Ed Note: This is the second part of an exhaustive review of Lacroix and Wells' Japanese Cruisers of the Pacific War. The first part, in issue 17, covered heavy cruisers. This part will cover light cruisers. James Broshot's expert review of this definitive work has benefited us all. Thanks, Jim. Kitakami (Kaiten Carrier) CL Displacement: 7009 In Class: 1 Size Class: B In Service: 1945 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 615 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 4/2 F/A (2)2 Type 89 5 in/40 C 2 DC Rail D 2 Type 3 DC throwers w/9 DC D 8 Model 1, 2 or 4 Kaitens A Area AA: (2)2 Type 89 5 in/40 (0.8) Light AA: (3)12, (1)37 Type 96 25mm/60 (9.0) Sensors: No. 22 radar, 2 No. 13 radar Remarks: Kuma class CL converted to Kaiten carrier 14 Aug 44 - Jan 45. Launch time per Kaiten 8 minutes, can be launched at full speed. Early Jul 45: Light AA increased to (3)12, (1)64 Type 96 25mm/60 (Lt AA = 12.5) 24 Jul 45: Damaged by air attack from TF 38 at Kure. Survived war, struck 30 Nov 45, scrapped 10 Aug 46 Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 54 108 162 194 216 Surf Speed: 23 24 16 8 0 Sinks Light cruiser Yubari. Yubari (from Mar 1944) CL Displacement: 3287 std In Class: 1 Size Class: B In Service: 1923 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 328 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 2/2 F/A(2)2 3rd Year Type 5.5 in C F(1)1 10th Year Type 120mm/45 C P&S(2)2 610mm TT w/4 Type 90 torp [2 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload] E 2 DC rails w/6 DC D Area AA: (1)1 10th Year Type 120mm/45 ( .1) Light AA: (3)3, (2)4, (1)8 Type 96 25mm/60 (3.0) Sensors: No. 22 radar [CaS: Mk2 Mod 2 SS radar?] Remarks: Belt and deck armor cover machinery spaces only. 28 Apr 44: Sunk by USS Bluegill. Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 30 61 91 110 122 Surf Speed: 32 24 16 8 0 Sinks Agano CL Displacement: 6652 std In Class: 4 Size Class: B In Service: 1942 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 700 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 4/2 2F/A(2)3 Vickers & 41st Year Type '150mm/50' C P/S(2)2 Type 98 '80mm/60' C P&S(4)2 610mm TT w/8 Type 93 torp [4 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload] E 1 Midships Catapult -2 E13A1 [Jake] B 2 DC Rails, 18 total Type 95 (in 1942 Type 2) DC D Area AA: (2)4 Type 98 '80mm/60' (1.9) Light AA: Agano and Noshiro: (3)2 Type 96 25mm/60 (2)2 Type 93 13mm (1.2) Yahagi: (3)2, (2)4 Type 96 25mm/60 (1.7) Sakawa: (3)10, (1)18 Type 96 25mm/60 (5.9) Sensors: No. 21 radar ( Noshiro, Yahagi, Sakawa.) (Agano from Jul 43) No. 22 radar ( Sakawa, with FC mod) (Noshiro, Yahagi from Jul 44, with FC mod from Sep 44) No. 13 radar ( Sakawa, Noshiro, Yahagi from Jul 44) Type 93 Model 3 sonar ( Agano, Noshiro, Yahagi) Type 3 Model 1 sonar ( Sakawa) Remarks: Agano, Noshiro, Yahagi, Sakawa. Built to serve as destroyer squadron flagships. Can carry 3 Type 88 mines. Magazines hold 20 60 kg bombs for the seaplanes. Agano (comm 31 Oct 42) 3 Jun - 2 Jul 43: Refitted. Light AA increased to (3)4, (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60 (Lt AA = 2.0), received No 21 radar. 11 Nov 43: Damaged off Rabaul by aircraft torpedo. 12 Nov 43: Enroute to Truk for repairs, torpedoed by USS Scamp, heavily damaged, emergency repairs at Truk 15 Nov 43 -15 Feb 44. 16 Feb 44: Enroute to home waters, torpedoed by USS Skate and heavily damaged, sank the next day. Noshiro (comm 30 Jun 43) 1 Jan 44: Bombed off Kavieng, damaged, emergency repairs at Truk 2 Jan - 18 Jan 44. 24 Jan - 22 Mar 44: Repaired and refitted: Light AA increased to: (3)8, (1)8 Type 96 25mm/60 (Lt AA = 4.0) Jul 44: Light AA increased to (3)10, (1)18 25mm (Lt AA = 5.9), received No 13, No 22 radar. 25 Oct 44: Slightly damaged by gunfire and aircraft in Battle of Samar. 26 Oct 44: Torpedoed and sunk by carrier aircraft Yahagi (comm 29 Dec 43) 28 Jan - 3 Feb 44: Light AA increased to: (3)8, (1)8 Type 96 25mm/60 (Lt AA = 4.0) Jul 44: Light AA increased to (3)10, (1)18 25mm (Lt AA = 5.9), received No 13, No 22 radar. 25 Oct 44: Slightly damaged by gunfire and aircraft in Battle of Samar. 24 Nov - 18 Dec 44: Light AA increased to (3)10, (1)28 25mm (Lt AA = 4.7) 7 Apr 45: Sunk by carrier aircraft. Sakawa (comm 30 Nov 44) Mar 45: Light AA increased to: (3)10, (1)31 Type 96 25mm/60 (Lt AA = 5.1) 1 Jun 46: Expended at Bikini Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 52 105 157 188 209 Surf Speed: 35 26 18 9 0 Sinks Kitakami CL Displacement: 7009 In Class: 2 Size Class: B In Service: 1941 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 468 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 4/2 F/P&S/P/S/A(1)4 3rd Year Type 5.5 in/50 C P/S(4)10 610mm TT w/4 Type 93 torp E 2 DC Rail D Light AA: (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60 (0.5) Remarks: Kuma class CLs converted 25 Aug 41 - 25 Dec 41 and 25 Aug - 30 Sep 41 into "heavy torpedo-equipped ships." Plans to convert Kiso were canceled. No reloads were carried for the TT, but a rail system allowed torpedoes to be transferred between mounts. Kitakami (Comm 15 Apr 21) Aug - Sep 42: both units converted to fast transports. Four aft TT mounts removed, Light AA increased to (3)2, (2)2 Type 96 25mm/ 60 (Lt AA = 1.2), 2 DC racks w/9 DCs added, fitted to carry 2 14m Daihatsu barges. 27 Kan 44: Torpedoed by HMS Templar, sustained moderate damage. Towed to Singapore. 1 Feb - 21 Jun 44: Temporary repairs at Singapore. 9 Jul - 8 Aug 44: Temporary repairs at Cavite, Philippines 14 Aug 44 - Jan 45: Repaired and converted to Kaiten carrier. Listed separately. Ooi (Comm 3 Oct 21) Aug - Sep 42: both units converted to fast transports. Four aft TT mounts removed, Light AA increased to (3)2, (2)2 Type 96 25mm/ 60 (Lt AA = 1.2), 2 DC racks w/9 DCs added, fitted to carry 2 14m Daihatsu barges. 19 Jul 44: Sunk by USS Flasher Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 54 108 162 194 216 Surf Speed: 32 24 16 8 0 Sinks Yubari (Dec 1941) CL Displacement: 2890 std In Class: 1 Size Class: B In Service: 1923 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 328 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 2/2 F/A(2)2 3rd Year Type 5.5 in/50 C F/A(1)2 3rd Year Type 5.5 in/50 C P&S(2)2 610mm TT w/4 Type 90 torp [2 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload] E Light AA: (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60, (1)2 7.7mm (.5) Remarks: Experimental design. Belt and deck armor cover machinery spaces only. 5 Jul 43: Damaged by mine near Buin, emergency repairs at Rabaul 6 - 17 July, Truk 19 - 23 Jul, Saipan 24 - 27 Jul. Aug - Oct 43: Repaired and refitted. Type 93 Hydrophone added. Dec 43 - Mar 44: Refitted, armament heavily modified, listed as separate entry. Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 26 53 79 95 105 Surf Speed: 35 26 18 9 0 Sinks Sendai class (1941) CL Displacement: 5195 In Class: 3 Size Class: B In Service: 1924 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 450 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 2/2 F/3P&S/P/S/A(1)7 3rd Year Type 5.5 in/50 C P&S(2)4 Type 8 610mm TT w/4 8th Yr Type torp [2 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload] E Midships Type 2 catapult --Type 90 No 2 floatplane B Light AA: (2)2 Type 96 25mm, (4)1 Type 93 13mm, (1)2 Type 7.7mm (1.2) Remarks: Sendai, Jintsu, Naka. Fitted to carry 48 No. 1 B mines. Belt and deck armor cover machinery spaces only. Specifications as of War's start. Sendai (Comm 29 Apr 24) May - Jun 43: No 5 5.5 in gun removed, Lt AA increased to (3)2, (2)2 25mm, (1)4 13mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 1.7), No 21 air search radar and 2 DC rail added. Type 94 No 2 floatplane embarked. 2 Nov 43: Sunk by gunfire from CruDiv 12 off Cape Torokina. Jintsu (Comm 31 Jul 25) 25 Aug 42: Damaged by dive bombers off Guadalcanal. Emergency repairs at Truk 28 Aug - 2 Oct. Oct 42 - Jan 43: Damage repaired, quad 13mm removed, replaced by (3)2 25mm. Lt AA (3)2, (2)2 25mm, (2)1 13mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 1.6). 12 Jul 43: Sunk by gunfire from CruDiv 9 outside Kula Gulf. Naka (Comm 30 Nov 25) 1 Apr 42: Torpedoed and heavily damaged by USS Seawolf. Emergency repairs at Singapore 3 May - 2 June. Jun 42 - Apr 43: No 5 5.5 in gun, quad 13mm removed, A(2)1 Type 89 5 in/40 added (Area AA = 0.4). Lt AA increased to (3)2, (2)2 25mm, (2)2 13mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 1.6), No 21 air search radar, 2 DC rail added. Type 94 No 2 floatplane embarked. 17 Feb 44: Sunk near Truk by TF 58 carrier aircraft Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 45 90 135 162 180 Surf Speed: 35 26 18 9 0 Sinks Nagara class (1941) CL Displacement: 5170 std In Class: 6 Size Class: B In Service: 1922 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 440 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 4/2 F/3P&S/P/S/A(1)7 3rd Year Type 140mm/50 C P/S(2)4 610mm TT w/4 8th Yr Type torp E [2 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload] E 1 Midships catapult -- 1 E7K2 [Alf] or E11A1 [Laura] B Light AA: (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60, (1)2 7.7mm, (4)1 Type 93 13mm (1.0) Remarks: Specifications as of War's start. Nagara (Comm 21 Apr 22) Apr - May 42: Quad 13mm removed, Light AA increased to (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60, (2)2 Type 93 13mm, (1)2 Type 92 7.7mm (Lt AA = 1.0) Dec 42 - Jan 43: No 5 5.5 in (P&S arc) removed Aug - Oct 43: Light AA increased (2)6 Type 96 25mm/60, (2)2 Type 93 13mm, (1)2 Type 92 7.7mm (Lt AA = 2.0), No. 21 radar [CaS: Type 2 Mk1 AS radar] added. Jan-Apr 44: No 7 5.5 in (A arc), catapult removed. A(2)1 Type 89 5 in/40 added (Area AA = 0.4). P/S(2)4 TT, replaced by P/S(4)2 TT. Four reload torps available, can be loaded in either mount. 2 DC rail w/9 DC added. Light AA increased to (2)3, (2)6, (4)1 25mm, (1)2 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 2.2), Type 93 Hydrophone, No. 22 radar added. Displacement 6050 t (197 dp), speed 33 kts. Jun 44: Lt AA increased to (2)3, (2)6, (4)14 25mm, (2)1, (1)8 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 3.8). 7 Aug 44: Sunk by USS Croaker off Nagasaki. Isuzu (Comm 15 Aug 23) 14 Nov 42: Damaged by dive bombers off Rendova, moderate damage. Emergency repairs in Shortlands 14 - 16 Nov, Truk 20 Nov - 8 Dec. Jan - May 43: Repaired, refitted at Yokohama. No 5 and No 7 5.5 in (P&S, A arcs) removed, A(2)1 Type 89 5 in/40 added (Area AA = 0.4), Light AA increased to (3)2, (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60, (4)1 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 1.5), No. 21 radar [CaS: Type 2 Mk1 AS radar] added. 4 Nov 43: Mined off Kavieng, moderate damage. Repaired at Truk 9 - 21 Nov. Nos 1 and 3 5.5 in (F and S arcs) could not be trained. 5 Dec 43: Damaged by dive bombers at Roi. Emergency repairs at Truk 12 Dec - 17 Jan 44. Jan - Sep 44: Repaired, modified as AA cruiser. Remaining 5.5 in and catapult and aircraft removed, 2 twin 5 in added. Total 5 in armament F/P&S/A(2)3 Type 89 5 in/40 (Area AA = 1.2), P/S(4)2 610mm TT w/4 Type 93 torp [4 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload], 2 DC rails w/9 DC. Light AA increased to (3)11, (1)17 Type 96 25mm/60 (Lt AA = 6.2), No. 22 and No. 13 radar, Type 93 Model 2 hydrophone, Type 93 Model 3 sonar added. 18 Nov 44: Torpedoed by USS Hake, emergency repairs at Singapore 23 Nov, permanent repairs 12 Dec 44 - 1 Apr 45 at Surabaja. 7 Apr 45: Sunk by USS Gabilan and US Char off Bima Island, Indonesia. Natori (Comm 15 Sep 22) 9 Jan 43: Torpedoed by USS Tautog, temporary repairs at Ambon Harbor 9 - 21 Jan, Makassar 23 - 27 Jan, Singapore 2 Feb - 30 Apr. Jun 43- 31 Mar 44: Repaired and refitted. No 5 and No 7 5.5 in (P&S, A arcs) and catapult and aircraft removed, A(2)1 Type 89 5 in/40 added (Area AA = 0.4), Light AA increased to (3)2, (2)2, (1)4 Type 96 25mm/60, (4)1 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 2.0), No. 21 radar [CaS: Type 2 Mk1 AS radar], Type 93 Hydrophone added. 18 Aug 44: Sunk 18 Aug 44 by USS Hardhead. Yura (Comm 20 Mar 23) 25 Oct 42: Sunk by dive bombers off Guadalcanal without any modifications. Kinu (Comm 10 Nov 22) Aug - Oct 43: No 5 and No 7 5.5 in (P&S and A arcs) and catapult and aircraft removed, A(2)1 Type 89 5 in/40 added (Area AA = 0.4), 2 DC rails w/9 DC added, Light AA increased to (3)2, (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60, (4)1 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 1.5), No. 21 radar [CaS: Type 2 Mk1 AS radar] added. 26 Oct 44: Sunk by carrier aircraft off Panay. Abukuma (Comm 26 May 25) Mar - May 41: TT changed to P/S(4)2 610mm TT w/4 Type 93 torp [4 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload] Dec 42 - Jan 43: No 5 5.5 in gun (P&S arc), quad 13mm removed. Light AA increased to (3)2, (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60, (2)1 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 1.4). Apr - May 43: No. 21 radar [CaS: Type 2 Mk1 AS radar] Oct - Nov 43: No 7 5.5 in gun (A arc) removed, A(2)1 Type 89 5 in/40 added (Area AA = 0.4), Light AA increased to (3)3, (2)2, (1)4 Type 96 25mm/60, (2)1, (1)3 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 2.0). Catapult upgraded Mar 44: Catapult and aircraft removed, Light AA increased to (3)4, (2)2, (1)4 Type 96 25mm/60, (2)1, (1)3 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 2.8) Jun - Jul 44: Light AA increased to (3)4, (2)2, (1)14 Type 96 25mm/60, (2)1, (1)8 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 4.3), No. 22 radar added Oct 44: Light AA increased to (3)4, (2)2, (1)24 Type 96 25mm/60, (2)1, (1)8 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 5.6). 24 Oct: Damaged by PT-137 in the Philippines. 26 Oct 44: Sunk by B-24s in Sulu Sea. Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 45 90 88 135 179 Surf Speed: 36 27 18 9 0 Sinks Kuma-class light cruiser. Kuma class (1941) CL Displacement: 5100 std In Class: 3 Size Class: B In Service: 1920 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 450 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 4/2 F/3P&S/P/S/A(1)7 3rd Year Type 5.5 in/50 C P/S(2)4 533mm TT w/4 6th Yr Type torp E 1 Midships catapult -- 1 Floatplane B Light AA: (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60, 2 7.7mm (.7) Remarks: Kuma, Tama, Kiso. Fitted to carry 48 No. 1 mines. Kiso not fitted with catapult and aircraft. Kitakami and Ooi converted to torpedo cruisers. listed separately. Kuma (Comm 31 Aug 20): Oct - Nov 43: No 5 5.5 in/50 (with P&S arc), catapult removed. Light AA increased to (2)2 and (3)2 Type 96 25mm/60 (Lt AA = 1.2) 11 Jan 44: Sunk by HMS Tally Ho, never fitted with radar Tama (Comm 29 Jan 21): Oct - Dec 43: No5 and No7 5.5 in/50 (P&S and A arcs), catapult removed, A(2)1 Type 89 5 in/40 added (Area AA = 0.4), Light AA increased to (1)6, (2)2, (3)2 Type 96 25mm/60, (1)2 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 2.1), No. 21 radar [CaS: Type 2 Mk1 AS radar] fitted. Jun 44: Light AA increased to (1)18, (2)4, (3)5 Type 96 25mm/60, (1)7 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 5.5), No. 22 radar [CaS: Mk2 Mod 2 SS radar?] fitted 25 Oct 44: Sunk by USS Jallao Kiso (Comm 4 May 21): Mar - Apr 43: Light AA increased to (2)4 Type 96 25mm/60 (Lt AA = 1.0) Nov 43 - Mar 44: No5 and No7 5.5 in/50 (P&S and A arcs), removed, A(2)1 Type 89 5 in/40 (Area AA = 0.4), No. 21 radar [CaS: Type 2 Mk1 AS radar] fitted. Light AA increased to (1)6, (2)2, (3)2 Type 96 25mm/60, (2)2, (1)2 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 2.4). Jun 44: Light AA increased to (1)18, (2)4, (3)4 Type 96 25mm/60, (2)2, (1)8 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 5.0), No. 22 radar [CaS: Mk2 Mod 2 SS radar?] added. 13 Nov 44: Bombed in Manila bay by TF 38 aircraft, sank the next day. Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 44 89 88 134 178 Surf Speed: 36 27 18 9 0 Sinks Sendai class (as built) CL Displacement: 5195 In Class: 3 Size Class: B In Service: 1924 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 450 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 2/2 F/3P&S/P/S/A(1)7 3rd Year Type 5.5 in/50 C P&S(2)4 Type 8 610mm TT w/4 8th Yr Type torp [2 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload] E P&S(1)1 '80mm/60' 3rd Year 76mm/40 C Area AA: (1)1 '80mm/40' 3rd Year 76mm/40 (.2) Light AA: (1)2 Type 3 6.5mm (0.2) Remarks: Sendai, Jintsu, Naka. Design similar to Kuma, Nagara class. Flying-off platform (rarely used) fitted forward over No1 and No 2 5.5 in guns. Fitted to carry 48 No. 1 B mines. Belt and deck armor cover machinery spaces only. Sendai (Comm 29 Apr 24) Jun 33 - Jan 34: '80mm', flying-off platform removed. Fitted with Type 2 catapult, Type 90 No 2 seaplane, Lt AA increased to (4)1, (2)2 13mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 0.7) May - Jun 37: Twin 13mm replaced by 25mm. Lt AA increased to (4)1 13mm, (2)2 25mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 1.0) Jintsu (Comm 31 Jul 25) 24 Aug 27: Damaged in collision with destroyer Warabi, out of service until 1 Mar 28. Nov 33 - Jul 34: '80mm', flying-off platform removed. Fitted with Type 2 catapult, Type 90 No 2 seaplane, Lt AA increased to (4)1, (2)2 13mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 0.7) May - Jun 37: Twin 13mm replaced by 25mm. Lt AA increased to (4)1 13mm, (2)2 25mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 1.0) Naka (Comm 30 Nov 25) 24 Aug 27: Damaged in collision with destroyer Ashi, out of service until Oct 27. Apr 33 - Jan 34: Fitted with Type 2 catapult, Type 90 No 2 seaplane. Lt AA increased to (4)1 13mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 0.5) Oct 34 - Feb 35: '80mm', flying-off platform removed. Lt AA increased to (4)1, (2)2 13mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 0.7) Feb 37 - Jan 38: Twin 13mm replaced by 25mm. Lt AA increased to (4)1 13mm, (2)2 25mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 1.0) Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 45 90 135 162 180 Surf Speed: 35 26 18 9 0 Sinks Yubari (as built) CL Displacement: 2890 std In Class: 1 Size Class: B In Service: 1923 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 328 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 2/2 F/A(2)2 3rd Year Type 5.5 in/50 C F/A(1)2 3rd Year Type 5.5 in/50 C P&S(1)1 '80mm/40' 3rd Year 76mm/40 C P&S(2)2 Type 8 610mm TT w/4 Type 90 torp [2 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload] E Area AA: (1)1 '80mm/40' 3rd Year 76mm/40 (.2) Light AA: (1)2 7.7mm mg (.2) Remarks: Experimental design. Belt and deck armor cover machinery spaces only. Fitted to carry 48 No. 1 mines. Mar 32 - Jan 33: 80mm removed. May - Jul 34: (2)1 Type 93 13mm added. Mine capability deleted. Lt AA increased to (2)1 Type 93 13mm, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 0.4) Spring 40: 13mm removed, Lt AA increased to (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60, (1)2 7.7mm (Lt AA = 0.7). Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 26 53 79 95 105 Surf Speed: 35 26 18 9 0 Sinks Nagara (as built) CL Displacement: 5170 std In Class: 6 Size Class: B In Service: 1922 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 440 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 4/2 F/3P&S/P/S/A(1)7 3rd Year Type 5.5 in/50 C P/S(2)4 Type 8 610mm TT w/4 8th Yr Type torp [2 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload] E P/S(1)2 '80mm/40' 3rd Year 76mm/40 C Area AA: (1)2 '80mm/40' 3rd Year 76mm/40 (.2) Light AA: (1)2 Type 3 6.5mm (.2) Remarks: Nagara, Isuzu, Natori, Yura, Kinu, Abukuma. Same hull, power-plant, and guns as Kuma class, but carried aircraft and heavier torpedoes. Flying off platform forward over No1 and No 2 guns. Rarely used. Fitted to carry 48 No. 1 mines. Nagara (Comm 21 Apr 22) Oct 32 - Jan 33: '80mm' removed. Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (2)2, (1)4 Type 93 13mm (LT AA = 0.7) May 33 - Jan 34: Fitted with midships catapult, Type 90 No 2 seaplane. Oct 40 - Jan 41: 13mm replaced by Type 96 25mm, Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (2)2 25mm, (1)4 13mm (LT AA = 1.0) Isuzu (Comm 15 Aug 23) Sep- Dec 32: '80mm' removed. Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (2)2, (1)4 Type 93 13mm (LT AA = 0.7) Aug 33 - Feb 34: Fitted with midships catapult, Type 90 No 2 seaplane. Mar 38 - Jan 39: 13mm replaced by Type 96 25mm, Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (2)2 25mm, (1)4 13mm (LT AA = 1.0) Natori (Comm 15 Sep 22) Jul 31 - Sep 32: Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (1)4 13mm (LT AA = 0.5), midships catapult fitted, Type 90 No 2 floatplane embarked. Jun 36 - Mar 37: '80mm' removed, replaced by twin 13mm. Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (2)2, (1)4 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 0.7) Oct 39 - Apr 40: 13mm replaced by Type 96 25mm, Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (2)2 25mm, (1)4 13mm (Lt AA = 1.0) Yura (Comm 20 Mar 23) 1927-8: Embarked No14 seaplane. 1930: Fitted with Type 2 Model 2 midships catapult, Type 90 No 1 seaplane. Sep 33 - Jan 34: Fitted with Type 2 Model 3 midships catapult., Type 90 No 2 seaplane. '80mm' removed, replaced by twin 13mm. Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (2)2 Type 93 13mm, (1)4 13mm (LT AA = 0.7) Mar - Apr 38: 13mm replaced by Type 96 25mm, Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (2)2 25mm, (1)4 13mm (LT AA = 1.0). Kinu (Comm 10 Nov 22) 1930: Fitted with midships catapult, Type 90 No 1 seaplane. Feb 34 - Aug 34: Fitted with midships catapult, Type 90 No 2 seaplane. '80mm' removed. Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (2)2, (1)4 Type 93 13mm (LT AA = 0.7) May 36: 13mm replaced by Type 96 25mm, Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (2)2 25mm, (1)4 13mm (LT AA = 1.0) Abukuma (Comm 26 May 25) 1928: Embarked No14 seaplane. Dec 32 -Mar 33: Fitted with midships catapult, Type 90 No 2 floatplane, Lt AA increased to (1)2 7.7mm, (4)1 13mm (LT AA = 0.5) Nov 33 - Jul 34: '80mm' removed. Lt AA increased to (2)2, (4)1 13mm, (1)2 7.7mm (LT AA = 0.7) Apr 37 - Feb 38: Twin 13mm replaced by twin 25mm. Lt AA increased to (2)2 25mm, (4)1 13mm, (1)2 7.7mm Lt AA = 1.0) Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 45 90 88 135 179 Surf Speed: 36 27 18 9 0 Sinks Kuma (as built) CL Displacement: 5100 std In Class: 5 Size Class: B In Service: 1920 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 450 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 4/2 F/3P&S/P/S/A(1)7 3rd Year Type 5.5in/50 C P/S(2)4 Type 6 533mm TT w/4 6th Yr Type torp E [2 reserve torp/mount available for quick reload] P/S(1)2 '80mm/40' 3rd Year 76mm/40 C Area AA: (1)2 '80mm/40' 3rd Year 76mm/40 (.5) Light AA: (1)2 Type 3 6.5mm (.2) Remarks: Kuma, Tama, Kitakami, Ooi, Kiso. Fitted to carry 48 No. 1 mines. Kiso completed with experimental flying-off platform forward of bridge over No1 and No2 mount. Tests made with a Gloster Sparrowhawk and Type 10 fighter. Kuma (Comm 31 Aug 20) Sep - Dec 32: Fitted with Type 2 Catapult, floatplane Nov 35 - Feb 36: 6.5mm mg replaced by 7.7mm (LT AA = 0.2) Nov - Dec 37: Fitted with Type 2 Model 3 Catapult, Type 90 floatplane. (1)2 80mm replaced by (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60 (LT AA = 0.5) Tama (Comm 29 Jan 21) Apr - Nov 34: Fitted with Type 2 Catapult, Type 94 floatplane, (1)2 80mm replaced by (2)2 Type 93 13mm, 6.5mm mg replaced by 7.7mm (LT AA = 0.5) Dec 39 - Feb 40: (2)2 13mm replaced by (2)2 25mm (LT AA = 0.7) Kitakami (Comm 15 Apr 21) Mar 38: 6.5mm mg replaced by 7.7mm (LT AA = 0.2) Jul 38 - Aug 39: (1)2 80mm replaced by (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60 (LT AA = 0.7) 25 Aug 41: Converted to torpedo cruiser, listed separately. Ooi (Comm 3 Oct 21) Apr - Nov 40: (1)2 80mm replaced by (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60 (LT AA = 0.7) Dec 37 - May 38: 6.5mm mg replaced by 7.7mm (LT AA = 0.7) 25 Aug 41: Converted to torpedo cruiser, listed separately. Kiso (Comm 4 May 21) 1922: Flying-off platform removed. May 36 - Mar 37: (1)2 80mm replaced by (1)2 12mm Vickers MG, 6.5mm MG replaced by 7.7mm (LT AA = 0.4) Dec 39 - Oct 40: 12mm replaced by (2)2 25mm ( (LT AA = 0.7) Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 44 89 88 134 178 Surf Speed: 36 27 18 9 0 Sinks Tenryu-class light cruiser. Tenryu class (Dec 1941) CL Displacement: 3230 std In Class: 2 Size Class: B In Service: 1919 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 337 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 4/2 F/2P&S/A(1)4 3rd Year Type 140mm/50 C P&S(3)2 533mm TT w/3 6th Yr Type torp E Light AA: (2)2 Type 96 25mm/60 (.5) Remarks: Tenryu, Tatsuta. Capable of carrying 48 No. 1 mines on two rails Tenryu (comm 20 Nov 1919) 23 - 27 Feb 42: Light AA increased to (2)4 Type 95 25mm/60 (Lt AA = 1.0) 18 Dec 42: Sunk by USS Albacore outside Madang Harbor, New Guinea. Tatsuta (comm 31 Mar 1919): 23 - 27 Feb 42: Light AA increased to (2)4 Type 95 25mm/60 (1.0) 12 Aug - 9 Sep 43: Light AA increased to (2)5 25mm (Lt AA = 1.2), No. 21 or No. 22 radar fitted. 13 Mar 44: Sunk by USS Sand Lance. Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 29 58 88 105 117 Surf Speed: 33 25 16 8 0 Sinks Tenryu class (as built) CL Displacement: 3230 std In Class: 2 Size Class: B In Service: 1919 Propulsion: Steam Turbine Crew: 337 Weapons: Armor Rtng: 4/2 F/2P&S/A(1)4 3rd Year Type 140mm/50 C P&S(3)2 533mm TT w/3 6th Yr Type torp E A(1)1 '80mm/40' 3rd Year 76mm/40 C Area AA: (1)1 '80mm/40' 3rd Year 76mm/40 (.2) Light AA: (1)2 Type 3 6.5mm (.2) Remarks: Capable of carrying 48 No. 1 mines. Tenryu (comm 20 Nov 1919) Jun 27 - Jan 28: Refitted, TT raised to reduce effects of high seas. 15 Nov 35: Placed in reserve. 1936: Activated for service in China. Jul 37: FItted with 2 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 0.2) Nov 40: Refitted, 80mm AA and 2 13mm removed, (2)2 Type 96 25mm added ( modified class shows as separate listing Tenryu (Dec 41)). Tatsuta (comm 31 Mar 1919): Apr - Dec 26: Refitted, TT raised to reduce effects of highs seas. 15 Nov 35: Placed in reserve. 1936: Activated for service in China. Jul 37: FItted with 2 Type 93 13mm (Lt AA = 0.2) Nov 40: Refitted, 80mm AA and 2 13mm removed, (2)2 Type 96 25mm added ( modified class shows as separate listing Tenryu (Dec 41). Damage and Speed Breakdown: Dam Pts: 0 29 58 88 105 117 Surf Speed: 33 25 16 8 0 Sinks BT Back to The Naval Sitrep #18 Table of Contents Back to Naval Sitrep List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 2000 by Larry Bond and Clash of Arms. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com