy cruisers}}

IJN Aoba

2021-11-10T10:59:00Z

U63379673: Spelling and grammar for history

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_cruiser_aoba
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].

While originally part of the Furutaka class of heavy cruisers first laid down in 1922, the development of new guns and turrets prompted the modification of Aoba and her sister ship Kinugasa in 1924, placing them into their own class with Aoba being the lead ship. Aoba shares her armour and main armament with [[IJN Furutaka|Furutaka]] while having vastly improved anti-aircraft capability and can be played in a similar manner.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Aoba is lightly armoured. The belt armour is only 76.2 mm of rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) and does not extend towards the front and rear turrets to offer additional protection for the magazines; most other heavy cruisers and some light cruisers have thicker armour. Fortunately, the ammunition magazines for the main guns are below the water line and the top is covered by 32 mm of RHA. The fuel tanks in the centre are protected by the belt armour, but the thin steel means these can be easily set on fire which can then spread to the engines. Additional fuel tanks in the bow and stern are completely unprotected and since they are located quite close to the ammunition, the fire can spread to the ammunition. The turrets are large and easy to hit, with only 25mm of RHA. HE from destroyer calibre guns have no issue disabling the turrets.

With only 657 crew, Aoba has the second fewest number of sailors for a heavy cruiser after [[IJN Kako]]. This leaves her vulnerable to complete crew loss in a few minutes if concentrated upon by multiple ships.

Although other cruisers can easily put Aoba out of commission, destroyers will have a hard time dealing any significant damage outside of disabling turrets and starting fires.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|20 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 (203 mm)}}

Aoba has 6 x 20.3 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 guns split into 3 turrets with 2 guns each. 2 turrets are forward and a single aft of the superstructure. The forward turrets are superfiring, meaning the one behind can shoot over the one in front. She can use HE, HE-TF, and AP shells. The turrets have a slow rotation speed but great firing angles. The guns have a reload time of 12 seconds with the top crew skills, putting them on par with the German Admiral Hipper-class and British County-class heavy cruisers.

HE-TF should be avoided since the slow turret rotation speed and low rate of fire makes this shell basically useless against air targets, and it is not effective against surface targets unlike HE-VT. However, the AP has the best HE filler of all the 20.3 cm (8 inch) armed cruisers and is shared with the much larger and more powerful heavy cruisers in the Japanese fleet, Mogami and Tone. The great HE filler deals significant damage to cruisers and has an increased chance of detonating the ammunition storages of enemy ships.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)}}

Aoba comes equipped with 4 turrets with a single 120 mm gun each. These guns are dual purpose, able to use HE-TF against aircraft. Since there are only 4 guns however, it is unlikely these will deter any oncoming aircraft. With very thin armour, and limited numbers, these guns are not all that useful.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|25 mm/60 Type 96 (25 mm)}}

Aoba sees a great improvement over Furutaka in the anti-air department, going from just 4 x dual mount 25 mm auto cannons and 2 x 13.2 mm machine guns, to 15 x single mount, 10 x double mount, and 5 x triple mount 25 mm cannons (a total of 50 cannons overall). The 25 mm auto cannons can shoot down fighters and small attackers with ease, although some heavier aircraft such as bombers can shrug off enough of the fire to get close enough to drop bombs or torpedoes.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 (610 mm)}}

The Type 93 torpedoes can be found on Aoba. Also nicknamed the "Long Lance", these are arguably the best family of torpedoes in the game. The ones carried by Aoba are the longer range versions. With a top speed of 93 km/h (50 knots), range of 20 km, and explosive TNT equivalent of over 600 kg, these torpedoes have the power to destroy even battleships with a single salvo.

== Usage in battles ==

The decent turret firing angles allow the Aoba to sail bow front, maximizing the protective capabilities of the relatively thin armour. The AP shells have decent HE filler and deal good damage against all but the most heavily armoured ships. The Type 93 torpedoes can be launched from the spawn and can hit targets from extreme ranges, although the probability of a successful torpedo hit at these ranges is low due to many factors such as the low speed making them easier to dodge. Alternatively the torpedoes can be used at closer ranges where they will be much more difficult to dodge.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The main guns have decent firing angles
* AP shells have great explosive filler
* Torpedoes have excellent range, speed and explosive filler
* Improved AA defence capability over Furutaka

'''Cons:'''

* Torpedo launchers have limited firing angles
* Thin armour compared to other heavy cruisers
* Main gun turrets are fragile

== History ==

'''Construction'''

In 1922, the ''Furutaka''-class cruisers (known as A class in the Japanese navy) were first laid down. Designed to compete with the American ''Omaha'' class and British ''Hawkins'' class, the ''Furutaka'' class were just as fast, had a heavier broadside and had more powerful torpedoes. In 1924, it was decided to use the newly developed 2 x 20 cm gun turrets on the ships. However, it was too late to retrofit ''Furutaka'' and ''Kako'', therefore the remaining two ships, ''Aoba'' and ''Kinugasa'', would be retrofitted with the new armament and placed in a separate class. The machinery and armour remained the same. ''Aoba'' received a gunpowder-powered aircraft catapult in 1929. In 1930, the navy won approval for the modernization of the A-class cruisers to counter the numerical advantage enjoyed by the US Navy. However, the political situation limited the modernization given. Modifications started in 1938 and included new 20.3 cm/50 main guns, 4 x dual 25 mm AA guns around the funnel, and mounting of new torpedo launchers with the Type 93 torpedoes. The total increase in weight meant ''Aoba'' had needed bulges added to the hull to restore stability.

'''Service Career'''

''Aoba'' was completed in 1927 and assigned to Cruiser Division (CruDiv) 5, then CruDiv6 in 1933, and then CruDiv7. In the late 1920s to 1930s, ''Aoba'' was frequently used to patrol the China coast. After her 1938-40 modifications were completed, she was returned to CruDiv6. In 1941, during the attack on Pearl Harbour, ''Aoba'' and the other cruisers of CruDiv6 engaged in the invasion of Guam, and she then participated in the second invasion of Wake Island.

In the Battle of Coral Sea, 1942, ''Aoba'' and CruDiv6 rendezvous at sea with light carrier ''Shoho''. Dive and torpedo bombers from USS ''Yorktown'' and ''Lexington'' sunk ''Shoho'' on May 7th at 1100 hours. The next day, ''Aoba'' covered the withdrawal of the Port Moresby invasion convoy. On May 22nd, ''Aoba'' returned to Kure Naval Arsenal for repairs and was then sent to Santa Isabel Island for patrols before being assigned to the recently created Eighth Fleet on July 14th and was assigned to patrols around New Britain, New Ireland, and the Solomon Islands.

On August 7th 1942, an E13 spotter plane from ''Aoba'' found "one battleship, one auxiliary carrier, four cruisers, seven destroyers and 15 transports" off Teluga Point. In the Battle of Savo Island, ''Aoba'' accompanied CruDiv6, ''Takao''-class cruiser ''Chokai'', light cruisers ''Tenryuu'' and ''Yubari'', and destroyer ''Yunagi'', and engaged the Allied fleet at night, sinking cruisers USS ''Astoria'', ''Quincy'', ''Vincennes'' and HMAS ''Canberra'' and damaging the cruiser USS ''Chicago'' and destroyers ''Ralph Talbot'' and ''Patterson''. ''Aoba'' was hit once during the battle while her sister ship ''Kinugasa'' was hit twice with ''Chokai'' being hit 3 times. ''Aoba'' then provided cover for the Japanese reinforcements heading for Guadalcanal.

In the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11th 1942, CruDiv6 departed with destroyers ''Fubuki'' and ''Hatsuyuki'' to cover reinforcement troops by shelling Henderson Field. They were spotted by 2 American OS2U Kingfishers and at 2235 the fleet was spotted by radar from USS ''Helena''. Both sides opened fire, however Admiral Goto who was in command of CruDiv6 believed they were under friendly fire and ordered his ships to turn, thus exposing the broadsides of the fleet. ''Furutaka'' was sunk and ''Aoba'' suffered severe damage, No.2 turret was knocked out and No.3 turret was destroyed. 4 of ''Aoba''<nowiki/>'s boilers were inoperable. Admiral Goto was mortally wounded and 80 crewmen were killed. After temporary repairs at Shortland, ''Aoba'' sailed to Truk on October 15th where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto inspected the damage before sending her back to Japan.

After returning to Kure, ''Aoba'' was repaired. The destroyed No.3 turret was replaced with a triple mount 25 mm AA gun and sent back to Truk on February 24th 1943. On April 3rd, ''Aoba'' was bombed by B-17 Flying Fortresses while moored at Kavieng. Two of ''Aoba''<nowiki/>'s Type 93 torpedoes exploded and started a fire while she was strafed by machine gun fire from the B-17s. She was beached to prevent her from sinking. ''Aoba'' was then towed to Truk and then back to Kure where she was repaired and refitted. No.3 turret was returned, a Type 21 air-search radar was installed and 2 twin mount 25 mm AA guns were added. Irreparable engine damage limited ''Aoba''<nowiki/>'s top speed to just 46 km/h (25 knots).

''Aoba'' was then sent to Singapore as part of the First Southern Expeditionary Fleet on December 24th 1943. She was based outside of Singapore and escorted convoys to Burma and the Andaman Islands. On February 25th 1944, ''Aoba'' returned to CruDiv6 where she participated in the Indian Ocean raid in March and then resumed escort duties through the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea. In July, ''Aoba'' was refitted again in Singapore with the Type 22 air-search radar and gained an additional 4 triple mount 25 mm AA guns and 15 single mount 25 mm AA guns.

On October 11th, ''Aoba'' received minor damage after an accidental collision with cruiser ''Kinu''. However, US submarine ''Bream'' attacked ''Aoba'' on October 23rd. 1 of 6 torpedoes struck ''Aoba'' in the No.2 engine room, she then sailed to Cavite Naval Yard near Manila for emergency repairs. While undergoing repairs, on October 29th ''Aoba'' was bombed by planes from Task Force 38. ''Aoba'' was then assigned to a convoy and sent back to Japan again despite incomplete repairs. While heading for Japan, the convoy was attacked by US submarines ''Guitarro'', ''Bream'', ''Raton'' and ''Ray'' off Luzon on November 6th. 23 torpedoes were launched by the submarines, 2 hit cruiser ''Kumano'' but ''Aoba'' escaped with no further damage. Upon arrival at Kure, ''Aoba'' was declared irreparable and re-rated into a reserve ship.

A US air raid on Kure on April 24th 1945 damaged ''Aoba'' further, causing her to sink and settle at the bottom of the shallow harbour. She was not repaired, instead additional 25 mm AA guns were fitted and she was turned into a floating AA battery with a total of 50 x 25 mm guns, 5 triple, 10 double and 15 single mounts. On July 14th, Kure was attacked again, this time by planes from Task Force 38. ''Aoba'' was bombed once again where she settled at the bottom at 2200 hours. 4 days later, the wreck of ''Aoba'' was bombed again by Task Force 38, 4 bomb hits set her on fire and B-24 Liberators hit her again with 4 bombs, breaking off her stern.

''Aoba'' was formally removed from the Navy list in November 15th 1945 and her wreckage was scrapped in 1946-47.

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[IJN Furutaka]]
* [[HMS Hawkins]]
* [[RN Zara]]
* [[Omaha (Family)]]
* [[USS Helena]]

== External links ==


* https://www.world-war.co.uk/japan/aoba.php
* http://www.combinedfleet.com/aoba_t.htm

{{Japan heavy cruisers}}

IJN Aoba

2021-11-09T14:32:54Z

U63379673: /* See also */

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_cruiser_aoba
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].

While orignially part of the Furutaka class heavy cruisers first laid down in 1922, but in 1924 the development of new guns and turrets prompted the modification of Aoba and her sister ship Kinugasa which were then placed into their own class with Aoba being the leadship. Aoba shares her armour and main armament with [https://wiki.warthunder.com/IJN_Furutaka Furutaka] while having vastly improved anti-aircraft capability and can be played in a similar manner.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Aoba is lightly armoured. The belt armour is only 76.2mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and does not extend towards the front and rear turrets to offer additional protection for the magazines, most other heavy heavy cruisers and some light cruisers have thicker armour. Fortunately, the ammunition magazines for the main guns are bellow the water line and the top is covered by 32mm of RHA. The fuel tanks in the centre are protected by the belt armour, but the thin steel means these will get set on fire which can then spread to the engines. Additional fuel tanks in the bow and stern are completely unprotected and since they are located quite close to the ammunition, the fire can spread to the ammunition. The turrets are large and easy to hit, with only 25mm of RHA. HE from destroyer calibre guns have no issue dissabling the turrets.

With only 657 crew, Aoba has the second least amount of sailors for a heavy cruiser after IJN Kako. This leaves her vulnerable to complete crew loss in a few minutes if concentrated upon by multiple ships.

Although can be easily put Aoba out of commission by other cruisers, destroyers will have a hard time dealing any significant damage outside of disabling turrets and starting fires.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|20 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 (203 mm)}}

Aoba has 6 x 20.3cm/50 3rd year type No.2 guns split into 3 turrets with 2 guns each. 2 turrets are forward and a single is aft of the superstructure. The forward turrets are superfiring, meaning the one behind can shoot over the one in front. She can use HE, HE-TF and AP shells. The turrets have a slow rotation speed but great firing angles. The guns have a reload rate of 12 seconds with the top crew skills, putting them on par with the German Admiral hipper class and British County class heavy cruisers.

HE-TF should be avoided since the slow turret rotation speed and low rate of fire makes this shell basically useless against air targets and cannot be used against surface targets like HE-VT. The AP has the best HE filler of all the 20.3cm (8 inch) armed cruisers and is shared with the much larger and more powerfull heavy cruisers in the Japanese fleet, Mogami and Tone. The great HE filler deals significant damage to cruisers and has an increased chance of detonating the ammunition storages of enemy ships.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)}}Aoba comes equiped with 4 turrets with a single 120mm gun each, they . These guns are dual purpose, able to use HE-TF against aircraft. Since there are only 4 guns however, it is unlikey these will deter any oncomming aircraft. With very thin armour, and limited numbers, these guns are not all that usefull.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|25 mm/60 Type 96 (25 mm)}}

Aoba sees a great improvement over Furutaka in AA, going from just 4x dual mount 25mm auto cannons and 2x13.2mm machine guns to 15x single mount 25mm auto cannons, 10x double mount 25 and 5x triple mount 25mm cannons. The 25mm auto cannons can shoot down fighters and small attackers with ease, although some heavier aircraft such as bombers can shrug off enough of the fire to get close enough to drop bombs or torpedoes.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 (610 mm)}}The Type 93 torpedoes can be found on Aoba. Also nicknamed the "Long Lance", these are arguably the best family of torpedoes in the game. The ones carried by Aoba are the longer range versions. With a top speed of 93km/h (50 Knots), range of 20km and explosive TNT equivalent of over 600kg, these torpedoes have the power to destroy even battleships with a single salvo.

== Usage in battles ==

The decent turret firing angles allow the Aoba to sail bow front, maximizing protection from the relatively thin armour. The AP shells have decent HE filler and deal good damage against all but the most heavily armoured ships. The Type 93 torpedoes can be launched from the spawn and can hit targets from extreme ranges. Although the probability of a succesful torpedo hit at these ranges is low due to many factors such as the low speed making them easier to dodge. Alternatively the torpedoes can be used at closer ranges as the speed means they are much more difficult to dodge.

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* The main guns have decent firing angles
* AP shells have great explosive filler
* Torpedoes have excellent range, speed and explosive filler
* Improved AA defence capability over Furutaka

'''Cons:'''

* Torpedo launchers have limited firing angles
* Thin armour compared to other heavy cruisers
* Main gun turrets are fragile

== History ==

'''Construction'''

In 1922, the Furutaka class cruisers (Known as A class in the Japanese navy) were first laid down. Designed to outcompete the American Omaha class and British Hawkins class cruisers, the Furutaka class were just as fast, had a heavier broadside and had more powerful torpedoes. In 1924, it was decided to use the newly developed 2x20cm gun turrets on the ships. However, it was too late to retrofit Furutaka and Kako therefore the remaining two ships, Aoba and Kinugasa, would be retrofitted with the new armament and placed in a seperate class, the machinery and armour remained the same. Aoba recieved a gunpowder powered aircraft catapult in 1929. In 1930, the Japanes navy won approval for the modernization of the A class cruisers to counter the numerical advantage enjoyed by the US Navy. However, the political situation limited the modernization given. Modifications started in 1938 and include new 20.3cm/50 main guns, 4x2 25mm AA guns around the funnel and mounting of new torpedo launchers with the Type 93 torpedoes. The total increase in weight meant Aoba had needed bulges added to the hull to restore stability.

'''Service Career'''

Aoba was completed in 1927 and assigned to Cruiser Division (CruDiv) 5, then CruDiv6 in 1933 and then CruDiv7.In the late 1920s to the 1930s, Aoba was frequently used to patrol the China coast. After her 1938-40 modifications were completed, she was returned to CruDiv6. In 1941 -during the attack on Pearl Harbour, Aoba and the other cruisers of CruDiv6 engaged in the invasion of Guam, and she then participated in the second invasion of Wake Island.

In the Battle of Coral Sea, 1942, Aoba and CruDiv6 rendezvous at sea with light carrier Shoho. Dive and Torpedo bombers from USS Yorktown and Lexington then sunk Shoho on May 7th at 1100 hours. The next day, Aoba covered the withdrawal of the Port Moresby invasion convoy. On May 22nd, Aoba returned to Kure Naval Arsenal for repairs and then sent to Santa Isabel Island for patrols before being assigned to the recently created Eighth Fleet on July 14th and was assigned to patrols around New Britain, New Ireland and the Solomon Islands

On August 7th 1942, an E13 spotter plane from Aoba found "one battleship, one auxiliary carrier, four cruisers, seven destroyers and 15 transports" off Teluga Point. In the Battle of Savo Island, Aoba accompanied CruDiv6, Takao class cruiser Chokai, light cruisers Tenryuu and Yubari and destroyer Yunagi and engaged the allied fleet at night, sinking cruisers USS Astoria, Quincy, Vincennes and HMAS Canberra and damaging the cruiser USS Chicago and destroyers Ralph Talbot and Patterson. Aoba was hit once during the battle while her sister ship Kinugasa was hit twice with Chokai being hit 3 times. Aoba then provided cover for the Japanese reinforcements heading for Guadalcanal.

In the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11th 1942, CruDiv6 departed with destroyers Fubuki and Hatsuyuki to cover reinforcement troops by shelling Henderson Field. They were spotted by 2 American OS2U Kingfishers and at 2235 the fleet was spotted by radar from USS Helena. Both sides opened fire, however Admiral Goto who was in command of CruDiv6 believed they were under friendly fire and ordered his ships to turn. This exposed the broadsides of the fleet to be exposed. Furutaka was sunk and Aoba suffered severe damage, No. 2 turret was knocked out and No.3 turret was destroyed. 4 of Aoba's boilers were inopperable. Admiral Goto was mortally wounded and 80 crewmen were killed. After temporary repairs at Shorland, Aoba sailed to Truk on October 15th where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto inspected the damage before sending her back to Japan.

After returning to Kure, Aoba was repaired. The destroyed No. 3 turret was replaced with a triple barrel 25mm AA gun and sent back to Truk on February 24th 1943. On April 3rd, Aoba was bombed by B17 Flying Fortresses while moored at Kavieng. Two of Aoba's Type 93s exploded and started a fire while she was strafed by machine gun fire from the B17s. She was beached to prevent her from sinking. Aoba was then Towed to Truk and then back to Kure where she was repaired and refitted. No. 3 turret was returned, a Type 21 air-search radar was installed and 2 twin mount 25mm AA guns were added. Irrepairable engine damage limited Aoba's top speed to just 46km/h (25 knots).

Aoba was then sent to Singapore as part of the First Southern Expeditionary Fleet on December 24th 1943. She was based outside of Singapore and escorted convoys to Burma and the Andaman Islands. On February 25th 1944, Aoba returned to CruDiv6 where she participated in the Indian Ocean raid in March and then resumed escort duties through the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea. In July, Aoba was refitted again in Singapore with the Type 22 air-search radar and gained an additional 4 triple mount 25mm AA guns and 15 single mount 25mm AA guns.

On October 11th, Aoba recieved minor damage with an accidental collision with cruiser Kinu. However, US submarine Bream attacked Aoba on October 23rd. 1 of 6 torpedoes struck Aoba on the No. 2 engine room, she then sailed to Cavite Naval Yard near Manila for emergency repairs. While undergoing repairs, on October 29th Aoba was bombed by planed from Task Force 38. Aoba was then assigned to a convoy and sent back to Japan again despite incomplete repairs. While heading for Japan, the convoy was attacke by US submarines Guittarro, Beam, Raton and Ray off Luzon on November 6th. 23 torpedoes were fired by the submarines, 2 hit cruiser Kumano but Aoba escaped with no further damage. Upon arrival at Kure, Aoba was declared irrepairable and re-rated into a reserve ship.

A US air raid on Kure on April 24th 1945 damaged Aoba further, causing her to sink and settle at the bottom of the shallow harbour. She was not repaired, instead additional 25mm AA guns were fitted and she was turned into a floating AA battery with a total of 50 25mm guns, 5 triple, 10 double and 15 single mounts. On July 14th Kure was attacked again, this time by planes from Task Force 38. Aoba was bombed once again where she settled at the bottom at 2200 hours. 4 days later the wreck of Aoba was bombed again by Task Force 38, 4 bomb hits set her on fire and B24 Liberators hit her again with 4 bombs, breaking off her stern.

Aoba was formally removed from the Navy list in November 15th 1945 and her wreckage was scrapped in 1946-47

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

* [[IJN Furutaka]]
* [[HMS Hawkins]]
* [[RN Zara]]
* [[Omaha (Family)]]
* [[USS Helena]]

== External links ==

* https://www.world-war.co.uk/japan/aoba.php
* http://www.combinedfleet.com/aoba_t.htm

{{Japan heavy cruisers}}

IJN Aoba

2021-11-09T14:30:16Z

U63379673: Added links to see also, added some external links

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_cruiser_aoba
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].

While orignially part of the Furutaka class heavy cruisers first laid down in 1922, but in 1924 the development of new guns and turrets prompted the modification of Aoba and her sister ship Kinugasa which were then placed into their own class with Aoba being the leadship. Aoba shares her armour and main armament with [https://wiki.warthunder.com/IJN_Furutaka Furutaka] while having vastly improved anti-aircraft capability and can be played in a similar manner.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Aoba is lightly armoured. The belt armour is only 76.2mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and does not extend towards the front and rear turrets to offer additional protection for the magazines, most other heavy heavy cruisers and some light cruisers have thicker armour. Fortunately, the ammunition magazines for the main guns are bellow the water line and the top is covered by 32mm of RHA. The fuel tanks in the centre are protected by the belt armour, but the thin steel means these will get set on fire which can then spread to the engines. Additional fuel tanks in the bow and stern are completely unprotected and since they are located quite close to the ammunition, the fire can spread to the ammunition. The turrets are large and easy to hit, with only 25mm of RHA. HE from destroyer calibre guns have no issue dissabling the turrets.

With only 657 crew, Aoba has the second least amount of sailors for a heavy cruiser after IJN Kako. This leaves her vulnerable to complete crew loss in a few minutes if concentrated upon by multiple ships.

Although can be easily put Aoba out of commission by other cruisers, destroyers will have a hard time dealing any significant damage outside of disabling turrets and starting fires.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|20 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 (203 mm)}}

Aoba has 6 x 20.3cm/50 3rd year type No.2 guns split into 3 turrets with 2 guns each. 2 turrets are forward and a single is aft of the superstructure. The forward turrets are superfiring, meaning the one behind can shoot over the one in front. She can use HE, HE-TF and AP shells. The turrets have a slow rotation speed but great firing angles. The guns have a reload rate of 12 seconds with the top crew skills, putting them on par with the German Admiral hipper class and British County class heavy cruisers.

HE-TF should be avoided since the slow turret rotation speed and low rate of fire makes this shell basically useless against air targets and cannot be used against surface targets like HE-VT. The AP has the best HE filler of all the 20.3cm (8 inch) armed cruisers and is shared with the much larger and more powerfull heavy cruisers in the Japanese fleet, Mogami and Tone. The great HE filler deals significant damage to cruisers and has an increased chance of detonating the ammunition storages of enemy ships.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)}}Aoba comes equiped with 4 turrets with a single 120mm gun each, they . These guns are dual purpose, able to use HE-TF against aircraft. Since there are only 4 guns however, it is unlikey these will deter any oncomming aircraft. With very thin armour, and limited numbers, these guns are not all that usefull.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|25 mm/60 Type 96 (25 mm)}}

Aoba sees a great improvement over Furutaka in AA, going from just 4x dual mount 25mm auto cannons and 2x13.2mm machine guns to 15x single mount 25mm auto cannons, 10x double mount 25 and 5x triple mount 25mm cannons. The 25mm auto cannons can shoot down fighters and small attackers with ease, although some heavier aircraft such as bombers can shrug off enough of the fire to get close enough to drop bombs or torpedoes.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 (610 mm)}}The Type 93 torpedoes can be found on Aoba. Also nicknamed the "Long Lance", these are arguably the best family of torpedoes in the game. The ones carried by Aoba are the longer range versions. With a top speed of 93km/h (50 Knots), range of 20km and explosive TNT equivalent of over 600kg, these torpedoes have the power to destroy even battleships with a single salvo.

== Usage in battles ==

The decent turret firing angles allow the Aoba to sail bow front, maximizing protection from the relatively thin armour. The AP shells have decent HE filler and deal good damage against all but the most heavily armoured ships. The Type 93 torpedoes can be launched from the spawn and can hit targets from extreme ranges. Although the probability of a succesful torpedo hit at these ranges is low due to many factors such as the low speed making them easier to dodge. Alternatively the torpedoes can be used at closer ranges as the speed means they are much more difficult to dodge.

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* The main guns have decent firing angles
* AP shells have great explosive filler
* Torpedoes have excellent range, speed and explosive filler
* Improved AA defence capability over Furutaka

'''Cons:'''

* Torpedo launchers have limited firing angles
* Thin armour compared to other heavy cruisers
* Main gun turrets are fragile

== History ==

'''Construction'''

In 1922, the Furutaka class cruisers (Known as A class in the Japanese navy) were first laid down. Designed to outcompete the American Omaha class and British Hawkins class cruisers, the Furutaka class were just as fast, had a heavier broadside and had more powerful torpedoes. In 1924, it was decided to use the newly developed 2x20cm gun turrets on the ships. However, it was too late to retrofit Furutaka and Kako therefore the remaining two ships, Aoba and Kinugasa, would be retrofitted with the new armament and placed in a seperate class, the machinery and armour remained the same. Aoba recieved a gunpowder powered aircraft catapult in 1929. In 1930, the Japanes navy won approval for the modernization of the A class cruisers to counter the numerical advantage enjoyed by the US Navy. However, the political situation limited the modernization given. Modifications started in 1938 and include new 20.3cm/50 main guns, 4x2 25mm AA guns around the funnel and mounting of new torpedo launchers with the Type 93 torpedoes. The total increase in weight meant Aoba had needed bulges added to the hull to restore stability.

'''Service Career'''

Aoba was completed in 1927 and assigned to Cruiser Division (CruDiv) 5, then CruDiv6 in 1933 and then CruDiv7.In the late 1920s to the 1930s, Aoba was frequently used to patrol the China coast. After her 1938-40 modifications were completed, she was returned to CruDiv6. In 1941 -during the attack on Pearl Harbour, Aoba and the other cruisers of CruDiv6 engaged in the invasion of Guam, and she then participated in the second invasion of Wake Island.

In the Battle of Coral Sea, 1942, Aoba and CruDiv6 rendezvous at sea with light carrier Shoho. Dive and Torpedo bombers from USS Yorktown and Lexington then sunk Shoho on May 7th at 1100 hours. The next day, Aoba covered the withdrawal of the Port Moresby invasion convoy. On May 22nd, Aoba returned to Kure Naval Arsenal for repairs and then sent to Santa Isabel Island for patrols before being assigned to the recently created Eighth Fleet on July 14th and was assigned to patrols around New Britain, New Ireland and the Solomon Islands

On August 7th 1942, an E13 spotter plane from Aoba found "one battleship, one auxiliary carrier, four cruisers, seven destroyers and 15 transports" off Teluga Point. In the Battle of Savo Island, Aoba accompanied CruDiv6, Takao class cruiser Chokai, light cruisers Tenryuu and Yubari and destroyer Yunagi and engaged the allied fleet at night, sinking cruisers USS Astoria, Quincy, Vincennes and HMAS Canberra and damaging the cruiser USS Chicago and destroyers Ralph Talbot and Patterson. Aoba was hit once during the battle while her sister ship Kinugasa was hit twice with Chokai being hit 3 times. Aoba then provided cover for the Japanese reinforcements heading for Guadalcanal.

In the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11th 1942, CruDiv6 departed with destroyers Fubuki and Hatsuyuki to cover reinforcement troops by shelling Henderson Field. They were spotted by 2 American OS2U Kingfishers and at 2235 the fleet was spotted by radar from USS Helena. Both sides opened fire, however Admiral Goto who was in command of CruDiv6 believed they were under friendly fire and ordered his ships to turn. This exposed the broadsides of the fleet to be exposed. Furutaka was sunk and Aoba suffered severe damage, No. 2 turret was knocked out and No.3 turret was destroyed. 4 of Aoba's boilers were inopperable. Admiral Goto was mortally wounded and 80 crewmen were killed. After temporary repairs at Shorland, Aoba sailed to Truk on October 15th where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto inspected the damage before sending her back to Japan.

After returning to Kure, Aoba was repaired. The destroyed No. 3 turret was replaced with a triple barrel 25mm AA gun and sent back to Truk on February 24th 1943. On April 3rd, Aoba was bombed by B17 Flying Fortresses while moored at Kavieng. Two of Aoba's Type 93s exploded and started a fire while she was strafed by machine gun fire from the B17s. She was beached to prevent her from sinking. Aoba was then Towed to Truk and then back to Kure where she was repaired and refitted. No. 3 turret was returned, a Type 21 air-search radar was installed and 2 twin mount 25mm AA guns were added. Irrepairable engine damage limited Aoba's top speed to just 46km/h (25 knots).

Aoba was then sent to Singapore as part of the First Southern Expeditionary Fleet on December 24th 1943. She was based outside of Singapore and escorted convoys to Burma and the Andaman Islands. On February 25th 1944, Aoba returned to CruDiv6 where she participated in the Indian Ocean raid in March and then resumed escort duties through the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea. In July, Aoba was refitted again in Singapore with the Type 22 air-search radar and gained an additional 4 triple mount 25mm AA guns and 15 single mount 25mm AA guns.

On October 11th, Aoba recieved minor damage with an accidental collision with cruiser Kinu. However, US submarine Bream attacked Aoba on October 23rd. 1 of 6 torpedoes struck Aoba on the No. 2 engine room, she then sailed to Cavite Naval Yard near Manila for emergency repairs. While undergoing repairs, on October 29th Aoba was bombed by planed from Task Force 38. Aoba was then assigned to a convoy and sent back to Japan again despite incomplete repairs. While heading for Japan, the convoy was attacke by US submarines Guittarro, Beam, Raton and Ray off Luzon on November 6th. 23 torpedoes were fired by the submarines, 2 hit cruiser Kumano but Aoba escaped with no further damage. Upon arrival at Kure, Aoba was declared irrepairable and re-rated into a reserve ship.

A US air raid on Kure on April 24th 1945 damaged Aoba further, causing her to sink and settle at the bottom of the shallow harbour. She was not repaired, instead additional 25mm AA guns were fitted and she was turned into a floating AA battery with a total of 50 25mm guns, 5 triple, 10 double and 15 single mounts. On July 14th Kure was attacked again, this time by planes from Task Force 38. Aoba was bombed once again where she settled at the bottom at 2200 hours. 4 days later the wreck of Aoba was bombed again by Task Force 38, 4 bomb hits set her on fire and B24 Liberators hit her again with 4 bombs, breaking off her stern.

Aoba was formally removed from the Navy list in November 15th 1945 and her wreckage was scrapped in 1946-47

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* [[IJN Furutaka]]
* [[HMS Hawkins]]
* [[RN Zara]]
* [[Omaha (Family)]]
* [[USS Helena]]

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* https://www.world-war.co.uk/japan/aoba.php
* http://www.combinedfleet.com/aoba_t.htm

{{Japan heavy cruisers}}

IJN Aoba

2021-11-09T14:10:55Z

U63379673: Added slight detail to description, added information to survivability and armour, armament and history

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_cruiser_aoba
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Direct Hit"]].

While orignially part of the Furutaka class heavy cruisers, the development of new guns and turrets prompted the modification of Aoba and her sister ship Kinugasa which were then placed into their own class with Aoba being the leadship. Ingame, Aoba is in her 1945 configuration

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Aoba is lightly armoured. The belt armour is only 76.2mm of Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA) and does not extend towards the front and rear turrets to offer additional protection for the magazines, most other heavy heavy cruisers and some light cruisers have thicker armour. Fortunately, the ammunition magazines for the main guns are bellow the water line and the top is covered by 32mm of RHA. The fuel tanks in the centre are protected by the belt armour, but the thin steel means these will get set on fire which can then spread to the engines. Additional fuel tanks in the bow and stern are completely unprotected and since they are located quite close to the ammunition, the fire can spread to the ammunition. The turrets are large and easy to hit, with only 25mm of RHA. HE from destroyer calibre guns have no issue dissabling the turrets.

With only 657 crew, Aoba has the second least amount of sailors for a heavy cruiser after IJN Kako. This leaves her vulnerable to complete crew loss in a few minutes if concentrated upon by multiple ships.

Although can be easily put Aoba out of commission by other cruisers, destroyers will have a hard time dealing any significant damage outside of disabling turrets and starting fires.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|20 cm/50 3rd year type No.2 (203 mm)}}

Aoba has 6 x 20.3cm/50 3rd year type No.2 guns split into 3 turrets with 2 guns each. 2 turrets are forward and a single is aft of the superstructure. The forward turrets are superfiring, meaning the one behind can shoot over the one in front. She can use HE, HE-TF and AP shells. The turrets have a slow rotation speed but great firing angles. The guns have a reload rate of 12 seconds with the top crew skills, putting them on par with the German Admiral hipper class and British County class heavy cruisers.

HE-TF should be avoided since the slow turret rotation speed and low rate of fire makes this shell basically useless against air targets and cannot be used against surface targets like HE-VT. The AP has the best HE filler of all the 20.3cm (8 inch) armed cruisers and is shared with the much larger and more powerfull heavy cruisers in the Japanese fleet, Mogami and Tone. The great HE filler deals significant damage to cruisers and has an increased chance of detonating the ammunition storages of enemy ships.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|120 mm/45 10th year type (120 mm)}}Aoba comes equiped with 4 turrets with a single 120mm gun each, they . These guns are dual purpose, able to use HE-TF against aircraft. Since there are only 4 guns however, it is unlikey these will deter any oncomming aircraft. With very thin armour, and limited numbers, these guns are not all that usefull.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|25 mm/60 Type 96 (25 mm)}}

Aoba sees a great improvement over Furutaka in AA, going from just 4x dual mount 25mm auto cannons and 2x13.2mm machine guns to 15x single mount 25mm auto cannons, 10x double mount 25 and 5x triple mount 25mm cannons. The 25mm auto cannons can shoot down fighters and small attackers with ease, although some heavier aircraft such as bombers can shrug off enough of the fire to get close enough to drop bombs or torpedoes.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 (610 mm)}}The Type 93 torpedoes can be found on Aoba. Also nicknamed the "Long Lance", these are arguably the best family of torpedoes in the game. The ones carried by Aoba are the longer range versions. With a top speed of 93km/h (50 Knots), range of 20km and explosive TNT equivalent of over 600kg, these torpedoes have the power to destroy even battleships with a single salvo.

== Usage in battles ==

The decent turret firing angles allow the Aoba to sail bow front, maximizing protection from the relatively thin armour. The AP shells have decent HE filler and deal good damage against all but the most heavily armoured ships. The Type 93 torpedoes can be launched from the spawn and can hit targets from extreme ranges. Although the probability of a succesful torpedo hit at these ranges is low due to many factors such as the low speed making them easier to dodge. Alternatively the torpedoes can be used at closer ranges as the speed means they are much more difficult to dodge.

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* The main guns have decent firing angles
* AP shells have great explosive filler
* Torpedoes have excellent range, speed and explosive filler
* Improved AA defence capability over Furutaka

'''Cons:'''

* Torpedo launchers have limited firing angles
* Thin armour compared to other heavy cruisers
* Main gun turrets are fragile

== History ==

'''Construction'''

In 1922, the Furutaka class cruisers (Known as A class in the Japanese navy) were first laid down. Designed to outcompete the American Omaha class and British Hawkins class cruisers, the Furutaka class were just as fast, had a heavier broadside and had more powerful torpedoes. In 1924, it was decided to use the newly developed 2x20cm gun turrets on the ships. However, it was too late to retrofit Furutaka and Kako therefore the remaining two ships, Aoba and Kinugasa, would be retrofitted with the new armament and placed in a seperate class, the machinery and armour remained the same. Aoba recieved a gunpowder powered aircraft catapult in 1929. In 1930, the Japanes navy won approval for the modernization of the A class cruisers to counter the numerical advantage enjoyed by the US Navy. However, the political situation limited the modernization given. Modifications started in 1938 and include new 20.3cm/50 main guns, 4x2 25mm AA guns around the funnel and mounting of new torpedo launchers with the Type 93 torpedoes. The total increase in weight meant Aoba had needed bulges added to the hull to restore stability.

'''Service Career'''

Aoba was completed in 1927 and assigned to Cruiser Division (CruDiv) 5, then CruDiv6 in 1933 and then CruDiv7.In the late 1920s to the 1930s, Aoba was frequently used to patrol the China coast. After her 1938-40 modifications were completed, she was returned to CruDiv6. In 1941 -during the attack on Pearl Harbour, Aoba and the other cruisers of CruDiv6 engaged in the invasion of Guam, and she then participated in the second invasion of Wake Island.

In the Battle of Coral Sea, 1942, Aoba and CruDiv6 rendezvous at sea with light carrier Shoho. Dive and Torpedo bombers from USS Yorktown and Lexington then sunk Shoho on May 7th at 1100 hours. The next day, Aoba covered the withdrawal of the Port Moresby invasion convoy. On May 22nd, Aoba returned to Kure Naval Arsenal for repairs and then sent to Santa Isabel Island for patrols before being assigned to the recently created Eighth Fleet on July 14th and was assigned to patrols around New Britain, New Ireland and the Solomon Islands

On August 7th 1942, an E13 spotter plane from Aoba found "one battleship, one auxiliary carrier, four cruisers, seven destroyers and 15 transports" off Teluga Point. In the Battle of Savo Island, Aoba accompanied CruDiv6, Takao class cruiser Chokai, light cruisers Tenryuu and Yubari and destroyer Yunagi and engaged the allied fleet at night, sinking cruisers USS Astoria, Quincy, Vincennes and HMAS Canberra and damaging the cruiser USS Chicago and destroyers Ralph Talbot and Patterson. Aoba was hit once during the battle while her sister ship Kinugasa was hit twice with Chokai being hit 3 times. Aoba then provided cover for the Japanese reinforcements heading for Guadalcanal.

In the Battle of Cape Esperance on October 11th 1942, CruDiv6 departed with destroyers Fubuki and Hatsuyuki to cover reinforcement troops by shelling Henderson Field. They were spotted by 2 American OS2U Kingfishers and at 2235 the fleet was spotted by radar from USS Helena. Both sides opened fire, however Admiral Goto who was in command of CruDiv6 believed they were under friendly fire and ordered his ships to turn. This exposed the broadsides of the fleet to be exposed. Furutaka was sunk and Aoba suffered severe damage, No. 2 turret was knocked out and No.3 turret was destroyed. 4 of Aoba's boilers were inopperable. Admiral Goto was mortally wounded and 80 crewmen were killed. After temporary repairs at Shorland, Aoba sailed to Truk on October 15th where Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto inspected the damage before sending her back to Japan.

After returning to Kure, Aoba was repaired. The destroyed No. 3 turret was replaced with a triple barrel 25mm AA gun and sent back to Truk on February 24th 1943. On April 3rd, Aoba was bombed by B17 Flying Fortresses while moored at Kavieng. Two of Aoba's Type 93s exploded and started a fire while she was strafed by machine gun fire from the B17s. She was beached to prevent her from sinking. Aoba was then Towed to Truk and then back to Kure where she was repaired and refitted. No. 3 turret was returned, a Type 21 air-search radar was installed and 2 twin mount 25mm AA guns were added. Irrepairable engine damage limited Aoba's top speed to just 46km/h (25 knots).

Aoba was then sent to Singapore as part of the First Southern Expeditionary Fleet on December 24th 1943. She was based outside of Singapore and escorted convoys to Burma and the Andaman Islands. On February 25th 1944, Aoba returned to CruDiv6 where she participated in the Indian Ocean raid in March and then resumed escort duties through the Dutch East Indies and New Guinea. In July, Aoba was refitted again in Singapore with the Type 22 air-search radar and gained an additional 4 triple mount 25mm AA guns and 15 single mount 25mm AA guns.

On October 11th, Aoba recieved minor damage with an accidental collision with cruiser Kinu. However, US submarine Bream attacked Aoba on October 23rd. 1 of 6 torpedoes struck Aoba on the No. 2 engine room, she then sailed to Cavite Naval Yard near Manila for emergency repairs. While undergoing repairs, on October 29th Aoba was bombed by planed from Task Force 38. Aoba was then assigned to a convoy and sent back to Japan again despite incomplete repairs. While heading for Japan, the convoy was attacke by US submarines Guittarro, Beam, Raton and Ray off Luzon on November 6th. 23 torpedoes were fired by the submarines, 2 hit cruiser Kumano but Aoba escaped with no further damage. Upon arrival at Kure, Aoba was declared irrepairable and re-rated into a reserve ship.

A US air raid on Kure on April 24th 1945 damaged Aoba further, causing her to sink and settle at the bottom of the shallow harbour. She was not repaired, instead additional 25mm AA guns were fitted and she was turned into a floating AA battery with a total of 50 25mm guns, 5 triple, 10 double and 15 single mounts. On July 14th Kure was attacked again, this time by planes from Task Force 38. Aoba was bombed once again where she settled at the bottom at 2200 hours. 4 days later the wreck of Aoba was bombed again by Task Force 38, 4 bomb hits set her on fire and B24 Liberators hit her again with 4 bombs, breaking off her stern.

Aoba was formally removed from the Navy list in November 15th 1945 and her wreckage was scrapped in 1946-47

== Media ==

''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==

''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Japan heavy cruisers}}

IJN Aoba

2021-11-08T21:01:32Z

U63379673: Added pros and cons, Added some information for usage in battles