Kitakami
Tier X · Cruiser · Japan · Premium
Rating C- (Quite weak within its tier and class · overall score 18) · Torpedo cruiser
A Japanese premium cruiser specialized in torpedo play. 7.26 km detectability, a 35.7 kn top speed, and a 6.0 s rudder shift give it excellent stealth and mobility, and Engine Accelerator IV raises speed and turning by 20% each. In contrast, its four 140 mm guns have DPM 53% below average, and AA 80% below average is practically nonexistent. Per the wiki, the key is switching between slow but powerful deep-water torpedoes and fast standard torpedoes; it sneaks around islands looking for one big torpedo strike on a battleship. Thin armor and quickly dissipating smoke make it hard to survive once spotted.
Key stats
- HP: 28,798
- Top speed: 35.72 kn
- Surface detectability: 7.26 km
- Main battery: 140 mm 4X1 · reload 3.6 s · range 8.7 km
At the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War, Kitakami provided cover for landing operations of Japanese troops. In the second half of 1941, she was armed with 10 quadruple-tube 610 mm torpedo launchers for night torpedo attacks. In 1942, the ship was converted into a high-speed transport for escorting troop convoys. In 1944, Kitakami took two torpedo hits from submarine HMS Templar. During repairs, the ship was converted into a Kaiten carrier. In 1945, the cruiser was damaged by Task Force 38 bombers and then used as a tender.