One proposed Japanese tactic is to split the squadron and approach the American battle line from several directions. This would use the speed advantage to divide American fire. The simulation instead keeps the five Japanese ships together. Concentration is understandable when their fifty main guns face eighty-four, so splitting the force remains an untested tactical alternative.
Notable Point · 1:05:37-1:06:19
Using speed to divide a stronger battle line
Splitting the faster Japanese squadron could divide American fire, although the smaller force also has reasons to remain concentrated.