IJN Natori (CL-1941/1942)
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The huge investment in the Yamato class had beggared the Navy and the next few
classes of ship were smaller to reflect the near empty coffers. A new light
cruiser class, based on the Furutaka type, with the same 6.1" weapon system was
planned. Superstructures and hull dimensions were similar to the previous Mogami
class and overall the three classes made up a substantial amount of the cruisers
that were used to escort the Main Fleet. The first two of the class were brand
new and had only just finished their acceptance trials when they were off with
the fleet to Pearl Harbour.
Originally to have the standard 8x5" AA mountings, this was replaced while
building with a new 76mm (3") AA gun in twin mountings. Six twin 76mm mountings
were able to be fitted for the same weight allocation. The four triple torpedo
tubes of the 24" Long Lance weapons gave the ships a much better torpedo
armament than their contemporaries.
| Displacement |
9,000 tons std, 11,550 tons full load |
| Length |
572 ft |
| Breadth |
64 ft |
| Draught |
19 ft |
| Machinery |
4 shaft Steam turbines, 110,000shp |
| Speed |
32 knots |
| Range |
8,500 miles at 18 knots |
| Armour |
3" side, 2" deck, 2" turrets. |
| Armament |
9 x 6.1" (3x3) 12 x 76mm (6x2)
24 x 25mm (8x3) |
| Aircraft |
2 |
| Torpedoes |
12 x 24" (4x3) |
| Complement |
660 |
| Notes |
IJN Natori IJN Chikuma
IJN Hirado
|
I designed the Natori class using the Agano light cruiser hull as the starting
point. Moving superstructure and torpedo mountings around gave me space for the
triple 6.1" to replace the twins on the originals. Adding 30% more breadth to
the hull (from 50 feet to 64 feet) allowed for the triple turrets and a lot more
besides. Looking at the British 6" cruiser of the same period from my Royal
Commonwealth Navy in comparison is illuminating.
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Both efficient ships with good armament and minor weaponry, aircraft and
torpedoes.
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