Battleship "Yamato"Parameters:
Length: 256 m
Height: 36 m
Displacement:
71,700 tons Cruising range: 12800 miles
Draft: 10 m
Crew: 2500
Speed: 27 knots
Armament
Cannons: 9
457 mm, 12 155 mm, 12 127 mm
In October 1934, the Office of the Imperial Navy shipbuilding has been the job of Chief of Staff of the Navy Marine of Japan to consider creating a new linkora. The first version of the draft already completed 10 Mar., 1935 Under this option, becomes a symbol A140, built ship standard displacement of 69,500 tons, a length of 295 meters, armed with nine 460-mm artillery shells with bow location trehorudiynyh towers. His mechanical steam power plant 200000 HP theoretically provide battleship speed of 31 knots.
It appears, however, that Japanese engineering is not willing to produce less powerful (at 50000 hp at the shaft) turbines. It should be noted that 16 versions of the draft included the location of nose gear main fire on the model of English battleship Nelson type, built in 1927
In June 1936, ending development of the penultimate draft, which included the use of four-paroturbodizelnoy installation capacity of 135,000 horsepower, of which 60000 hp accounted for by diesel engines, taken as the main engines in all versions of the draft, starting with the second. Constructors be installed two diesel dual capacity of more than 10000 hp each. By this time in Japan have created two powerful diesel engines.
Two months after the end of the penultimate draft to the designers created unforeseen difficulties - in the operation revealed serious problems in the new diesel engines. This has prompted developers to abandon the original intent and make a proposal - to set the battleship as the main engines only steam turbines with total capacity of 150,000 hp Total for the period from 1934 to 1937, was completed 25 design options, most of which have 460-mm main gun fire (in only two cases, a 406-mm artillery shells).
Linkora Project, approved in the third program of fleet replenishment of Japan (adopted in 1937) was developed under the leadership of Vice Admiral K. Fukuda. The final draft was ready in March 1937, Order for the first two ships, issued immediately after the completion of the project.
Appearance ship type «Yamato» consistent with generally accepted for most Japanese ships canons. Uneven line (with «hump» in the middle part) sheer Japanese warships could be regarded as a functional necessity, not a tribute to eastern traditions. Japanese shipbuilders adhere to the principle that a freeboard of the nasal tip should be required to provide a seaworthy, and the stern end must be designed as follows; height same side in the middle part was governed by a combination of requirements to ease the deployment of weapons and tools required for stability. In addition, the lowering of freeboard outside the middle part helped to reduce the mass of the body without reducing the overall longitudinal strength. All this led to the curved lines of the upper deck, characteristic of the Japanese shipbuilding. The height of freeboard projected linkora in the nose of 10 m and in the stern - 6.4 m.
The ships have a very high rate of completeness midship frame (0974), flat bottom and two steering, in the center line, with the support steering wheel, was in the nose of the chief. A distinctive feature of a battleship and a relatively low draft, the conditions for navigation in coastal waters off Japan.
Unlike bulky pagodoobraznyh add-ons, especially traditional Japanese battleship, bashennopodobnuyu nasal add-ship type «Yamato» greatly simplified, making it faired. The area of the superstructure on the front and sides were respectively 162 and 371 m2, it was a tower with an inner cylinder. Tower itself was nearly rectangular shape, there are 11 storeys (counting from the top deck) and rise above the waterline at 38.1 m. It has: chart room, signaling, pelengatorny, navigation and control posts, military and the carrier logging, monitor the positions submarines. Internal cylinder 1.5 meters in diameter, made of armor steel 20 mm thick, served to lay lines, as well as mine 4-local elevators.
Posts mine fire control and anti-aircraft artillery located in the aft superstructure. «Yamato» became the first Japanese ship equipped, though not for all accommodation, air-conditioning system vozduha.Yamato 1941/1945
As the flagship of the Joint Navy battleship «Yamato» participated in battles at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf. 25 Dec, 1943 to the south of the island of Truk in the battleship torpedo hit, released an American submarine Skate, and in October 1944, he was hit by bombs in the Gulf of Leyte.
With 23 Nov., 1944 «Yamato» based in Japan, from which came in his last trip in April 1945. The plan to protect the direct approaches to the Japanese island and provided for use linkora, who by this time was doomed from the very large external buoy-26 based in Kure. He was to take part in the operation «Tenichigo» ( «Sky-1») - the protection of Ryukyu islands from invasion. Target compounds, which consisted of «Yamato», cruiser «Yahagi» and eight destroyers, including two special types of air defense destroyer «Akitsuka», was on the thin line between combat operations and act in a spirit of «kamikaze». The connection was to reflect all U.S. attack aircraft and reach the place of disembarkation of American troops on the island of Okinawa (April 1 to it invaded American troops). Command has been able to provide for the operation, only 2500 tons of fuel (and then found with great difficulty). Therefore, if the return was considered difficult battleship was ordered emissions on shore islands and support the troops fire their guns. In general, these operations can be dictated only despair. But the Japanese were not Japanese, if it had not done this suicidal attempt.
Joint Chief Fleet Admiral Toeda believed that the operation does not, and 50% chance of success, but I believe that if it does not hold, the more ships are not able to use it. Even more skeptical about its task of Vice-Admiral Seynchi Ito, appointed commander of the connection. His arguments against the self-destructive campaign has been very significant: the lack of fighter cover over a substantial superiority of Americans in surface ships, not to mention the aviation belatedly with the operation - planting of the main force of American troops has already been completed. But all the ideas sent to his death of the admiral had been rejected.
The case was that the most powerful ship of the Japanese fleet was chosen as bait. To the maximum extend his «last journey», he was given the escort of nine ships. All they had to serve as a cover operation «Kikusuy» - a massive attack aircraft, suicide bombers on American ships in place of landing. It was with this operation hope of the American command.
Another March 29, 15 hours, «Yamato» came out of Kure, Hiroshima Strait, and has held exercises in the maneuvering and testing of its radar equipment. Particular attention was given to sudden maneuvers and turn - a typical element of evasive attacks torpedonostsev. The same evening, again battleship at anchor at the island Mitadziri.
In the days that followed over the battleship necessarily show one or two American long-distance razvedchika - aircraft type «V-29». April 3, after one of them dropped a bomb fell offing from the ship, following a handful of aircraft was seen heavy anti-aircraft fire. One plane was shot down, but luck was tragic: Japanese fighter was shot down «Shiden», which is confused with the American «Helketom».
April 4, a future escort «Yamato» decreased by one ship. Destroyer «Hibiki» bumped to the floating mine near base and went down (were damaged boilers). It was towed destroyers «Hatsushimo», but also participate in the operation could not.
The next day «Yamato» once again put to sea for practical exercises. At this time, conduct training some distance to a target using radar, which the Japanese are still not very certain confidence. The purpose of izobrazhal shield of metal, tow cruiser «Yahagi». Finally, in 15 hours received a final order to withdraw. At 17.30 on the shore have been sent all the cadets, held on board practices, and the sick. All the wood had been released by the board or surrendered to the shore, so the team and officers had to hold evening, raspivaya issued for a hike sake squatter - no tables, no chairs on the ship left.
Intended for a hike ships remainder of the day and the next morning to take fuel, which, of course, can be easily noticed two «V-29», flying at the time of connection. 6 April, 1945 at 15.20 «Yamato», taking fuel and full ammunition, came in the composition of the 1 st Sabotage connections from the internal sea in open ocean, that the 8-dawn attack on American forces have o.Okinava. Escort ships were the 2nd squadron - a light cruiser «Yahagi» and eight destroyers, under the overall command of Rear Admiral Komura. At the speed of 12 knots connection passed Bungo Strait, after which protivolodochnoe cordon - three escort minonostsa «Hanazuki», «Kaya» and «Maki» - turned back, as well as for further ways they did not have enough fuel.
The mood on board was pripodnyatym and doomed. In 18 hours team Division clean clothes, was read by treatment Joint Fleet commander met with triple «Banzai». The fate of Japanese seamen has been in the hands of the enemy.
The Americans did not miss his chance. After 01.40 after the connection was discovered by American submarines «Tredfin» and «Hackleback», and the morning of 7 th and 58 th razvedgruppoy strike aircraft carrier connections. At night the Japanese kept in the warrant PLO - «Yamato» in the center of the ring from him at a distance of 2500 meters - destroyers, «Yahagi» - fodder for KU. At the same time maintain a continuous radar searches of boats in the position situation, but two American boats were found gidrolokatorami, who gave two clear contact. Since then, the fate of Japanese operations has been resolved.
Initially, the Americans decided to skip the connection farther to the south and then attack it. With 09.15 group of 16 American fighter jets carried out continuous monitoring doomed connection. The Americans were so confident of victory that send messages about the situation and composition of compounds in clear text. These messages were intercepted, that was not added morale on the bridge «Yamato». With his catapult was released last remaining on board a seaplane type «O» (Other five have been left at the base) as a chance to survive he did not have, either by boat or air. Ahead of the rate of 20 compounds were reconnaissance planes to Air Base Qana, but connection with the connection they did not have.
Meeting in flight with American air patrol, they lost more than half of its members and returned to base, not bringing any useful connection. In ensuring the actions of the United «Ten-Ichigo» took part and the only son of Admiral Ito. He arrived safely from the flight, but ten days later died in the operation «Kikusuy».
The Japanese rebuilt into a ring with a warrant air defense cruiser, headed by placing some reason, the most powerful man in relation destroyers «Fuyutsuki» and «Suzutsuki» fodder for KU, though it would be natural to be with their nose to repel fire attack torpedonostsev. The distance between ships in the warrant at about 1500 meters and a speed of 20 knots, zigzag performed every 5 minutes. Destroyer «Asashimo» otstal of orders due to the malfunction of machines and later went missing with the rest of the crew apparently was fatally damaged by attacking its aircraft. At 11.15 Japanese compound turned south-east. The Americans thought that it might not go to Okinawa and not wishing to miss a lacquer goal, began to attack.
The first attack aircraft from aircraft carriers 58-second connections, who at that time, about 300 miles from the enemy began to take off as early as 10 hours. They were part of the shock aviagruppy organized for the destruction of Japanese ships and consisting of 280 aircraft, of which 98 torpedonostsev «Avenger». In fact, the attack involved 227 aircraft, as 53 of the off «lost» and did not find the goal. In addition, 106 aircraft flew for the attack, but too late to take part in combat.
Weather conditions were average - the height of cloud around 1000 meters, wind speed of 20 knots. Just before noon, with an observation post at Amamiosima to «Yamato» received a radiogram: «
250 aircraft carrier planes !!! - heading north». At 12.20 on the radar screen linkora have three large signal indicated the emergence of three large groups of aircraft. All ships compounds were immediately notified about this, speed increased to 25 knots with turning the course of 100 degrees.
After 12 minutes «Yamato» discovered the first American aircraft already naked eye. These were the two fighters first wave coming at an altitude of about 1000 meters.
According to the first U.S. attack began at 12.20 (for the Japanese to 12 minutes later). It involved 150 aircraft. The connection is being kept in the course of 24 knots and led anti-aircraft fire from all trunks, including a 18-dyuymovki «Yamato». The first attacks were directed against the head cruiser «Yahagi» and destroyers «Hamakaze», sank immediately after the torpedo hit. In «Yamato» got three or four bombs: the first exploded upon impact on the upper deck, destroying 127-mm plant and several anti-aircraft machine into the deck and making the two-hole diameter of about 7 meters. Two other bombs were dropped in front of the turret forage, the sample Light Armored at the site and the upper deck caused the fire, extinguish that it was not possible. The very tower, as well as control the fire and the director out of service. According to Japanese figures in 12.41 in the battleship hit two more bombs at 227 kg - near the mainmast, which in addition to those already described damage destroyed the radar type «13». One of the bombs literally split the top of the space radar operators, took the form of a cube with a party of about 3 meters and protected from all sides by steel walls. At the same time, according to the Japanese in «Yamato» hit another three or four torpedoes, although only two hits seem credible. Damage from the torpedo led to significant flooding, particularly in the outside engine room. A roll of 5-6 degrees. Rear ¬ flooding roll has been reduced to 1 degree. As reported at 12.45 Japanese torpedo hit in the bow part. The American losses in the first wave of accounted for two dive-bomber «Helldiver».
The second attack began almost immediately after the first 13 hours (on Japanese data, 12.02). Speed linkora at that time was 22 knots. U.S. planes came under concentrated anti-aircraft fire, they used a very effective tactic. Come strictly with the nose «Yamato» and moving in the sloping dive, they were fired from on-board weapons, trying zigzagirovat not stay on one course. Japanese officials believe that if they stayed on a straight course is as long as the Japanese planes, the loss of Americans would be very high, but such tactics angular displacement of air targets were so fast that the Japanese anti-aircraft guns simply do not keep up with them (should recall their lack of vertical velocity and especially traverse). In addition, the Japanese gunner were simply overwhelmed the number of enemy planes that certainly affected their actions - do not deny the surviving members last fight «Yamato».
Participating in the attack about 50 planes did not have the bomb hit, but attacked the battleship two dozen torpedonostsev have four (possibly five) hits. The ship was inclining to the left side of 15-16 degrees, its speed dropped to 18 knots. Kontrzatopleniem bank reduced to 5 degrees, and the flow of water soon took control.
According to Japanese figures in 13.37 in the battleship hit three torpedoes. It was damaged by an auxiliary steering machine. Battleships shot down one torpedonosets. At 13.44 in the same place hit by two more torpedoes, causing damage to electrical equipment, why some artillery out of service. The situation of the ship has not yet become critical, but reserves the survivability and stability were on the verge of exhaustion. Apparently, six or seven torpedoes were so limit, which could make ships of the type «Yamato», still remaining in line.
At 13.45 started last attack, during which the spacecraft hit at least four torpedoes. According to Japanese figures in 14.02 in the battleship hit three bombs and there were several very close gaps. Two dive-bomber was shot down by fire from linkora. Bombs destroyed or brought down virtually all anti-aircraft means a ship in the middle part. According to eyewitnesses, one of the triplex 25-mm plant to the size of about 3x3x3 meter taking off from the air for 25 meters and fell back onto the deck. At 14.07 followed by torpedoes hit the area amidships starboard, while another 14.02, also in the area amidships, but with the port. Immediately followed by another hit - in the stern. The speed dropped to 12 knots, roll on the heavily damaged LB again rose to 6 degrees. At 14.17 in the middle of the ship's torpedo hit again. At the battleship at that time worked only one rowing shaft, and soon were flooded and left the staff all boiler rooms. The ship immediately lost his way. Roll on the port side reached 15-16 degrees.
Significant losses in manpower and failure of the central office for the persistence of command, denied the opportunity to fight for status linkora. Orders of the commander of the ship zatoplenii right compartments, which would give the greatest effect on straightening the ship (by volume and center of gravity water in the flooded premises) have not been able to be fulfilled. Roll rose to 15 and then to 17 degrees. The speed is still not fall below 12 knots. Battleships covered destroyers «Fuyutsuki» to starboard and «Yukikaze» from the left. Only the two spacecraft fulfilled its mission until the end, with sufficient speed and to avoid serious injury. There was a small pause - the first since the emergence of second-wave attack. The ship was in very serious condition: no gun protivominnogo and 127-mm caliber anti-aircraft could not shoot, like the majority of anti-aircraft machine. A perebit all medical personnel. Soon, American and British re-emerged over the ship. By this time the bank reached 26 degrees. Out of service all the external and internal communications, as well as the steering device. Bashneobraznaya add-in was riddled with machine-gun fire from American aircraft: the loss of personnel in the superstructure were very high. At the center of all this hell on the chair continued to sit silently commodore admiral Ito. He did not made a single word since the beginning of the attack by acting captain. Perhaps he wanted to express in this way their attitude to this case hope, against which strongly resisted and was forced to comply. Roll continued to grow and was given the command to leave the ship.
When the battleship lay on board with krenom about 80 degrees was a terrible explosion force, which was heard for many miles around. FlareFX the blast heard and seen on American ships and connections before a few dozen miles from the site of the tragedy of the island of Kagoshima. A pillar of smoke rose above the ship to an altitude of 6 km, meant to remind «nuclear mushroom». Flame explosion rose to 2 km. The reason for the explosion unquestionable - only the explosion boepogrebov (approximately 500 tons of explosives) could make such an effect, but that's what caused the explosion is unknown. Some American experts believe that the explosion occurred due to hit armor bombs in the tower and through it in the main cellar. But the surviving officers «Yamato», assembled after the rescue to discuss a different opinion. They believe that when the roll reached 90 degrees, shells began to slide off shelves, and one of them worked headache fuse, causing the overall detonate ammunition. Against both versions have serious objections. With such a strong krene ship at the time of the explosion is virtually impossible to imagine the trajectory of a bomb going through the roof or any other part of the tower fire support and become directly in cellars ammunition. There is a flaw and the other versions, which generally seems most likely. Of the existing head of the Japanese shells fuse had only a so-called «anti-aircraft missile, general», but he could not give so large explosion to trigger detonation.
The explosion led to terrible loss of crew «Yamato»: a whole crew killed 2498 people, including the commander of connection and a ship commander. Overall, the battle except linkora died cruiser and four destroyers, which were killed or drowned 3665 people.
In his last fight «Yamato» shot down five planes and twenty injured, but the entire compound destroyed ten planes: four dive-bomber, three torpedonostsa and three fighters - not too high a price for the ships sunk sverhlinkor escort. Total in «Yamato» horrible about ten standard aircraft torpedoes with 270 kg «torpeksa» (equivalent to 400 kg TNT) and thirteen bombs on 250 kg.
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Edited by GM_Gladiator - 29/9/2008, 16:22Attached Image: 1.jpg
