BLUF
The Yamato-class warships, two heavily armoured vessels from Japan during World War II, were engineered for triumph in a pivotal naval clash. Their formidable firepower, however, saw limited application in combat due to the prevalence of carrier-based aircraft. In the end, these aircraft were responsible for their sinking.Summary
KEY POINTS:
- Japan had previously achieved naval victories over China and Russia in a single, decisive action.
- The dimensions of the guns, measuring 18.1 inches, were kept confidential until the war's conclusion.
- The sinking of the British battleship Prince of Wales and the battlecruiser Repulse by Japanese aircraft underscored the vulnerability of battleships.
- Despite a firing range of 41,400 metres, the Yamato and its sister ship, Musashi, only discharged their guns in anger once.
- The third vessel in the class, converted into an aircraft carrier during its construction, was sunk prior to entering combat.
