Minekaze increased maximum speed to about 39 knots and cruising range to 3,600 nautical miles at 14 knots. The full-load figures quoted are just under 1,700 tons for Minekaze and about 1,000 tons for Momi. That substantial increase in ship size bought only another 600 nautical miles at a cruising speed one knot lower. Some older ships later served as patrol vessels, but the original design is judged only a starting point for Japan's long-range fleet requirements.
Notable Point · 10:12-11:50
Minekaze's speed and Pacific endurance
Minekaze was larger and faster than the smaller destroyers, but its stated cruising range still invites questions about distant operations.