At roughly 47,000 tons fully loaded, the Amagis promised 131,200 shaft horsepower, 8,000 nautical miles of range at 14 knots, and ten 16-inch guns. That battery gives the design immense hitting power while the fifth main turret also creates useful modernization margin if removed later. Weight released by such a refit could support protection, machinery, anti-aircraft weapons, or other improvements. The eight 24-inch torpedo tubes are a poor fit because a ship with 16-inch guns should normally fight well beyond torpedo range. The torpedo flats also introduce large internal spaces that can flood, adding vulnerability even if long-range torpedoes or night action offer a theoretical use. The discussion makes Amagi a strong battlecruiser design burdened by a weapon installation whose opportunity cost is unusually easy to see.
Chapter · 42:05-45:19
Amagi pairs immense firepower with a torpedo liability
The Amagi class combines ten 16-inch guns, long range, and strong machinery, but its torpedo battery consumes weight and creates vulnerable internal spaces.