Shimakaze

0.6.9.1.1

Shimakaze

Destroyer | Japan | Tier X

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price223000 exp

Purchase price19 300 000

Hit Points17 900

Aircraft

Main Battery

127 mm/50 3rd Year Type mod. D3 х 2 pcs.

Rate of Fire10.45 shots/min.

Reload Time5.74 sec.

Rotation Speed7.9 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time22.78 sec.

Firing Range11.37 km.

Maximum Dispersion100 m.

HE Shell127 mm HE Type1

Maximum HE Shell Damage1800

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell7 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity915 m./s.

HE Shell Weight23 kg.

AP Shell127 mm AP Type0

Maximum AP Shell Damage2200

Initial AP Shell Velocity915 m./s.

AP Shell Weight23 kg.

Torpedo Tubes

610 mm Quintuple3 х 5 pcs.

Rate of Fire0.4 shots/min.

Reload Time150 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

TorpedoType93

Maximum Damage20 967

Torpedo Speed62 knot

Torpedo Range20.01 km.

AA Defense

127 mm/50 3rd Year Type mod. D3 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second30.3

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

25 mm/60 Type96 mod. 114 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second25.2

. . . Firing Range3.09 km.

25 mm/60 Type96 Twin mod. 11 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second5

. . . Firing Range3.09 km.

25 mm/60 Type96 Triple mod. 12 х 3 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second12.2

. . . Firing Range3.09 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed39 knot

Turning Circle Radius690 m.

Rudder Shift Time3 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range7.56 km.

Air Detectability Range4.23 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

0.6.9.1.1

Shimakaze

Destroyer | Japan | Tier X

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price223000 exp

Purchase price19 300 000

Hit Points17 900

Aircraft

Main Battery

127 mm/50 3rd Year Type mod. D3 х 2 pcs.

Rate of Fire10.45 shots/min.

Reload Time5.74 sec.

Rotation Speed7.9 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time22.78 sec.

Firing Range11.37 km.

Maximum Dispersion100 m.

HE Shell127 mm HE Type1

Maximum HE Shell Damage1800

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell7 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity915 m./s.

HE Shell Weight23 kg.

AP Shell127 mm AP Type0

Maximum AP Shell Damage2200

Initial AP Shell Velocity915 m./s.

AP Shell Weight23 kg.

Torpedo Tubes

610 mm Quintuple3 х 5 pcs.

Rate of Fire0.46 shots/min.

Reload Time131 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

TorpedoType F3

Maximum Damage21 367

Torpedo Speed76 knot

Torpedo Range8.01 km.

AA Defense

127 mm/50 3rd Year Type mod. D3 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second30.3

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

25 mm/60 Type96 mod. 114 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second25.2

. . . Firing Range3.09 km.

25 mm/60 Type96 Twin mod. 11 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second5

. . . Firing Range3.09 km.

25 mm/60 Type96 Triple mod. 12 х 3 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second12.2

. . . Firing Range3.09 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed39 knot

Turning Circle Radius690 m.

Rudder Shift Time3 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range7.56 km.

Air Detectability Range4.23 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

X

19 300 000

Shimakaze — Japanese Tier X destroyer.

Shimakaze, hull number 125, was an experimental destroyer, envisioned as the new generation of destroyer design for the Imperial Japanese Navy, born from the 1939 4th Naval Armaments Supplement Programme. Bigger and greater in tonnage than previous types, she carried a larger, higher pressure powerplant than her predecessors, which resulted in the highest speed of any Imperial Japanese destroyer, along with the largest torpedo broadside of any previous destroyer, whilst still carrying a typical compliment of main guns.

Modules

	Rate of Fire (shots/min)	180 Degree Turn Time (sec)	Maximum Dispersion (m)	Maximum HE Shell Damage (HP)	Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell (%)	Maximum AP Shell Damage (HP)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
127 mm/50 Tipo tercer año en una montura Tipo D	10,5	22,8	100	2150	9	2200		0	1 700 000

	Hit Points (HP)	Armor (mm)	Armor (mm)	Main Turrets (pcs.)	Secondary Gun Turrets (pcs.)	AA Mounts (pcs.)	Torpedo Tubes (pcs.)	Hangar Capacity (pcs.)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Shimakaze	17 900	6	20	3		14/1/2/3	3			0	2 000 000

	Rate of Fire (shots/min)	Torpedo Tubes Reload Time (sec)	180 Degree Turn Time (sec)	Maximum Damage (HP)	Torpedo Speed (knot)	Torpedo Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Tipo F3	0,5	131	7,2	21 366	76	8		30 000	2 500 000
Tipo 93 mod. 3	0,4	153	7,2	23 766	67	12		30 000	2 500 000
Tipo 93	0,4	150	7,2	20 966	62	20		0	2 500 000

	Firing Range Increase (%)	Maximum Firing Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Tipo 10 mod. 1		0		0	1 100 000

	Maximum Speed (knot)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Propulsión: 75 000 CV	39		0	1 650 000

Compatible Upgrades

Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Slot 4
Slot 5
Slot 6

Player Opinion

Performance

As the pinnacle of the Japanese Destroyer tech-tree, the Shimakaze epitomizes the play-style of the main line of ships: a long-range torpedo boat with solid – albeit slightly underwhelming – artillery.

The fundamental flavor of this ship are the unmatched volume of torpedoes that can be launched at once, giving rise to the nickname "Skillakaze"; therefore players must consider which torpedoes they wish to use, as it will affect the manner in which the ship will be utilized. It must be understood that the torpedoes individually are not as good as other nation's. The high range Type 93 torpedoes have an impressive range, but the torpedo detectability range of them is exceptionally poor at 2.5 km and this coupled with the lower than typical speed means landing hits is extremely challenging. The other two options are far more viable; the Type 93 mod 3 of 12km range has an on-par high speed, significantly lower detection and the strongest punch of any torpedo; The Type F3 of 8km range has outstanding, unrivaled speed, and a quicker reload, but at the cost of slightly worse detection and lower damage. The latter choice leads itself to very risky gameplay, but they are much more likely to land on a target, whereas the former 12km option leads itself to metered, conservative gameplay. With any option great care must be taken on positioning the ship safely to launch, and in considering and predicting the enemy's expected movements.

Yūgumo and Shimakaze are the two 12.7cm-gun Japanese destroyers that enjoy relatively good gun reload and acceptable turret traverse speeds, and thus can be utilized as a reasonably acceptable gunnery platform. This is not in line with some popular conceptions about Japanese destroyers. It is worth noting that whilst the reload is acceptable and the gun's range is excellent, the damage-dealing capability will always lag behind other lines of destroyers, so more than ever direct gun trades are not advisable. Japanese torpedoes have the highest flooding chance, so using the guns to light fires and damage modules before and after torpedo attacks can form a very effective and integrated playstyle. Great care must be paid to enemy formations, especially in the case of hydro-acoustic search, radar, and enemy aircraft, as well as other ships.

In the hands of a cunning but cautious hunter, the Shimakaze can be made to shine.

Pros:

• Excellent speed of 39 knots; significantly faster than all other modern Japanese destroyers.
• Type 93 mod. 3 torpedoes have the highest damage of any tech-tree researchable torpedo.
• Full broadside salvo of fifteen torpedoes makes it extremely formidable at closer ranges.
• Decent gun firing range.
• Absurd torpedo potential damage — over 350,000 — with Type 93 mod. 3 torpedoes.
• Fast rudder time, like other Japanese destroyers.

Cons:

• All torpedoes are significantly inferior in detectablity than other nations.
• Whilst decent, the artillery can be hard to use at higher ranges and isn't suitable for direct confrontation against other nation destroyers.
• Relatively high surface detection range (7.6 km), especially compared to previous Japanese destroyers.
• Poor turning radius
• Long torpedo reload time.
• Somewhat poor torpedo launch arcs.
• Very fragile, module incapacitations will be a common occurrence when hit.
• Poor AA, especially in the long range auras.
• Main armament placement is poorly suited for offensive engagements.
• Wide torpedo spread is only suitable for engaging broadside-on ships.

Research

Being a Tier X ship, the only modules to research for the Shimakaze are her alternative torpedo armaments: the Type 93 mod. 3 torpedoes and the Type F3 torpedoes, respectively. Captains are recommended to research and mount the Type 93 mod. 3 or Type F3 as their primary torpedo armament. Please refer to the Performance section, above.

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades

Being a Tier X ship, Shimakaze has access to all six Upgrade Slots, with some flexibility in choice to allow preference to a particular play-style. For Upgrade Slot 1, Main Armaments Modification 1 is the best choice. For Upgrade Slot 2, Aiming Systems Modification 1 is the best choice. Upgrade Slot 3 will have some variety. Captains can take Torpedo Tubes Modification 3 to decrease the torpedo reload time, which is good for a torpedo build. Alternatively, captains can take Gun Fire Control System Modification 2 to increase the maximum firing range of primary artillery, which is good for a gun build. It's worth noting that as of the last concealment overhaul, your detect ability whilst shooting is exactly equal to your maximum gun range, so excessive gun range may be a hindrance. For Upgrade Slot 4, the recommended choice is Propulsion Modification 1, which reduces the chance of engine incapacitation so captains don’t lose Shimakaze’s advantage of speed. Although, Damage Control System Modification 1 is still a viable choice, as it decreases risk of fire and flooding. Upgrade Slot 5 also presents two good choices. Captains can pick Propulsion Modification 2 to increase acceleration to max speed; further taking advantage of her speed. Otherwise, pick Steering Gears Modification 2 for faster rudder shift time to increase the overall maneuverability of the ship. For Upgrade Slot 6, Concealment Systems Modification 1 is the best choice.

Commander Skills

Recommended Commander Skills
Cost (points)	Endurance		Attack		Support		Versatility
1	Priority Target Situational Awareness indicator will show the number of opponents currently aiming at you with main battery guns. ★	Preventative Maintenance -30% to the risk of incapacitation of modules. ★★★	Expert Loader -50% to reload time when shell type is switched.	Aircraft Servicing Expert +5% to HP of carrier-based aircraft. -10% to servicing time of carrier-based aircraft.	Direction Center for Catapult Aircraft +1 catapult aircraft. -20% to the speed of catapult aircraft.	Dogfighting Expert +10% to average damage per second of fighter for each tier of difference between them. +10% to fighters ammunition.	Incoming Fire Alert Indicator of long-range enemy artillery fire.	Evasive Maneuver -20% to detectability of strike aircraft when returning to the carrier. +75% to HP of strike aircraft when returning to the carrier. -30% to airspeed of strike aircraft when returning to the carrier.
2	High Alert -10% to reload time of Damage Control Party consumable.	Jack of All Trades -5% to reload time of all consumables. ★	Expert Marksman +2.5 deg/sec to traverse speed of guns with a caliber up to 139mm. +0.7 deg/sec to traverse speed of guns with a caliber above 139mm. ★★	Torpedo Acceleration +5 knots to torpedo speed. -20% to torpedo range. ★	Smoke Screen Expert +20% to the radius of the smoke screen. ★	Expert Rear Gunner +10% to average damage per second of self-defense armament for aircraft with rear gunners.	Adrenaline Rush -0.2% to reload times of all types of armament for each 1% of total health lost. ★★	Last Stand The ship remains able to move and maneuver while the engine or steering gears are incapacitated. ★★★
3	Basics of Survivability -15% to time of repair, fire extinguishing, and recovery from flooding. ★	Survivability Expert +350 HP for each ship tier. ★★★	Torpedo Armament Expertise -10% to reload time of torpedo tubes. -20% to servicing time of torpedo bombers. ★★★	Emergency Takeoff Makes it possible to launch and recover aircraft while the ship is on fire. +100% to aircraft servicing time while aircraft carrier is on fire.	Basic Firing Training -10% to reload time of main battery guns with a caliber up to and including 139mm and all secondary battery guns. +20% to average damage per second of AA defense. ★	Superintendent +1 additional charge to all consumables mounted on a ship. ★★★	Demolition Expert +2% to chance of fire on a target caused by a main caliber shell, secondary shell, or bomb.	Vigilance +25% to detection range of enemy torpedoes. ★★
4	Manual Fire Control for Secondary Armament -15% to the maximum dispersion of shells for the secondary armament of Tier I-VI ships. -60% to the maximum dispersion of shells for the secondary armament of Tier VII-X ships.	Fire Prevention -7% to the risk of fire. The maximum number of fires on a ship is reduced to three.	Inertia Fuse for HE Shells +30% to the armor penetration capacity of HE shells. -3% to chance of fire on target caused by HE shells.	Air Supremacy +1 fighter per squadron. +1 bomber per squadron.	Advanced Firing Training +20% to firing range of main battery guns with a caliber up to 139mm and all secondary battery guns. +20% to AA defense firing range. ★	Manual Fire Control for AA Armament +100% to average damage per second of AA guns with a caliber exceeding 85mm against a designated target.	Radio Position Finding Shows the direction to the nearest enemy ship (that isn't an aircraft carrier). The enemy player is alerted that a bearing has been taken on their ship. ★★	Concealment Expert -10% to the detection radius of destroyers. -12% to the detection radius of cruisers. -14% to the detection radius of battleships. -16% to the detection radius of aircraft carriers. ★★★
Key: ★★★ - Extremely Useful       ★★ - Frequently Useful       ★ - Occasionally Useful      No stars - Not Useful

Consumables

Shimakaze gets three consumables: Damage Control Party, Smoke Generator, and Engine Boost. It is recommended to take premium versions of all consumables that have the resources to spare, but for those captains, whom are cash-strapped, prioritize Smoke Generator II. As it goes, a spotted DD is a dead DD; therefore having premium Smoke Generator will provide more chances to disappear from a disadvantageous situation.

Camouflage

Shimakaze has access to Type 1, 2, 5, or 6 Camouflage; the first three acquired via credits. Types 1 or 5 are recommended at a minimum as they reduce detectability range by sea. Players who wish to spend doubloons can equip Shimakaze with Type 20 Camouflage, which lowers her detection radius, reduces accuracy of incoming shells, increases credits & experience earned in battle, and decreases post-battle costs.

Signals

The choice of which Signal Flags to mount will confer to the individual preference of each captain, and are subject to great variation, although there are certain flags which are worth the further emphasis. Captains should mount India Yankee to decrease time to extinguish fires, mount November Foxtrot to decrease reload time of consumables, and mount Sierra Mike to increase the ship's maximum speed. To make their torpedoes more potent, captains should mount Juliet Whisky Unaone to increase chance of causing flooding and Juliet Charlie to mitigate risk to magazine detonation from mounting the former flag. If captains wish to buff their primary artillery, they are encouraged to mount Victor Lima + India X-ray to increase fire chance to HE shells.

Gallery

• 

  Shimakaze prepares for battle.

• 

  Shimakaze launches her torpedoes at enemy battleships.

• 

  Shimakaze engages an enemy Montana and Yūgumo.

• 

  The destroyer attempts to dodge incoming fire.

Historical Info

Construction

Maizuru Naval Yard; Maizuru, Japan

Laid down: 8 August 1941

Launched: 18 July 1942

Commissioned: 10 May 1943

---

Specifications

2,567 tons displacement, standard

129.5m length overall

126-126.5m length waterline

11.2m beam

4.14m draft

---

Machinery

3 water tube boilers, 2 geared steam turbines

---

Performance

39 knots at 75,000 shaft horsepower

1,400nm at 30 knots

---

Armament

Main

Six (3x2) 127mm guns

Anti-aircraft

As completed:

Two (1x2) 13mm AA guns

Four (2x2) 25mm AA guns

Likely final configuration:

Twenty-eight (14x1, 1x2, 4x3) 25mm AA guns

Torpedoes

Fifteen (3x5) 610mm torpedo tubes

Anti Submarine Warfare

One twin depth charge launcher

Two depth charge rails

Sensors

As completed:

One Type 22 surface and air search radar set

Refited later in service:

One Type 13 air search radar set

History

Design

Originally known as the “Type C” design, the experimental Shimakaze (島風, lit. “Island Wind”) drew many of her design inspirations from the Kagero and Yūgumo-class destroyers; and could be seen as an improvement of the types. Shimakaze was named for the previous speed record holder, a Minekaze class of the same name.

With the goal of producing a new generation of high speed destroyer, Shimakaze's design featured increased length and displacement, allowing new high pressure boilers and turbines to be installed, which later allowed Shimakaze to reach a speed of nearly 41 knots at overload power during trials. The new turbines she received gave her 50% more power than contemporary Japanese destroyer turbines; the high pressure boilers had previously been tested in the Kagero-class destroyer Amatsukaze. Because of the larger size, it was possible to install three quintuple 610mm torpedo launchers which gave the heaviest torpedo broadside of any destroyer before her. The individual superiority of the overall armament and the high speed of Shimakaze was fitting to the Japanese Navy’s Decisive Battle Doctrine or "Kantai Kessen", as well as reflected a response to a new generation of foreign warship designs.

Shimakaze was laid down on 8 August 1941 in the Maizuru Naval Arsenal, a Japanese Navy-run shipyard which specialized in vessels destroyer class and smaller. The IJN originally intended to develop 16 additional destroyers of this experimental class, but — hampered with the ill-fated Battle of Midway (1942) and Japan’s limited resources and small industrial capacity — the project was deemed too expensive, cancelled, and the funding passed on to an upgraded Akizuki design. However, that too was cancelled due to a string of Japanese defeats that followed shortly after Midway.

Nevertheless, the original Shimakaze prototype was continued to completion (though with many delays) and was commissioned into service on 10 May 1943. Because Shimakaze was an experimental type, she was not given the highest priority in construction, however the delays did mean that she was completed with a Type 22 (surface and air search) radar set, one of the first in for destroyers in the Japanese navy. Unfortunately, it was a very difficult decision for the IJN on where to place her into their formations, thus she became more or less independent of destroyer squadrons.

Service

In service, Shimakaze saw her first sortie in July 1943 as the radar guide (radar picket) and screen flagship for the Kiska evacuation under the cover of fog. Two days later, American forces shelled rocky island with thousands of rounds and landed over 34,000 men, only to discover that the Japanese had disappeared. Shimakaze received some upgrades during her short career, such as modification to the characteristic bridge wind deflector and wheelhouse windows, receiving a Type 13 (air search) radar set, and eventually having a total fit of twenty-eight (28) 25mm autocannons.

Unlike what is commonly stated, Shimakaze (Like Yūgumo, was given Type D mountings for her 12.7cm/50 guns, which where capable of high elevation and thus (technically) anti-aircraft capable; thus, the no. 2 turret was never removed for additional AA guns - the same is true for all Yūgumo class ships. Though capable of high elevation, the 12.7cm/50 Type 3 gun on Shimakaze was most unsuitable for anti-aircraft work with such limitations as a slow rate of fire and only manual turret traverse drive.

Refitted, Shimakaze rendezvoused with the Combined Fleet, operating as an attachment destroyer and was deployed with Yamato and Musashi during the Battle of the Philippine Sea in the attempt to reinforce Biak in June 1944. However, in the Battle of Leyte Gulf several months later, Shimakaze never participated due to rescuing survivors from the sunken Musashi.

Days later, even though Shimakaze was part of the fleet which that surprised the American escort carriers off Samar on 25 October 1944, she was placed away from the fight again: this time to pick up survivors from the heavy cruiser Maya which had been sunk a day earlier by torpedoes from the American submarine USS Dace. Her crowded decks and now heavily loaded state made it impractical for her to be utilized as a combatant.

Though an impressive destroyer design, Shimakaze was lost on 11 November 1944 after a short time in service, while helping escort a troop convoy to Ormoc to reinforce the remaining Japanese forces in the Philippines. Fighting against hundreds of carrier planes from American Task Force 38, Shimakaze and three other destroyers were sunk with their convoy.

Post WWII Namesake

The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) re-used the name in the Hatakaze' class of guided missile destroyers; DDG-172 Shimakaze' was launched 30 January 1987, and Maizuru — where the Shimakaze (1942) was constructed — is her home port.

Historical Accuracy Errata

• Ingame, Shimakaze's bow is entirely the incorrect shape; instead of a straight rake, it is infact a clipper bow, per Photograph NH 73053 Shimakaze (U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command)
• It's likely that with 14 single 25mm autocannons fitted, the additional platforms for two triple 25mm autocannons would have already been fitted
• The smaller (lower level) bridge rangefinder is of the incorrect model and appears to be a torpedo director; a 66cm was fitted in reality.
• Various deck fittings are wrongly placed, such as the anchor handling gear on the forecastle, per photograph(s) of her under aerial attack.

Historical Gallery

• 

  Shimakaze shortly after her completion, 1943

• 

  Photograph of the Shimakaze under aerial attack, 1944

References

Wikipedia - Shimakaze Class Destroyer

Ships of Japan

Destroyers