Shimakaze

13.9

Shimakaze

Destroyer | Japan | Tier X

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price223000 exp

Purchase price19,300,000

Hit Points17,900

Main Battery

127 mm/50 3rd Year Type on a Type D mount3 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 Damage2,150

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell9 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity915 m./s.

HE Shell Weight23 kg.

AP Shell127 mm AP Type0

Maximum AP Shell Damage2,200

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 on a Type D mount3 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second30.3

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

25 mm/60 Type 96 on a single mount14 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second25.2

. . . Firing Range2.49 km.

25 mm/60 Type 96 on a twin mount1 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second2.7

. . . Firing Range2.49 km.

25 mm/60 Type 96 on a triple mount2 х 3 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second6.6

. . . Firing Range2.49 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed39 knot

Turning Circle Radius690 m.

Rudder Shift Time3 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range6.9 km.

Air Detectability Range3.38 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

13.9

Shimakaze

Destroyer | Japan | Tier X

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price223000 exp

Purchase price19,300,000

Hit Points17,900

Main Battery

127 mm/50 3rd Year Type on a Type D mount3 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 Damage2,150

Chance of Fire on Target Caused by HE Shell9 %

Initial HE Shell Velocity915 m./s.

HE Shell Weight23 kg.

AP Shell127 mm AP Type0

Maximum AP Shell Damage2,200

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 on a Type D mount3 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second30.3

. . . Firing Range5.01 km.

25 mm/60 Type 96 on a single mount14 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second25.2

. . . Firing Range2.49 km.

25 mm/60 Type 96 on a twin mount1 х 2 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second2.7

. . . Firing Range2.49 km.

25 mm/60 Type 96 on a triple mount2 х 3 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second6.6

. . . Firing Range2.49 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed39 knot

Turning Circle Radius690 m.

Rudder Shift Time3 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range6.9 km.

Air Detectability Range3.38 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

X

19,300,000

Shimakaze — Japanese Tier X destroyer.

An experimental fast "cruiser destroyer" boasting a heavy-duty power plant, reinforced AA defenses, and powerful torpedo armament. Improved performance was to be achieved by utilizing new boilers. Shimakaze was laid down in August 1941 and entered service in May 1943. She was to have been the lead ship in a series of 16 destroyers, but no sister ships were ever completed. Shimakaze participated in the evacuation of the Aleutian Islands, escorted convoys between 1943 and 1944, and engaged in the Battles of Leyte Gulf and Ormoc Bay.

Modules

	Rate of Fire (shots/min)	180° 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 3rd Year Type on a Type D mount	10.5	22.8	100	2,150	9	2,200		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° Turn Time (sec)	Maximum Damage (HP)	Torpedo Speed (knot)	Torpedo Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Type F3	0.5	131	7.2	21,366	76	8		30,000	2,500,000
Type93 mod. 3	0.4	153	7.2	23,766	67	12		30,000	2,500,000
Type93	0.4	150	7.2	20,966	62	20		0	2,500,000

	IDS_SHIP_PARAM_SUO_INCREASE_DIST (%)	Maximum Firing Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Type10 mod. 1		0		0	1,100,000

	Maximum Speed (knot)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Propulsion: 75,000 hp	39		0	1,650,000

Compatible Upgrades

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

Player Opinion

Performance

Warning: The data presented in the AA Defense sidebar section may be incorrect.
Refer to the in-game Port screens for more useful data.

As the pinnacle of the Japanese torpedo destroyer tech-tree branch, Shimakaze epitomizes the play-style of the main line of ships: a long-range torpedo boat with solid – albeit rather underwhelming – artillery. Shimakaze also boasts the absolute lowest detection range of any Tier X destroyer.

The fundamental flavor of this ship is the unmatched volume of torpedoes that can be launched at once; 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 nations'. The high range Type 93 torpedoes have an impressive range, but the torpedo detectability range of them is poor at 2.5 km and this coupled with the lower than typical speed means landing hits is 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 slightly lower damage. The latter choice lends itself to very risky game play, but they are much more likely to land on a target, whereas the former 12km option lends itself to metered, conservative game play. With any option care must be taken on positioning the ship safely to launch, and in considering and predicting the enemy's expected movements.

Yugumo and Shimakaze are the two 127mm gunnned Japanese destroyers that enjoy relatively good reload compared to their predecessors and acceptable turret traverse speeds, and thus can be utilized as a reasonably acceptable gunnery platforms in some circumstances. This is not in line with some popular conceptions about Japanese destroyers. It is worth noting that while the reload is acceptable and the gun's range is excellent, the damage-dealing capability are not particularly good so direct gun trades are inadvisable. Japanese torpedoes have the highest flooding chance, so using the guns to light fires and damage modules before and after torpedo attacks can be an effective tactical technique.

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, Shimakaze can shine.

Pros:

• Good HE alpha damage with an okay rate of fire.
• Three quintuple torpedo launchers spit out a devastating salvo of fifteen (15) torpedoes — the infamous Wall of Skill.
• Type93 mod. 3 torpedoes have amazing damage and flood chances.
• Fast rudder shift time.
• Tied with Tier V Minekaze for the highest base speed of all IJN destroyers at 39 knots.
• Best base concealment of all Tier X destroyers, can out-spot most Tier IX destroyers, too.
• Three different options for the torpedo armament that allows for different play styles.

Cons:

• Smallest health pool of all Tier X destroyers.
• Gun turret traverse is mediocre at best.
• Somewhat poor torpedo launch arcs.
• Torpedoes have poor stealth and are easily detected.
• Long torpedo reload time with no booster consumable.
• Weak AA suite.

Research

Despite being a Tier X ship, Shimakaze does not become Elite when unlocked. From the stock Type93 torpedoes, which are rather slow with a poor detection range, research and equip the Type93 mod. 3 torps. The Type F3's are fast but painfully short-ranged.

Yamagiri is researched off Shimakaze at a cost of 1 XP.

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades

As 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. The recommended upgrades for Shimakaze are:

• Slot 1: Main Armaments Modification 1
• Slot 2: Engine Room Protection
• Slot 3: Torpedo Tubes Modification 1
• Slot 4: Propulsion Modification 1
• Slot 5: Concealment System Modification 1  for even better sneak.
• Slot 6: Torpedo Tubes Modification 2 or Torpedo Quick Reload System () for faster reload.

Commander Skills

Shimakaze has two priorities: survival, and her torpedoes.

Recommended Commander Skills
Cost (points)	Attack				Defense
1	Grease the Gears +15% main battery traverse speed.	Liquidator +30% chance (multiplicative) of causing flooding. ★	Consumables Specialist −7.5% cooldown time of all Consumables except:  Damage Control Party ,  Repair Party .	Gun Feeder -40% time to switch shell type.	Incoming Fire Alert Receive a warning about a salvo fired at your ship from more than 4.5 km. ★★	Preventive Maintenance −30% chance of main armament, engines, steering becoming incapacitated +15% to HP of secondary and AA guns. ★★★
2	Demolition Expert +1% chance of main and secondary HE shells causing a fire. +15% to the damage-inflicting area of HE shells fired at submarines.	Swift Fish +5% torpedo speed. ★★	Consumables Enhancements +10% action time of: Hydroacoustic Search , Surveillance Radar , Smoke Generator , & Engine Boost .	Extra-Heavy Ammunition +7.5% main battery AP shell damage. +10% damage from depth charges.	Priority Target The detection indicator will show the number of enemies aiming at you with main battery.	Last Stand The ship remains able to move and maneuver - slowly - while the engine or steering gears are incapacitated. ★★★
3	Main Battery & AA Specialist -5% main battery reload time. +10% continuous AA damage.	Fill the Tubes -10% torpedo tubes reload time. ★★	Adrenaline Rush -0.2% reload time of all armaments per 1% HP lost +0.2% AA continuous damage per 1% HP lost. ★★	Inertial Fuse for HE Shells +25% armor penetration of HE shells Base fire chance reduced by half.	Superintendent +1 charge to all consumables.	Survivability Expert +350 HP per ship tier. ★★★
4	Main Battery & AA Expert +20% main battery range. +15% flak damage.	Swift in Silence So long as the ship remains undetected: +8% ship speed +5% main battery reload time. ★★	Radio Location Shows the direction to the nearest enemy ship. The enemy is alerted that a bearing has been taken.. ★★	Fearless Brawler +1 flak burst per salvo. -10% main battery reload when ship is spotted.	Concealment Expert -10% detectability range of the ship. ★★★	Dazzle For 15 seconds after you are detected: * +20% dispersion of enemy shells fired at you. * +8% ship speed.
Key: ★★★ - Extremely Useful      ★★ - Frequently Useful      ★ - Occasionally Useful     No stars - Not Useful

Consumables

Shimakaze equips three consumables:

• Slot 1: Damage Control Party 
• Slot 2: Smoke Generator 
• Slot 3: Engine Boost 

Signals

Recommended Signal Flags
Combat
Juliet Charlie -100% to the risk of magazine detonation. ★★★	Juliet Yankee Bissotwo -20% to flooding duration.	India Yankee -20% to fire duration.	Hotel Yankee -20% to damage received when ramming the enemy. +50% to damage dealt when ramming the enemy. ★	Victor Lima +1% chance for HE bombs and shells with a caliber above 160mm causing a fire. +0.5% chance for bombs and smaller shells causing a fire. +4% chance of torpedoes causing flooding. ★★	India X-Ray +1% chance for HE bombs and shells with a caliber above 160mm causing a fire. +0.5% chance for bombs and smaller shells causing a fire. +5% to the risk of your ship's magazine detonating. ★
Juliet Whiskey Unaone +15% chance of causing flooding. +5% to the risk of your ship's magazine detonating. ★★★	Mike Yankee Soxisix +5% to secondary battery maximum firing range. -5% to maximum dispersion of secondary battery shells. -5% to secondary battery loading time.	November Echo Setteseven +5% continuous AA damage at all ranges. +5% damage from flak bursts.	Sierra Mike +5% to the ship's maximum speed. ★★★	November Foxtrot -5% reload time on all consumables. ★★	India Delta +20% to the amount of HP recovered when Repair Party  is used.
X-Ray Papa Unaone +10% action time of a Smoke Generator .	Sierra Bravo +10% action time of Hydroacoustic Search  -10% reload time of Defensive AA Fire .

Note: Use of the Juliet Charlie signal makes detonation impossible.

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

• Light and dark green camouflage was only applied to aircraft carriers beginning in mid-1944; Shimakaze was painted in overall IJN gray.
• 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

1. Shimakaze Class Destroyer - Wikipedia

Ship Change Log

See here for links to Update notes.

• Added to the game in Update 0.1.2 (alpha) as a Tier 10 destroyer.
• Update 0.1.5:
  • Reduced the range of anti-aircraft defense.
  • Moved from Tier X to Tier IX.
• Update 0.2.2:
  • Moved from Tier IX to Tier X.
• Update 0.2.3:
  • Removed all but the top configuration.
• Update 0.5.2:
  • Experience earnings increased by 10%.
  • Credit earnings increased by 16%.
• Update 0.5.5:
  • Torpedo detectability values were changed:
    • For Type93 mod 1: increased from 1.7 to 2.5 km.
    • For Type93 mod 3: increased from 1.7 to 1.9 km.
  • Type93 mod 1 torpedoes speed decreased from 67 to 62 knots.
  • Type93 mod 3 torpedoes range decreased from 15 to 12 km.
  • Type F3 torpedoes have been added.
• Update 0.5.7:
  • The hull armored model was refined.
• Update 0.5.14:
  • The hull model was updated using a special technique for drawing rails and other thin objects on the ship.
  • Updated models of the main battery, rangefinders, add-ons.
• Update 0.6.2:
  • The national flag was moved from the stern to the mast.
• Update 0.6.3:
  • Base firing range increased from 9,810 m to 11,370 m.
• Update 0.6.4:
  • Main battery turret traverse time reduced from 25.7 to 22.8 s.
  • Torpedo detectability values were changed:
    • Type93 mod.3: decreased from 1.9 to 1.7 km.
    • Type F3: decreased from 1.9 to 1.8 km.
  • Appearance was improved.
• Update 0.6.6:
  • Fixed errors in the deck armor, now is all 19 mm.
  • Fixed racks for attaching wires to the main battery.
• Update 0.6.8:
  • Main battery reload time decreased from 6 to 5.7 s.
• Update 0.6.12:
  • Detectability when firing main guns in smoke changed to 2.83 km.
• Update 0.6.13:
  • Fire extinguishing time now 30 s instead of 60 s.
• Update 0.7.2:
  • Players who have collected the "Uniforms" sub-collection of the "Yamomoto Isoroku" collection can use an alternate permanent camouflage color.
  • Fixed a bug due to which it was impossible to aim with Type 93 torpedoes at their maximum travel distance.
• Update 0.7.4:
  • Base detectability reduced to 7.11 km (5.59 km with all modifiers).
• Update 0.7.6:
  • Improved display of thin elements on the hull.
• Update 0.7.11:
  • HE shell damage increased from 1,800 to 2,150, fire change increased from 7 to 9%.
• Update 0.9.0:
  • Fixed camera errors during the game.
• Update 0.9.5:
  • Changes were made to the "Accelerated reloading of torpedo tubes" unique upgrade:
    • Torpedo tube traverse speed penalty reduced from 80% to 70%.
• Update 0.9.6:
  • The value of the in-game turning circle radius was changed to 690 m to correct prior discrepancy.
• Update 0.9.7:
  • Minor fixes to geometry and textures.
• Update 0.10.10:
  • Reworked the display of visual effects on the Master of the Water World and Angler permanent camouflages.
• Update 12.0:
  • Improved the geometry and textures of the ship.

Ships of Japan

Destroyers