Eight torpedoes in the tubes and eight reloads allowed two complete salvos before returning to base. Long-range attacks called for firing a full spread because trying to pick off a target with an individual torpedo was impractical. The main guns could elevate to about 55 degrees, which restricted their usefulness against aircraft. Additional gun mounts occupied available deck space during the war. Retaining 120 mm guns is proposed as a way to gain a few degrees of elevation within the same turret because their smaller breeches occupied less room. Even that alternative would fall short of the 75 to 80 degrees sought here for a fully effective dual-purpose mounting.
Notable Point · 1:35:34-1:37:49
Torpedo reloads and the limits of Asashio's guns
Two full torpedo salvos were possible, while the main guns' limited elevation constrained their antiaircraft usefulness.