Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:58:26-2:00:08

Fast diesel Haguro-class cruisers with Kido Butai

A 30-knot, long-range diesel Haguro design could keep up with Japan's fast fleet and carriers, creating a more dangerous heavy-cruiser threat in major operations.

HaguroHeavy CruisersJapanese NavyKido ButaiMarine Diesel EnginesPacific War
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Question

Would the original six-screw diesel Haguro proposal make the class better?

Short answer

Yes. Its 30-knot speed and range would make it far more useful with Kido Butai and the fast battle fleet.

Notes

Speed and endurance would let the cruisers operate with Kongos and the First Air Fleet rather than lag behind independent formations. They could reinforce Kido Butai at Pearl Harbor or appear in later fast surface actions. Those force mixes create more dangerous tactical problems without guaranteeing a different result. Diesel fuel supply would be only marginally easier for Japan.