Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:58:13-1:58:40

Why Alaska is outmatched by Yamato

The Alaska-class large cruiser is not treated as a peer of Yamato, whose 18-inch guns and radar-assisted fire control give the Japanese battleship a decisive advantage.

Alaska Class Large CruisersNaval Fire ControlNaval GunneryYamato Class Battleships
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Question

How would an Alaska-class large cruiser fare against Yamato?

Short answer

Badly; Yamato's protection, 18-inch guns, and radar-assisted fire control are expected to overwhelm Alaska.

Notes

The comparison exposes the danger of treating every unusually large cruiser as a battleship equivalent. Alaska carried formidable cruiser armament, but Yamato combined much heavier protection with 18-inch guns. Yamato also possessed a form of radar-assisted fire control, improving the chances that the larger battery could be used effectively. Alaska is therefore expected to be sunk rather than fight on equal terms.