Kagero

13.3

Kagerō

Destroyer | Japan | Tier VIII

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price115000 exp

Purchase price9,100,000

Hit Points13,300

Main Battery

127 mm/50 3rd Year Type on a Type C mount3 х 2 pcs.

Rate of Fire8.51 shots/min.

Reload Time7.05 sec.

Rotation Speed6.9 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time26.09 sec.

Firing Range8.55 km.

Maximum Dispersion79 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 Quad2 х 4 pcs.

Rate of Fire0.59 shots/min.

Reload Time101 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

TorpedoType90 mod. 1

Maximum Damage17,233

Torpedo Speed62 knot

Torpedo Range9.99 km.

AA Defense

25 mm/60 Type 96 on a triple mount3 х 3 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second9.9

. . . Firing Range2.49 km.

25 mm/60 Type 96 on a single mount4 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second7.2

. . . Firing Range2.49 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed35 knot

Turning Circle Radius640 m.

Rudder Shift Time4 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range6.63 km.

Air Detectability Range3.07 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

13.3

Kagerō

Destroyer | Japan | Tier VIII

Tech Tree Position

stock

 top

General

Research price115000 exp

Purchase price9,100,000

Hit Points15,100

Main Battery

127 mm/50 3rd Year Type on a Type C mount3 х 2 pcs.

Rate of Fire8.51 shots/min.

Reload Time7.05 sec.

Rotation Speed6.9 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time26.09 sec.

Firing Range9.41 km.

Maximum Dispersion79 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 Quad2 х 4 pcs.

Rate of Fire0.54 shots/min.

Reload Time112 sec.

Rotation Speed25 deg./sec.

180 Degree Turn Time7.2 sec.

TorpedoType93 mod. 2

Maximum Damage20,967

Torpedo Speed67 knot

Torpedo Range9.99 km.

AA Defense

25 mm/60 Type 96 on a single mount10 х 1 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second18

. . . Firing Range2.49 km.

25 mm/60 Type 96 on a triple mount3 х 3 pcs.

. . . Average Damage per Second9.9

. . . Firing Range2.49 km.

Maneuverability

Maximum Speed35 knot

Turning Circle Radius640 m.

Rudder Shift Time2.7 sec.

Concealment

Surface Detectability Range6.63 km.

Air Detectability Range3.07 km.

Battle Levels

12345678910

VIII

9,100,000

Kagerō — Japanese Tier VIII destroyer.

Due to a good balance of her main characteristics, Kagero was the most successful destroyer design in the Imperial Japanese Navy. She had extremely long-range, high-speed, oxygen-fueled torpedoes that made her considerably superior to all ships of her type in terms of torpedo armament power.

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 C mount	8.5	26.1	79	2,150	9	2,200		0	590,000

	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 ()
Kagerō (A)	13,300	6	20	3		4/3	2			0	610,000
Kagerō (B)	15,100	6	20	3		10	2			21,000	1,600,000

	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 ()
Type90 mod. 1	0.6	101	7.2	17,233	62	10		0	1,300,000
Type93 mod. 2	0.5	112	7.2	20,966	67	10		20,000	1,800,000

	IDS_SHIP_PARAM_SUO_INCREASE_DIST (%)	Maximum Firing Range (km)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Type8 mod. 1		0		0	350,000
Type8 mod. 2		0		8,000	780,000

	Maximum Speed (knot)		Research price (exp)	Purchase price ()
Propulsion: 52,000 hp	35		0	600,000

Compatible Upgrades

Slot 1
Slot 2
Slot 3
Slot 4
Slot 5

Player Opinion

Performance

Dropping down from Tier IX as a part of the Japanese destroyer line changes in Update 0.5.15, Kagerō now fills Fubuki’s old spot at Tier VIII. Fans of the old Fubuki and new captains who have moved up from Akatsuki will find Kagerō familiar in many ways. Both should be accustomed to the A-X-Y turret arrangement of the main battery, her handling characteristics are nearly identical (similar turning circle radius and rudder shift time), and her anti-aircraft suite is still hardly worth mentioning. So, what's new?

For starters, Kagerō’s guns reload faster, though they do give up some range to those of Akatsuki and pre-0.5.15 Fubuki. This gives her more of a fighting chance when cornered by an enemy gunboat destroyer (such as Benson), especially if said enemy is already wounded. With that said, however, captains who have progressed this far up the line should know by now when to hang in a gun duel against an enemy destroyer and when discretion is the better part of valor; never court a gunfight with an American or Russian destroyer with lots of health. Kagerō’s detection radius is improved over both old Fubuki and Akatsuki; not only can she can equip Concealment Module 1 (as a Tier VIII ship), but her base detection radius of 6.8 km is the lowest of all high-tier Japanese destroyers.

Kagerō has some fairly glaring deficiencies compared to her counterparts at Tier VIII, though. Her speed is fairly pedestrian, her anti-aircraft guns are ineffective at shooting down enemy planes, and her main battery reload and turret traverse times are painfully slow. Just like Akatsuki, captains are likely to miss the tremendous tactical flexibility of Fubuki’s three torpedo launchers. As nasty as her upgraded torpedoes are — and they hit very, very hard — their reload time means that getting off more than a few salvos in a match is tough. Luckily, Kagerō can give up Smoke Generator  in exchange for Torpedo Reload Booster . This allows her to force an 8-second reload time on her torpedoes once every six minutes (or four, with the premium version). Given her best-in-tier detection radius, this will be a worthwhile gamble for many captains.

The Japanese destroyer line becomes challenging to excel in at high tiers, but Kagero provides all the tools necessary for captains to do just that; they need only bring patience and a willingness to learn how to handle her.

Pros:

• Lowest detection range of all Tier VIII destroyers.
• Fast, powerful torpedoes that hit like freight trains.
• Good handling; same turning circle as her predecessors, quick rudder shift.
• Gains access to Torpedo Reload Booster , allowing her to launch 16 torpedoes within 10 seconds.

Cons:

• Mediocre top speed of 35 knots.
• Main battery is slightly improved from Akatsuki, but is still nothing special.
• Painfully long torpedo reload time, regardless of which torpedoes are equipped.
• Has to choose between Torpedo Reload Booster  or Smoke Generator , unlike Akizuki.

Research

Hull (B) is unquestionably the most important upgrade for Kagerō; the extra hit points provide her additional survivability. The Torpedo module is a fairly minor buff to her fish; the Fire Control System module might actually be better to pick-up first. Captain's pick for this one, there's not really a wrong answer.

Optimal Configuration

Upgrades

The recommended upgrades for Kagerō are as follows:

• Slot 1: Main Armaments Modification 1
• Slot 2: Propulsion Modification 1
• Slot 3: Aiming Systems Modification 1 or Main Battery Modification 2
• Slot 4: Propulsion Modification 1 ()
• Slot 5: Concealment System Modification 1 

As a Tier VIII ship, Kagerō gains access to Slot 5; Concealment System Modification 1 is the logical choice for the new slot. Her other upgrade recommendations remain largely as they were for Akatsuki: Main Armaments Modification 1 in Slot 1, Aiming Systems Modification 1 or Main Battery Modification 2 in Slot 3, and Propulsion Modifications 1 and 2 in Slot 2 and Slot 4, respectively.

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 main turrets, torpedo tubes, steering gear, engines. ★★★	Expert Loader -50% to reload time when shell type is switched.	Air Supremacy -5% aircraft restoration time. Χ	Direction Center for Fighters +1 fighter to carrier fighter squadrons or catapult fighters. Χ	Improved Engine Boost +10% Aircraft engine boost time. Χ	Incoming Fire Alert Indicator of long-range enemy artillery fire.	Last Gasp Completely restores the engine boost for the last attack flight of the carrier's planes. Χ
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. ★	Improved Engines +2.5% Squadron speed. Χ	Adrenaline Rush -0.2% to reload times of all types of armament for each 1% of total health lost. +0.2% squadron speed 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 ship HP for each ship tier. +15 aircraft HP for each ship tier. ★★	Torpedo Armament Expertise -10% to reload time of torpedo tubes. ★★	Aircraft Armor Reduces continuous damage to aircraft in all AA defense zones. -10% continuous damage. Χ	Basic Firing Training -10% to reload time of main battery guns with a caliber up to and including 139mm and all secondary battery guns. +10% to continuous damage from AA guns.	Superintendent +1 additional charge to all consumables mounted on a ship. ★★★	Demolition Expert +2% chance of HE shells causing a fire on target. +1% chance of rockets causing a fire on target. +5% chance of HE bombs causing a fire on target.	Vigilance +25% to detection range of enemy torpedoes. ★★
4	Manual Fire Control for Secondary Armament Tightens dispersion of secondary batteries. -15% for Tier I-VI ships. -60% for Tier VII-X ships. Manually selected target only.	Fire Prevention -10% to the risk of fire. The maximum number of fires on a ship is reduced to three.	Inertia Fuse for HE Shells +25% to the armor penetration of HE shells. -50% to base chance of fire caused by HE shells. ★	Sight Stabilization Speeds up the aiming of a carrier's aircraft. +7.5% attack aircraft and torpedo bomber aiming speed. +15% dive bomber aiming speed. Χ	Advanced Firing Training +20% to firing range of main battery guns with a caliber up to 139mm and all secondary battery guns. +15% AA flak burst damage. ★★	Massive AA Fire +100% instantaneous damage. No boost to continuous damage in a reinforced sector. Shorter effective cooldown.	Radio Position Finding Shows the direction to the nearest enemy ship. The enemy is alerted that a bearing has been taken. ★★	Concealment Expert -10% to the detection radius of all ships and aircraft. ★★★
Key: ★★★ - Extremely Useful      ★★ - Frequently Useful      ★ - Occasionally Useful     No stars - Meh      Χ - Not recommended

Consumables

Kagerō can equip the following consumables:

• Slot 1: Damage Control Party 
• Slot 2: Smoke Generator  or Torpedo Reload Booster 
• Slot 3: Engine Boost 

Kagerō captains must choose between equipping Smoke Generator  and a downgraded version of the Torpedo Reload Booster  consumable that Shiratsuyu and Akizuki have access to.

Camouflage

Type 1, 2, or 5 camouflage can be equipped for credits; Types 1 or 5 are recommended at a minimum to reduce detectibility range.

Players who wish to spend doubloons can equip Kagerō with Type 18 camouflage that lowers her detection radius, reduces the accuracy of incoming shells, reduces her repair costs, and increases the amount of experience she earns.

Kagerō also has an alternate premium camouflage called "Urashima", in which she appears as she does during the Halloween scenario "Sunray in the Darkness".

Gallery

• 

  Kagero fires her torpedoes at incoming enemy ships.

• 

  Kagero launches torpedoes at an enemy Tirpitz and Friedrich der Große from within her smokescreen.

• 

  Kagero speeds towards the enemy capture point under the cover of a cyclone.

• 

  Kagero runs into an enemy Iowa and Roon.

Historical Info

Kagero, 1939

Construction

Builder: Maizuru Naval Yard; Kyoto, Japan

Laid down: 3 September 1937

Launched: 27 September 1938

Commissioned: 6 November 1939

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Specifications

Displacement: 2,033tons, standard

Length: 118.5m

Beam: 10.7m

Draft: 3.76m

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Machinery

3 Kampon boilers, 2 Kampon turbines

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Performance

35 knots at 52,000 shaft horsepower

5,000 nautical miles at 18 knots

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Armor

Main Belt: 19mm

Main Deck: 19mm

Transverse Bulkheads: 6mm

Turrets: 20mm

Conning Tower: 21mm

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Armament

Main

Six (3 x 2) 127mm/50 Type 3

Anti-Aircraft

Four (4 x 1) 25mm Type 96

Torpedoes

8 (4 x 2) 610mm Type 92

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Complement

240 men

Kagero-class destroyer Yukikaze underway, December 1939.

History

Design

After the success of the Asashio-class of destroyers were venerated in their proficiency and capability, the Imperial Japanese determined that their next two classes of Type A destroyers would be based of the work established by this design. The first of the Type A classes became the Kagero-class destroyers. The design choices seemed justified, the Kagero-class compared very favourably with their American contemporaries. The Japanese ships had a heavier main artillery setup; although the US mounts had the benefit of dual-purpose capability. As well, although American destroyers had more torpedo tubes, Japanese destroyers had the benefit of reloads.

In order to streamline design time as much as possible, the Kagero-class were nearly identical in hull design to their predecessors. Superficially, everything - even the superstructure layout - was identical to the Asashio-class. Design-wise, one of the more noticeable differences was the placement of the torpedo storage rooms; in the Kagero-class they were placed forward of their respective launchers. Propulsion wise, the new class used the same layout: 3 Kampon boilers feeding to two Kampon turbines. The greater efficiency of the newer boilers generated 2,000 shaft horsepower more than their predecessors, but this did not make any marked difference to the speed. Overall, the Kagero-class had a slightly greater tonnage and a slightly wider beam; in order to improve stability.

As her predecessor, Kagero-class destroyers reused the identical armament layout as the Special Type (Fubuki-class) destroyers. Six 127mm guns found in 3 twin-gun mounts; one forward and a super firing pair aft. Kagero-class used the Type C turret mounts for their guns; which has the distinct disadvantage of not possessing the ability to angle high enough to engage aircraft, but they were fully enclosed and were lighter than previous mounts. Located amidships were the 2 quadruple-torpedo launchers in their enclosed mounts. each were provided with one reload each. For anti aircraft defence, the destroyers were armed with 25mm auto-cannons in single and dual mounts.

Throughout the Second World War, the Kagero-class underwent constant service modifications. From late 1942 to 1943, further AA mounts were added, and the installed dual mounts were upgraded to triple mounts. From late 1943 to 1944, the X turret was removed to make more space for 25mm mounts. As well, many scuttles were welded over to increase hull integrity. As front-line ships, Kagero-class received priority for radar installation. In early 1944 a radar room was built into the foremast with a No.22 radar set. Later in 1944 a No.13 set was installed in the aft mainmast.

In total, 19 destroyers of this class were built for the Imperial Japanese Navy; the first 15 ships proposed for the 1937 Naval shipbuilding programme, and the last 4 spilled into the 1939 programme.

Service

DesDiv 18 (Shiranui, Kagero) Participated in the Pearl Harbor attack. Participated in the invasions of the Bismarck Islands. Participated in the Indian Ocean raids. Present for the Battle of Midway. Participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign. Participated in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. Participated in the Battle of Santa Cruz. Present for the Naval Battles of Guadalcanal. Participated in the Battle of Tassafaronga. Participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Kagero was severely damaged by mine and subsequent air attack and eventually sank on 8 May 1943.

Shiranui was sunk by air attack on 27 October 1944.

DesDiv 15 (Natsushio, Oyashio, Hayashio, Kuroshio) Participated in the invasions of the Philippines and Netherlands East Indies. Present at the Battle of Midway. Participated in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. Participated in the Battle of Santa Cruz. Participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign. Present for both Naval Battles of Guadalcanal. Participated in the Battle of Tassafaronga. Participated in the Solomons Campaign.

Natsushio was torpedoed and sunk by submarine on 9 February 1942.

Oyashio was severely damaged by a mine, then further damaged by air attack and sunk on 8 May 1943.

Hayashio was sunk by air attack on 24 November 1942.

Kuroshio struck several mines and was sunk on 8 May 1943.

DesDiv 16 (Yukikaze, Tokitsukaze, Amatsukaze, Hatsukaze) Participated in the invasions of the Philippines and Netherlands East Indies. Participated in the battle of the Java Sea. Present for the Battle of Midway. Participated in the Battle of Santa Cruz. Participated in the First Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. Participated in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Participated in the Solomons Campaign. Participated in the Battle of Kolombangara. Participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Participated in Operation Tenichigo.

Yukikaze survived the war and was surrendered. She was awarded to China in July 1947.

Tokitsukaze was severely damaged by air attack, abandoned, and set adrift on 3 March 1943. She was sunk by air attack the following day.

Amatsukaze was severely damaged by air attack, run aground, and unsalvageable on 6 April 1945. She was destroyed by demolition on 10 April 1945.

Hatsukaze was sunk by surface gunfire on 2 November 1943 in the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay.

DesDiv 4 (Arashi, Hagikaze, Nowaki, Maikaze) Participated in the invasions of the Philippines and Netherlands East Indies. Participated in the Battle of Midway. Participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign. Participated in the Battle of Santa Cruz. Participated in the Battle of Vella Gulf. Participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Arashi was sunk by surface gunfire and torpedo on 7 August 1943, during the Battle of Vella Gulf.

Hagikaze was sunk by surface gunfire and torpedo on 7 August 1943, during the Battle of Vella Gulf.

Nowaki was sunk by surface gunfire and torpedo on 26 October 1944, during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Maikaze was sunk by surface gunfire during the raid on Truk on 17 February 1944.

DesDiv 17 (Urakaze, Tanikaze, Isokaze, Hamakaze) Participated in the Pearl Harbor attack. Participated in the Bismarck Islands invasions. Participated in the Indian Ocean raids. Participated in the Battle of Midway. Participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign. Participated in the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. Participated in the Battle of Santa Cruz. Participated in the Battle of Kula Gulf. Participated in the Battle of Kolombangara. Participated in the Battle off Horaniu. Participated in the Battle of Vella Lavella. Participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Participated in the Battle of Leyte Gulf. Participated in Operation Tenichigo.

Urakaze was torpedoed and sunk by submarine on 21 November 1944.

Tanikaze was torpedoed and sunk by submarine on 9 June 1944.

Isokaze was sunk by air attack on 7 April 1945 during Operation Tenichigo.

Hamakaze was sunk by air attack on 7 April 1945 during Operation Tenichigo.

DesDiv 10 (Akigumo) Participated in the Pearl Harbor attack. Participated in the Bismarck Islands invasions. Participated in the Indian Ocean raids. Participated in the Battle of Midway. Participated in the Guadalcanal Campaign. Participated in the Battle of Santa Cruz. Participated in the Battle of Vella Lavella.

Akigumo was torpedoed and sunk by submarine on 11 April 1944.

Historical Gallery

• 

  Launching of Kuroshio, 28 October 1938.

• 

  Launching of Isokaze, 19 June 1939.

• 

  Amatsukaze undergoing speed trials, 17 October 1940.

• 

  Nowaki underway, 14 April 1941.

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  Shiranui undergoing repairs at Maizuru after being torpedoed by USS Growler, circa 1942.

• 

  Line drawing of Kagero.

References

1. Japanese destroyer Kagerō (1938) - Wikipedia
2. Kagerō-class destroyer - Wikipedia
3. Stille, M. Wright, P. (2013). Imperial Japanese Navy Destroyers 1919-45 (2): Asashio to Tachibana Classes. London, UK: Osprey Publishing Ltd.
4. Chesneau, R., Gardiner, R. (1980). Conway’s All the World’s Fighting Ships, 1922-1946. London, UK: Conway Maritime Press.
   

Ships of Japan

Destroyers