Torpedoes make closing range dangerous

The Japanese cruiser can put thirty Long Lance torpedoes into the water from either side, which makes sonar or hydrophones valuable even before a hit occurs. During the first action, the American ship closes despite the threat and turns a gunnery fight into a torpedo problem. Neither side scores a torpedo hit, yet the weapons still force evasive manoeuvres and influence engagement distance. In the later trial, the American ship again enters the estimated torpedo envelope despite repeated warnings to stay outside it. The possibility of a torpedo attack constrains a commander even when every weapon misses.