Step aboard as we journey through a captivating chapter of naval history, guided by the formidable Kongo-class battlecruisers of the Imperial Japanese Navy. In this narrative of naval giants, we'll unveil their unmatched long-range firepower, unmatched speed, and their pivotal role in inspiring the iconic Iowa-class battleships of the United States Navy.
Our odyssey commences in the early 20th century when Japan, aspiring to bolster its naval prowess, witnessed the British Royal Navy's launch of the HMS Invincible in 1907. This ground-breaking battleship rendered Japan's existing fleet obsolete. The Kongo-class battlecruisers emerged as visionary creations, marked by their substantial armament and astonishing speed, earning them the distinction of being the Imperial Japanese Navy's first battlecruisers. Emphasizing speed and firepower over armour protection, these ships were designed to reach a maximum speed of 27.5 knots, a goal they exceeded during trials and subsequent refits, ultimately achieving an impressive 30.5 knots.
The Kongo-class unleashed an unprecedented long-range artillery barrage, featuring twin 14-inch guns in four turrets with an impressive -5 to +20 degree elevation, capable of striking targets over 35 kilometres away. Their ground-breaking feature allowed for reloading at any elevation, dramatically reducing the reload cycle to a mere 30-40 seconds, making them a formidable force in the Pacific theatre. Complementing this firepower were their secondary armaments—16 of the 150-millimeter guns in casemates and another eight guns per side above them. These secondary guns had a reach of 21 kilometres, providing substantial protection against smaller vessels and serving as long-range anti-aircraft weaponry. Throughout their extensive service, these warships underwent numerous refits to enhance firepower and adapt to the evolving Pacific theatre.
What truly set the Kongo-class apart was their remarkable speed. Capable of exceeding 30 knots, they outpaced most contemporary battleships, bestowing the Japanese Navy with unparalleled versatility in combat scenarios.
As tensions escalated in the Pacific, the Kongo-class battlecruisers emerged as symbols of Japanese naval might. Their presence posed a significant threat, compelling the United States Navy to reassess its fleet composition. In the early 20th century, particularly underpinning the naval doctrine of the USA, battleships were primarily constructed to safeguard merchant fleets. None of these battleships could exceed 21 knots—the ideal speed for an average merchant vessel. The appearance of the Kongo-class battlecruisers challenged this doctrine profoundly. Their speed rivalled cruisers, while their firepower and range matched battleships, enabling them to strike US fleets and then swiftly evade pursuit. This era, however, did not foresee the pivotal role of aircraft carriers in naval warfare.
Four ships comprised the Kongo-class:
Kongo,
Kirishima,
Hiei
Haruna.
Faced with the formidable Kongo-class, the U.S. Navy undertook a monumental endeavour—the development of the Iowa-class battleships. Armed with 16-inch guns, these colossal warships were designed to counter the long-range firepower and speed of the Kongo-class. Although a direct confrontation never transpired due to both fleets heavily relying on air power, the legacy of the Kongo-class endures. They served as catalysts for naval innovation, inspiring the creation of the Iowa-class and reshaping the Pacific naval arms race.
In summary, the Kongo-class battlecruisers were an indomitable quartet that defined a pivotal era in naval history. Named after Japan's illustrious Mount Kongo, these vessels seamlessly amalgamated cutting-edge technology, formidable armament, and exceptional speed. They represent icons of naval engineering, their long-range artillery and incredible speed redefining the dynamics of naval warfare. Their mere existence spurred the birth of the Iowa-class battleships, rewriting the course of Pacific naval history. Although their service records were marked by both victories and defeats, the Kongo-class battlecruisers symbolize a significant epoch in naval warfare. From the waters of the Pacific to the Indian Ocean, they played pivotal roles during World War II, with their legacy leaving an indelible mark on naval design and strategy, solidifying their status as enduring symbols of Japanese naval supremacy.