Akizuki-class

Summary

Description

The Akizuki-class destroyers were a series of destroyers of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) constructed during World War II. Initially intended for anti-aircraft defense of carrier battle groups, they were highly regarded multipurpose vessels in the IJN, also designated as Type-B Destroyers.

The design of the Akizuki class integrated the Type 98 dual-purpose guns in twin mounts, with a total of four turrets positioned fore and aft in superfiring pairs. The guns were notable for their reliability, rate of fire, and range. These ships were among the first Japanese destroyers to include anti-aircraft capabilities with the intention to mount two Type 93 fire-control directors, although production shortages affected this plan. The Akizuki class also featured a centerline-mounted Type 92 quadruple torpedo launcher using the potent Type 93 "Long Lance" torpedoes, as well as Type 94 depth charge projectors with an increased number of depth charges in later units.

Propulsion for the Akizukis was provided by two Kampon geared steam turbines – one per shaft – powered by three Kampon water-tube boilers. This design included separate boiler and engine rooms to enhance battle survivability. Originally fitted with the Type 21 air-search radar, the Akizuki class received upgrades such as the Type 13 radar, and later ships had the Type 22 radar. As requirements evolved, the number of Type 96 anti-aircraft guns increased substantially by the latter stages of the war.

Operational history saw the first six Akizuki-class destroyers authorized under the 1939 Maru 4 Programme, with an additional ten approved in the 1941 Maru Kyū Programme. Not all of these ships were completed due to wartime constraints. Plans for further vessels came with the 1942 Additional Naval Armaments Supplement Programme and the subsequent Modified 5th Naval Armaments Supplement Programme, but these, too, were canceled before construction could start. At the war's end, only six Akizukis remained, four of which were allocated for war reparations.

There were subclasses within the Akizuki class. The Fuyutsuki class, initially similar to the main class, underwent design simplifications like a modified bow and removal of the rear deckhouse to reduce production time. The Michitsuki class was then a further simplification of the Fuyutsuki with more alterations, comprising the last five ships of the Maru Kyū Programme and 16 planned under the Additional Naval Armaments Supplement Programme, later renumbered under the Maru 5 Programme. Of these, only one Michitsuki-class vessel was completed.

Technical specifications