Fubuki Class Destroyer - Design

Design

The initial design for the Fubuki class was based on a 2000 ton displacement hull with a single 5-inch (127 mm) battery, two twin 24-inch torpedo tubes (just introduced in Mutsuki), and capable of 40 knots (74 km/h). Following the abandonment of the Washington Naval Treaty from 1923, the design was modified to 1680 standard tons with more guns and more torpedo tubes. However, their increased displacement more than offset their more powerful engines, resulting in a slower top speed than originally planned.

The main battery consisted of six Type 3 127 mm 50 caliber naval guns, mounted in pairs in three weather-proof, splinter-proof, gas-tight gun turrets which were far ahead of their time. On the last 14 vessels of the series, these guns were dual purpose guns which could be elevated to 70 degrees, making them the world's first destroyers with this ability. Ammunition was brought up on hoists from magazines located directly underneath each gun turret, which have a far greater rate of fire than other contemporary destroyers, where ammunition was typically manually loaded.

Unlike the earlier Minekaze series destroyers, the Fubuki did not have a forecastle break containing the forward torpedo launchers. Instead, the forward launchers were located between the siamesed smokestacks. Originally Type 8 torpedoes were carried, arranged in three triple mountings.

To increase comfort and combat ability even in bad weather, the forecastle was raised, and the bridge enlarged and enclosed. The bow was given a significant flare, to offer protection against weather in the Pacific.

Between June 1928 and March 1933, twenty-four Fubuki class destroyers were built, in three groups. As completed, Fubuki had twin 5-inch guns in "A", "X", and "Y" positions, with triple torpedo tubes in "D", "P", and "Q", making them the most powerful destroyers in the world at the time of their completion.