IJN Kongo

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A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
IJN Kongo
jp_battlecruiser_kongo.png
GarageImage IJN Kongo.jpg
IJN Kongo
AB RB SB
7.0 7.0 7.0
Class:
Research:390 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 050 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
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Description

The Kongo-class, IJN Kongo, 1944 (金剛, namesake: Mount Kongō) was the lead ship of the Kongō-class and would be the last Japanese capital ship built outside Japan. Designed by the British naval engineer George Thurston and laid down in 1911 initially as a battlecruiser she would see 2 major refits that would reclassify her as a fast battleship. First commissioned in 1913, patrolling the Chinese coast during WWI, she would see many major naval actions in the Pacific War until November 1944 when she would sink while in transit by a submarine.

IJN Kongo was introduced in Update "Wind of Change". Being a sidegrade to the other capital ships Japan offers, the Kongō offers speed over total amount of guns and armour, this gives her more opportune reaction times in regards of angling her armour, and getting to desired locations faster than other battleships. Being in her last refit of 1944, she provides a ton of 25 mm anti-air to fend of medium-close range aerial targets.

General info

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Citadel279 / 203 / 127 mm
Main fire tower254 / 254 / 254 mm
Hull25 mm (steel)
Superstructure16 mm (steel)
Number of section9
Displacement38 767 t
Crew1 437 people

Kongo's armour truly reflects her legacy as a battlecruiser, even though she has been uparmoured from her original design. Her 203 mm main belt is the second weakest capital ship belt in the game - only HMS Invincible's 152 mm belt is worse, and it's enough to stop cruiser shells, but will stand no chance against battleships. The rest of her amidships hull is protected by 152 mm armour, which greatly improves her survivability against splash damage and weaker shells, but is not very effective against enemy AP. Her bow has a 76 mm belt that extends from the waterline, but as with most battleships, the majority of the bow is left unarmoured. Her turrets have 254 mm of armour, while her barbettes have 229 mm. This is reasonable by battleship standards, but still leaves her turrets vulnerable to even cruiser AP. Her conning tower, nestled behind turret B, is surrounded by 254 mm of armour.

Within the ship, all four magazines are protected by a turtleback armour scheme, which greatly improves her protection against ammunition detonations, especially at close range. In addition to this, the steering at the stern of the ship is armoured by an enormous concrete block.

Overall, her armour is certainly enough to give her protection against most cruisers and some battleships, especially when angled, but given her design and playstyle, it will never be her strength. At the end of the day, she is a battlecruiser at her core, and you should not expect her armour to make you impervious to battleship fire.

The IJN Kongo's crew consists of 1,437 personnel, which is respectable. It is far more than any World War One-era dreadnought, although it's less than the Scharnhorst's complement, and is smaller than the crews of even some World War Two cruisers.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB65 / 29 km/h
RB56 / 25 km/h

The Kongo's nature as a battlecruiser reflects in her speed, which is a very good 56 km/h. This is only slightly less than most cruisers, and is leaps and bounds ahead of the speed of dreadnoughts. However, her acceleration and deceleration is still unexceptional, and her turning is not very good.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 65 29
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 56 25

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB26 458 → 34 448 Sl icon.png
RB32 079 → 41 766 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications299 000 Rp icon.png
462 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training300 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 050 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces890 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
450 / 600 / 100 % Sl icon.png
214 / 214 / 214 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
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Rudder Replacement
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
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Propeller Replacement
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
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Engine Maintenance
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
560 Ge icon.png
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Damage Control Division
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
17 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods ship anti fragmentation protection.png
Shrapnel Protection
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
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Ventilation
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
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New Pumps
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
560 Ge icon.png
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Ammo Wetting
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
560 Ge icon.png
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Anti-Air Armament Targeting
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
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356mm_jp_type91_navy_apc_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
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152mm_jp_common_type4_navy_sap_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
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280 Ge icon.png
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Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Research:
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Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
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356mm_jp_ordinary_type0_navy_sap_ammo_pack
Research:
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Cost:
26 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
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Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
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Improved Rangefinder
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
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Hydroplane
Research:
24 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
37 000 Sl icon.png
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Armament

Primary armament

4 х Turret2 x 36 cm/45 Type 41 cannon
Ammunition180 rounds
Vertical guidance-5° / 43°

The 36 cm/45 Type 41, also seen on IJN Hyuga, is an exceptional 356 mm battleship cannon. Compared to the Hyuga, the IJN Kongo gets only 8 guns, but she features a new selection of shells. Her stock shell, Ordinary SAP, is identical to the shell on Hyuga, and certainly gets the job done. With the equivalent of 68.64 kg of TNT, her SAP is still a head and shoulders over even the HE on most other battleships. These shells will smash cruisers whenever they hit, and against battleships, while they will rarely penetrate the hull armour, the splash damage from the detonation will frequently destroy guns and turrets. Type 91 APC is an improvement over the Hyuga's equivalent AP shell, with extra penetration. This shell is mostly used against battleships, where the extra penetration is needed to penetrate the belt armour. The last shell is Type 0 Common, an HE shell. This shell is very poor, possessing only half the explosive filler of SAP. It may find some utility when it comes to sniping patrol boats or stray floatplanes, but overall, it isn't very good.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
1,000 m 2,500 m 5,000 m 7,500 m 10,000 m 15,000 m
Ordinary SAP SAPCBC 301 280 248 222 199 168
Type 91 APC APCBC 635 593 529 476 431 366
Common Type 0 HE 67 67 67 67 67 67
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(s)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Ordinary SAP SAPCBC 780 635.58 0.01 26 68.64 48° 63° 71°
Type 91 APC APCBC 771 671.3 0.05 26 11.66 48° 63° 71°
Common Type 0 HE 805 621 0 0.1 31 79° 80° 81°

Secondary armament

8 х Turret15 cm/50 Type 41 cannon
Ammunition150 rounds

The Kongo's secondaries consist of eight 15 cm/50 Type 41 cannons, four per side. Comparable guns can be found on the IJN Agano, although these guns can maintain a sustained rate of fire of 10 RPM. While they are 6-inch secondaries, they are nothing to write home about, as the best shell only has 81 mm of penetration at point blank range. That being said, the exceptionally high explosive mass of the SAP round - nearly as good as HE - makes it very well suited for fighting destroyers.

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
1,000 m 2,500 m 5,000 m 7,500 m 10,000 m 15,000 m
Type 0 HE HE 35 35 35 35 35 35
Type 4 SAP SAP 81 68 52 40 34 34
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead
Velocity
(m/s)
Projectile
mass (kg)
Fuse delay
(s)
Fuse sensitivity
(mm)
Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg)
Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Type 0 HE HE 850 45.26 0 0.1 3.17 79° 80° 81°
Type 4 SAP SAP 850 45.26 0.01 7 2.92 47° 60° 65°

Anti-aircraft armament

6 х Turret2 x 5 inch/40 Type 89 cannon
Ammunition400 rounds
18 х Turret3 x 25 mm/60 Type 96 automatic cannon
Ammunition4500 rounds
Belt capacity15 rounds
Fire rate261 shots/min
30 х Turret25 mm/60 Type 96 automatic cannon
Ammunition1500 rounds
Belt capacity15 rounds
Fire rate261 shots/min
8 х Turret2 x 25 mm/60 Type 96 automatic cannon
Ammunition3000 rounds
Belt capacity15 rounds
Fire rate261 shots/min

The IJN Kongo's AA armament sets her apart from other battleships. It includes six 127 mm (5 inch/40 Type 89) twin cannons, as well as a total of 100 25 mm cannons. The 127 mm guns, which behave more like secondaries, are automatically loaded with HE-VT, with no alternate ammunition choice, which makes them pretty useless against surface targets, as the shells will always detonate early, but decent against aircraft. Meanwhile, the 25 mm cannons provide the Kongo with exceptional close-range AA firepower, being able to put up a hail of fire in any direction. However, note the stopping power of the 25 mm is not very good, and these cannons are only really suitable for self-defence.

Scout plane

Main article: Aichi E13A1

Located between the aft main turrets is a deck area and catapult for one Aichi E13A1 scout plane which provides unique offensive and defensive abilities, expanding tactical options. Ship-launched scout planes fly just like regular tree units but lack munition choices and cockpit views. The E13A1 is equipped with a 7.7 mm Type 97 defensive machine gun and a formidable load of 4 x 60 kg bombs. It also has the scout plane ability to cap zones and lay down smoke cover (up to 3 times). Captains will be wise to remember to utilize the aircraft and consider when best to use it, for example to cap a point early or late in the match, to create a smoke screen to stymie enemy bombardment and repair, to attack enemy units directly, or perhaps something completely new! Carrying a heavier bomb load than most other scout planes, this unit has a very good chance to sink enemy boats or even a destroyer.

Usage in battles

Aside from perhaps the Scharnhorst, there is no better ship when it comes to aggressive capital ship gameplay. While the IJN Kongo has the ability to snipe passively, the Hyuga simply is more specialized in that role over the Kongo. It is best to lean into the IJN Kongo's advantages, and play like the battlecruiser that she was originally designed as. Her speed allows her to keep pace with friendly cruisers, while her exceptional gun arcs on the rear turrets (±150°) allow her to make the most of her somewhat lacklustre armour, as well as maintaining the ability to deliver full broadsides while sailing into combat. In addition, her AA is an extremely useful asset, as it allows her to be self-sufficient in combat, instead of relying on teammates for AA support.

Overall, the Kongo is the most efficient ship in the game when it comes to delivering devastating firepower to the enemy. Don't sit passively - put your ship on the line and don't be too afraid to engage in brawls, despite her light protection. While she isn't exactly a very well protected capital ship, her armour is good enough to let her speed and firepower do the rest.

Specific enemies worth noting

  • Heavy cruisers - Most cruisers are completely incapable of doing significant damage to you, but if left to their own devices they will eventually chip away at you. Learn their ammunition locations, and dispose of them quickly with SAP. Also, keep in mind which enemy cruisers are armed with torpedoes, and keep them at arms length.
  • Scharnhorst - The Scharnhorst is the Kongo's biggest rival, boasting heavier armour and a lower profile hull, while having weaker but more rapid firing armament. Approach them with caution, aiming to disable turrets, and preferably have backup from your team. Never brawl them, as the Scharnhorst's torpedoes will be decisive.
  • USS Arizona - The USS Arizona is extremely durable, and their broadside of twelve 356 mm guns is very imposing. However, her Achilles' heel is her reload. Knocking out turrets and dodging incoming fire from an Arizona will cripple their damage output, while you can bombard them until they eventually explode.
  • IJN Hyuga - Essentially having your guns, but four more of them, the Hyuga has the deadliest broadside in the game. Chip away from them at long range, and make sure you do not get hit in return. If the Hyuga is playing passively, use your speed to flank and attack from an unexpected direction.
  • Kronshtadt - This Soviet battlecruiser is another key rival, possessing a total of nine highly lethal 305 mm cannons in three triple turrets. This ship has a very effective armour layout that can significantly reduce damage when angled, especially at longer ranges, whilst the anti-frag armour and lack of deck clutter renders the vessel quite resistant to fragmentation damage from explosions. It's best to face these ships by focusing on the frontal turrets and taking them out before they can cripple or destroy you first. Ignoring fire coming from this ship is a great way to get blown up.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Exceptional 356 mm guns with the most potent SAP round in the game and comfortable gun arcs
  • Relatively fast for her size
  • Good AA protection, 25 mm AA guns don't cost crew count (the animated crew models don't affect the gameplay)
  • Workable armour above waterline; turtleback around the magazines
  • Access to floatplanes

Cons:

  • Extremely weak underwater protection, vulnerable to large calibre diving shots from heavy cruiser or above
  • Subject to flooding and capsizing in addition due to aforementioned weakness
  • 25 mm guns don't have good range - may fire on a target too late, or not at all if at high altitude
  • 127mm batteries are categorized into AAA group and hence no combined manual control or ammo options

History

Devblog

After the Royal Navy commissioned the battlecruiser HMS Invincible into service in 1908, the IJN was quick to react with a plan to expand its fighting force with modern warships being approved already by the end of the decade. However, the problem persisted that Japanese shipyards simply lacked the technological know-how to build such warships at the time. As a result, taking advantage of the existing naval cooperation agreement with Great Britain, Japan sought assistance from the Vickers company, who besides helping design a matching warship, also agreed to manufacture the lead ship, to be named Kongō, while the remaining ones would be built in Japan.

IJN Kongō was laid down in January 1911 as the lead ship of its class of modern battlecruisers to be built for the Imperial Japanese Navy. It was launched in May 1912 and completed in April 1913, subsequently entering service in August as the most advanced Japanese warship of its time. During WWI, IJN Kongō took part in minor operations but was quickly placed in reserve after the conflict. With international agreements limiting naval power after WWI, Japan was forced to upgrade existing warships in order to maintain its fighting power. As a result, Kongō was extensively upgraded on two occasions in the interwar period, not only vastly improving its characteristics but also noticeably changing its visual appearance.

During WWII however, Kongō had a rather illustrious service record. It took part in several major operations, including the Invasion of the Dutch East Indies, the Battle of Midway and also supported Japanese forces at Guadalcanal. After taking part in the famous Battle of Leyte Gulf, Kongō would serve until November 1944 when it was sunk by a successful torpedo attack by the American submarine USS Sealion.

Media

Skins

See also

External links


Vickers-Armstrongs Limited
Ships 
Tribal-class  HMS Eskimo · HMCS Haida
Invincible-class  HMS Invincible*
Kongō-class  IJN Kongo**
Tanks 
Light Tanks  VFM5*** · Vickers Mk.11***
Light Tank Mk VI  Light AA Mk I
Light Tank Mk VII  Tetrarch I
Light Tank Mk VIII  Alecto I
Tank, Infantry, Valentine  Valentine I · Valentine IX · Valentine XI · Archer
Vickers MBT  Vickers Mk.1 · Vickers Mk.3 · Vickers Mk.7***
Heavy Tanks  Independent****
Export  ▂МК-IX "Valentine" · Vickers Mk.E****
See also  Vickers-Armstrongs Aircraft Limited
  *Previously Armstrong Whitworth
  **Built for Japan
  ***Vickers Defence Systems
  ****Previously Vickers Limited

Japan battleships
Kawachi-class  IJN Settsu
Fusō-class  IJN Fuso · IJN Yamashiro
Ise-class  IJN Ise · IJN Hyuga
Kongō-class  IJN Kongo · IJN Haruna
Nagato-class  IJN Mutsu