Difference between revisions of "IJN Mutsuki"

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{{Specs-Card|code=jp_destroyer_mutsuki}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=jp_destroyer_mutsuki
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship’s creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot. If a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.-->
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<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (睦月, [[Abbreviations#.28JP.29_Naval|namesake]]: January) is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].
{{Break}}
 
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a rank {{specs|rank}} Japanese destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].
 
  
It's the first Destroyer most players will play within the Japanese tree, and its gameplay differs significantly from the [[Syonan]]. Ship is very oriented towards a long-range engagements, having the most powerful primary armament and second-most-powerful torpedo armament among its battle rating supplemented by relatively good armour. On the other hand it has only two very weak auxiliary guns and no dedicated anti-aircraft weaponry making it prone in close-range encounters.Overall it's a difficult ship to play, posing a number of challenges to a player.
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The {{PAGENAME}} is the first Destroyer most players will play within the Japanese tree, and its gameplay differs significantly from the [[Syonan]]. The ship is very much a destroyer geared towards long-range engagements, having the most powerful primary armament and the second-most-powerful torpedo setup among its battle rating, further increasing its performance in gunnery battles by a relatively good armour. On the other hand, it has only two, very weak, auxiliary guns and no dedicated anti-aircraft weaponry, making it a poor performer in close-range encounters. Overall it's a difficult ship to play, posing a number of challenges to a player.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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[[File:Torpedoed Mutsuki.png|thumb|Mutsuki can survive a direct torpedo hit|left]]
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
[[File:Torpedoed Mutsuki.png|thumb|A direct torpedo hit into the bow ammunition magazine is something no ship can survive, regardless of its survivability.]]
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
Relatively well armoured and survivable [[:Category:Destroyers|destroyer]] for its BR, following the typical research path through the Japanese tree this will be the first ship that's not prone to fires and the first one able to survive a single direct torpedo hit (unless it leads to secondary explosion).
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<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' -->
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The {{PAGENAME}} is relatively well armoured and survivable [[:Category:Destroyers|destroyer]] for its battle rating. Following the typical research path through the Japanese tree, this will be the first ship that's not prone to fires and the first one able to survive a single direct torpedo hit (unless it leads to a secondary explosion).
  
Both: It's armor protection and crew count is above average, although the differences between Destroyers in battle rating 3.7 are not high. Protection can be further enhanced with several modifications, although they're standard on all other comparable destroyers.
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The destroyer has armour protection and crew count that are above average, although the differences between destroyers in battle rating 3.7 are not high. Protection can be further enhanced with several modifications, although they're standard on all other comparable destroyers as well.
  
The biggest issue in ship's survivability is its lack of anti-aircraft armament.It's equipped only with two 7.7mm auxiliary machine guns that are hardly useful even against wooden gunboats and nearly incapable of taking down anything airborne. Mutsuki has to rely on a cover of other ships or time fuze 120mm shells for protection.
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The biggest issue in the ship's survivability is its lack of anti-aircraft armament. It's equipped only with two 7.7 mm auxiliary machine guns that are hardly useful even against wooden gunboats and nearly incapable of taking down anything airborne. Thus, the {{PAGENAME}} has to rely on a cover of other ships or time fuse 120 mm shells for protection.
  
 
=== Mobility ===
 
=== Mobility ===
With the speed of 62 km/h before any modifications it's the fastest destroyer within its battle rating. Decent speed is supplemented by a good manoeuvrability making it capable of choosing engagements and occasionally even avoiding torpedoes other destroyers would not.
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{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
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<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' -->
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With a speed of 62 km/h before any modifications, the {{PAGENAME}} is the fastest destroyer within its battle rating. Decent speed is supplemented by good manoeuvrability, making it capable of choosing engagements and occasionally even avoiding torpedoes other destroyers would not. The aced top speed is 69 km/h, which is easy enough to get around the battlefield. The rudder shift time is also very respectable, allowing for dodging patterns and making it a hard target to hit with torpedoes.
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{{NavalMobility}}
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=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Economy}}
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After researching Tool Set and FPE, the primary research focus should be in Seakeeping and Unsinkability towards tier IV where Torpedo Mode is a worthy upgrade. The lowest priority upgrades are those for the 7.7 mm auxiliary machine guns and, of course, bomb mortar. Note that even with fully upgraded speed and manoeuvrability, primary turrets still handle emergency turns well, making targeting upgrades a lower priority on the list.
  
 
== Armament ==
 
== Armament ==
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{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
 
=== Primary armament ===
 
=== Primary armament ===
[[File:Mutsuki Main Artillery.png|thumb|Full broadside with all of of the Mutsuki's main guns firing simultaneously.]]<!--''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''-->
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{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}
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<!-- ''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.'' -->
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[[File:Mutsuki Main Artillery.png|thumb|Full broadside with all of of the Mutsuki's main guns, note the shockwaves coming from the end of the barrel due to released pressure wave.]]
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{{main|120 mm/45 3rd Year Type (120 mm)}}
  
{{main|120 mm/45 Type 3 (120 mm)}}
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The {{PAGENAME}} is armed with four single 120 mm mounts, one in the bow, one just aft of the bridge in between the funnels, and two towards the aft. It's comparatively a powerful weaponry excelling especially at longer ranges against its equivalents.
The Mutsuki is armed with four single 120mm mounts, one in the bow, one just aft of the bridge in between the funnels, and two towards the aft. It's comparatively a powerful weaponry excelling especially at longer ranges against its equivalents.
 
  
 
All but the rearmost turrets aim forwards by default, making it relatively easy to hit targets ahead of her with her guns. Additionally, since they are all centrally mounted, it is possible to get all four turrets on target, although when making a turn rear-most turret has to travel over 180° to get a bearing on the target.
 
All but the rearmost turrets aim forwards by default, making it relatively easy to hit targets ahead of her with her guns. Additionally, since they are all centrally mounted, it is possible to get all four turrets on target, although when making a turn rear-most turret has to travel over 180° to get a bearing on the target.
  
Within it's battle rating Mutsuki has both: the highest number of, and the highest calibre of primary guns. It's guns also have a second-highest muzzle velocity. That said though, it comes with a price - its shells are slow to reload, leading to the lowest sustained rate of fire among comparable destroyers. At the same time damage output against warships is not as great as reload time might suggest, although still it's able to one-shot pretty much any boat bar some unlucky hits at full-health units.
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Within its battle rating. {{PAGENAME}} has both the highest number of and the highest calibre of primary guns. Its guns also have a second-highest muzzle velocity. That said though, it comes with a price - its shells are slow to reload, leading to the lowest sustained rate of fire among comparable destroyers. At the same time, damage output against warships is not as great as reload time might suggest, although still, it's able to hullbreak almost any boat bar some unlucky hits at full-health units. Unfortunately for captains of the Mutsuki, the primary armament has a woeful turret traverse speed of 5°/sec (aced), making it difficult to switch targets and decreasing the overall versatility significantly. It would be very difficult to take the Mutsuki into more confined spaces as the turrets rotate far too slowly to deal with multiple torpedo boats or other craft.
  
Unlike most of the other nations, and typically to IJN rank III destroyers, it lacks armor-piercing shells for its primary armament what can be an issue when trying to deal with higher tiers. Alternative to standard HE is a researchable modification bringing in the Type 0 time fuze HE shells. Dedicated primarily for anti-aircraft duty, while very potent, the low number of fired shells and long reload time make for a hard choice and a very tricky way to protect from airborne attacks.
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Unlike most of the other nations, and typically to IJN rank III destroyers, it lacks armour-piercing shells for its primary armament what can be an issue when trying to deal with higher ranks. Alternative to standard HE is a researchable modification bringing in the Type 0 time fuse HE shells. Dedicated primarily for anti-aircraft duty, while very potent, the low number of fired shells and long reload time make for a hard choice and a very tricky way to protect itself from airborne attacks.
  
 
=== Secondary armament ===
 
=== Secondary armament ===
<!-- ''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. The secondary armament is defined as the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armament and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section.''-->
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{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}
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<!-- ''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.'' -->
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[[File:Mutsuki-secondaries.jpg|left|thumb|[[Type 92 (7.7 mm)|Type 92]] machine guns are mounted on a platforms port and starboard to the Mutsuki's bridge.]]
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{{main|Type 92 (7.7 mm)}}
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The secondary armament of the Mutsuki is two type 92 7.7 mm machine guns, each with 1,940 rounds of ammunition. The mountings are both abreast of the bridge, giving good all-around coverage, but no overlapping arcs of fire except for the narrow frontal arc. They do virtually no damage and cannot be relied upon for defence against boats or aircraft.
  
{{main|Type 92 navy (7.7 mm)|l1=Type 92 (7.7 mm)}}
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Note that these are auxiliary weapons, not anti-aircraft, therefore they won't use crew upgrades for anti-aircraft weaponry, even though they are single-mount machine guns with vertical guidance of +60 degrees, making them often automatically engage aircraft.{{Clear}}
The secondary armament of the Mutsuki is two type 92 7.7mm machine guns, each with 1940 rounds of ammunition. The mountings are both abreast of the bridge, giving good all around coverage, but no overlapping arcs of fire except for the narrow frontal arc. They do virtually no damage and cannot be relied upon for defence against boats or aircraft.
 
  
Note that these are auxiliary weapons, not anti-aircraft, therefore they won't use crew upgrades for anti-aircraft weaponry, even though they are a single-mount machine guns with a vertical guidance of +60 degrees, making them often automatically engage aircraft.
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=== Additional armament ===
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{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}
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<!-- ''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.'' -->
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[[File:Mutsuki torpedo firing arcs.jpg|thumb|right|Graphic detailing port firing arcs for each of the launchers, with a total firing arc of 70° and an overlapping arc of 35°]]
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{{main|Type 90 (610 mm)|Type 95 depth charge|Type 93 mod1 mine}}
  
=== Torpedo armament ===
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The IJN Mutsuki carries two triple centre mountings for 610 mm Type 90 torpedoes, along with 6 reload torpedoes in lockers alongside the rearmost funnel. This gives it the ability to reload mid-battle. Each torpedo has a 480 gram TNT equivalent warhead and travels for 7 km at 85 km/h.
<!--''Torpedoes launchers are standard equipment on many ships and boats. Torpedoes are a significant means of defeating an opponent. Evaluate the position of the torpedo launchers, discuss the ammunition available, firing specifics such as dead zones, features of the torpedoes themselves, etc.''-->
 
  
{{main|Type 90 (610 mm)}}
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This gives it the best torpedo count, torpedo speed and damage at its rank and the second-best range that can be upgraded to by far the longest range through the Torpedo Mode modification that adds 8,000 m for a total of 15 km range, making it capable of reaching opposing spawn area within nearly all maps played on the ship's battle rating.
The Mutsuki carries two triple centre mountings for 610mm type 90 torpedoes, along with 6 reload torpedoes in lockers alongside the rearmost funnel. This gives it the ability to reload mid battle. Each torpedo has a 480 gram TNT equivalent warhead, and travels for 7 kilometres at 85 km/h. This gives it the best torpedo count, torpedo speed and damage at its tier and the second best range that can be upgraded to by far the longest range through Torpedo Mode modification that adds 8000 meters for a total of 15 kilometers range, making it capable of reaching opposing spawn area from friendly within nearly all maps played on ship's battle rating. That said though, firing arc is very narrow, forcing her to sit nearly parallel to the enemy in order to fire the torpedoes.
 
  
=== Special armament ===
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IJN Mutsuki's torpedo firing arcs are tricky to use. When switching between torpedo aiming modes, the first one to select is for the frontal mount, which not only has a narrower firing arc of the two but its available firing arc is oriented towards the rear of the ship. This creates a situation where most of the unknowing players would only use a very narrow 35° arc, where the first launcher begins to be able to release torpedoes after coming about. Therefore, when manoeuvring bow-first towards the enemy, switch to the rear launcher first; when manoeuvring stern-first towards the enemy, use the front launcher first.
{{main|Type 95 depth charge}}
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The Ship has an unlockable modification to equip Type 95 depth charges mounted on the Bomb Mortar, however it's a tier IV modification, making for a comparatively difficult unlock. It's the only one of two destroyers within its battle rating to be equipped with mortar, making it a relatively useful, although very situational weaponry.
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The {{PAGENAME}} has an unlockable modification to equip Type 95 depth charges mounted on the Bomb Mortar. It's a tier IV modification, making a comparatively difficult to unlock. It's the only one of two destroyers within its battle rating to be equipped with that modification, making it a fairly unique ship equipment. Mutsuki comes equipped with two mortars: port and starboard, each having one charge loaded and up to 3 spares. Charges cannot be loaded interchangeably, therefore only 4 are available to launch port and 4 starboard. Charges after ejection will be dropped at a constant distance away from the ship, the player has only control over which side should the charges be ejected on. Depth charges cannot be equipped onboard Mutsuki without the bomb mortar, it's the only way they can be deployed.
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Charges are extremely situational, and due to a very short range, they are dropped on they are one of the most tricky weapons to use on any destroyer. Even more so, given that their primary target - submarines - are not available in the game.
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<gallery mode="packed">
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File:Type 95 details Mutsuki.png|Detailed look at the Type 95 ejected from the bomb mortar
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File:Type-95-depth-charge-xray.jpg|X-ray view of the Mutsuki bomb launcher in-game
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File:Type 95 depth charge max altitude.jpg|Type 95 at a maximum altitude of its flight trajectory
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File:Type 95 launch distance.jpg|Distance to the port at which the depth charge hits the water surface
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</gallery>
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
Mutsuki is one of the more challenging destroyers in the game, forcing player to rely on positioning, primary weaponry and other teammates.  
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<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
Her combination of a good survivability with speed and a long-range cannons make for a respectable fighter at range, however an extremely lacking secondaries create a huge opportunities for hostile torpedo boats or aircraft. Mutsuki in essence is forced to rely on friendlies, being best used in formation assisting other ships, using the cover of their anti-aircraft and trying to always keep hostiles at over 2.5km, away from the range of their auxiliary guns firing back.
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IJN Mutsuki is one of the more challenging destroyers in the game, forcing players to rely on positioning, primary weaponry and other teammates.
  
While maps Mutsuki will fight on include small, narrow passages, those should be avoided for the fear of enemy boats - lack of secondary armament combined with slow, cruiser-like reload time on a primary cannons make for a very challenging task to destroy hostile torpedo boats, and being a destroyer: it has overall a poor manoeuvrability and a large size, making for a juicy target.
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Her combination of good survivability with speed and long-range cannons make for a respectable fighter at range, however, the lack of secondaries create huge opportunities for hostile torpedo boats or aircraft. {{PAGENAME}} in essence is forced to rely on friendlies, is best used in formation assisting other ships, using the cover of their anti-aircraft and trying to always keep hostiles at over 2.5 km, away from the range of their auxiliary guns firing back.
  
Overall Mutsuki has a very steep learning curve, where player simultaneously has to master positioning in warships, leads on various targets at various ranges and a long-range torpedo gameplay.
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While maps the {{PAGENAME}} will fight on include small, narrow passages, those should be avoided for the fear of enemy boats - lack of secondary armament combined with slow, cruiser-like reload time on the primary cannons make for a very challenging task to destroy hostile torpedo boats, and being a destroyer: it has overall a poor manoeuvrability and a large size compared to many opponents it will face, making for a juicy target.
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Overall, {{PAGENAME}} has a very steep learning curve, where the player simultaneously has to master positioning in warships, leads on various targets at various ranges and long-range torpedo gameplay.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
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<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
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[[File:Radar_chart_IJN_Mutsuki.png|thumb|Destroyers abilities of the rank II destroyer, IJN Mutsuki]]
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Main caliber guns with a very good firing arcs and shell speed
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* Main calibre guns with very good firing arcs and shell speed
 
* Excellent max speed
 
* Excellent max speed
 
* Outstanding, long-range torpedoes (in particular after unlocking Torpedo Mode)
 
* Outstanding, long-range torpedoes (in particular after unlocking Torpedo Mode)
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Very vulnerable from air
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* Very vulnerable from the air
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* Very vulnerable to attacks from multiple angles
 
* In essence no secondary or anti-aircraft armament
 
* In essence no secondary or anti-aircraft armament
* The longest reload time on a primary guns among comparable destroyers
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* The longest reload time on the primary guns among comparable destroyers
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.-->
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
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[[File:Mutsuki 1924.jpg|thumb|right|{{PAGENAME}} during its launch date, on 23 June 1924]]
 
As the Washington Naval Treaty entered effect, where it substantially limited the quantity of naval weaponry available to the signatory nations, Japan began developing more advanced naval designs to better parry the might of the U.S. Navy.
 
As the Washington Naval Treaty entered effect, where it substantially limited the quantity of naval weaponry available to the signatory nations, Japan began developing more advanced naval designs to better parry the might of the U.S. Navy.
  
 
One such design was the Mutsuki-class destroyers, developed in the early 1920s. Although intended as an improvement over the preceding Kamikaze-class, the Mutsuki-class would become outdated the moment it entered service due to the fact that the even more advanced Fubuki-class was developed in parallel. Nonetheless, Mutsuki-class destroyers still had a prolific service life during WW2, even in the later stages when most were converted into transport vessels.
 
One such design was the Mutsuki-class destroyers, developed in the early 1920s. Although intended as an improvement over the preceding Kamikaze-class, the Mutsuki-class would become outdated the moment it entered service due to the fact that the even more advanced Fubuki-class was developed in parallel. Nonetheless, Mutsuki-class destroyers still had a prolific service life during WW2, even in the later stages when most were converted into transport vessels.
  
Mutsuki, the lead ship of her class, was laid down in May 1924 at the Sasebo Naval Arsenal shipyard and was completed in March 1926. The ship was initially commissioned under the name Destroyer No.19, only receiving the name ‘Mutsuki’ in August 1928.
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Mutsuki, the lead ship of her class, was laid down in May 1924 at the Sasebo Naval Arsenal shipyard and was completed in March 1926. The ship was initially commissioned under the name Destroyer No.19, only receiving the name 'Mutsuki' in August 1928.
  
Mutsuki’s combat record began with the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War between China and Japan in the early 1930s. The first battle involving the destroyer during WWII was the invasion of Wake Island. Following the invasion, Mutsuki took part in many more major operations in the Pacific, such as the invasions in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and Rabaul, while also participating in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942.
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Mutsuki's combat record began with the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War between China and Japan in the early 1930s. The first battle involving the destroyer during WWII was the invasion of Wake Island. Following the invasion, Mutsuki took part in many more major operations in the Pacific, such as the invasions in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and Rabaul, while also participating in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942.
  
After undergoing repairs in July 1942, Mutsuki was reassigned to the 8th Fleet and participated in the bombardment of Henderson Field on 24 August 1942. However, Mutsuki met her fate the following day, after an American B-17 Flying Fortress bomber managed a direct hit on the ship’s mid section during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. Mutsuki sunk on that fateful August day and was subsequently struck from Naval records in October 1942.
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After undergoing repairs in July 1942, Mutsuki was reassigned to the 8th Fleet and participated in the bombardment of Henderson Field on 24 August 1942. However, Mutsuki met her fate the following day, after an American B-17 Flying Fortress bomber managed a direct hit on the ship's mid section during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. Mutsuki sunk on that fateful August day and was subsequently struck from Naval records in October 1942.
  
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/6205-development-mutsuki-frozen-in-the-crosshairs-en|Devblog]]''
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/6205-development-mutsuki-frozen-in-the-crosshairs-en|Devblog]]''
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This technique was first introduced in the British Navy and subsequently adopted throughout other countries until being fully replaced by a short-range radio communications in 1930s, with some ships still bearing the clocks even up to the early days of the WW2.
 
This technique was first introduced in the British Navy and subsequently adopted throughout other countries until being fully replaced by a short-range radio communications in 1930s, with some ships still bearing the clocks even up to the early days of the WW2.
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Range dials are not functional in the game, they're purely visual part of the ship.
  
 
{{Clear}}
 
{{Clear}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_destroyer_mutsuki Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
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''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
<!--Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
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<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/6205-development-mutsuki-frozen-in-the-crosshairs-en|[Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> Mutsuki: Frozen in the Crosshairs]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/6205-development-mutsuki-frozen-in-the-crosshairs-en|[Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> Mutsuki: Frozen in the Crosshairs]]
* [http://dreadnoughtproject.org/tfs/index.php/Range_Dial Description of the rage dial on Dreadnought Project]
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* [http://dreadnoughtproject.org/tfs/index.php/Range_Dial [<nowiki>dreadnoughproject.org]</nowiki> Range Dial]
  
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{{ShipManufacturer Sasebo Naval Arsenal}}
 
{{Japan destroyers}}
 
{{Japan destroyers}}

Revision as of 19:51, 28 July 2022

VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
IJN Mutsuki
jp_destroyer_mutsuki.png
GarageImage IJN Mutsuki.jpg
IJN Mutsuki
AB RB SB
3.3 3.3 3.3
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Mutsuki-class, IJN Mutsuki, 1941 (睦月, namesake: January) is a rank I Japanese destroyer with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy".

The IJN Mutsuki is the first Destroyer most players will play within the Japanese tree, and its gameplay differs significantly from the Syonan. The ship is very much a destroyer geared towards long-range engagements, having the most powerful primary armament and the second-most-powerful torpedo setup among its battle rating, further increasing its performance in gunnery battles by a relatively good armour. On the other hand, it has only two, very weak, auxiliary guns and no dedicated anti-aircraft weaponry, making it a poor performer in close-range encounters. Overall it's a difficult ship to play, posing a number of challenges to a player.

General info

Mutsuki can survive a direct torpedo hit

Survivability and armour

Armourfront / side / back
Main fire tower15 / 15 / 0 mm
Hull15 mm (steel)
Superstructure15 mm (steel)
Number of section7
Displacement1 800 t
Crew148 people

The IJN Mutsuki is relatively well armoured and survivable destroyer for its battle rating. Following the typical research path through the Japanese tree, this will be the first ship that's not prone to fires and the first one able to survive a single direct torpedo hit (unless it leads to a secondary explosion).

The destroyer has armour protection and crew count that are above average, although the differences between destroyers in battle rating 3.7 are not high. Protection can be further enhanced with several modifications, although they're standard on all other comparable destroyers as well.

The biggest issue in the ship's survivability is its lack of anti-aircraft armament. It's equipped only with two 7.7 mm auxiliary machine guns that are hardly useful even against wooden gunboats and nearly incapable of taking down anything airborne. Thus, the IJN Mutsuki has to rely on a cover of other ships or time fuse 120 mm shells for protection.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB84 / 40 km/h
RB69 / 32 km/h

With a speed of 62 km/h before any modifications, the IJN Mutsuki is the fastest destroyer within its battle rating. Decent speed is supplemented by good manoeuvrability, making it capable of choosing engagements and occasionally even avoiding torpedoes other destroyers would not. The aced top speed is 69 km/h, which is easy enough to get around the battlefield. The rudder shift time is also very respectable, allowing for dodging patterns and making it a hard target to hit with torpedoes.

Mobility Characteristics
Game Mode Upgrade Status Maximum Speed (km/h) Turn Time (s) Turn Radius (m)
Forward Reverse
AB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 84 40
RB/SB Stock ___ ___
Upgraded 69 32

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB220 → 281 Sl icon.png
RB347 → 444 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 970 Rp icon.png
915 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 60 / 100 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Seakeeping Unsinkability Firepower
Mods new ship hull.png
Dry-Docking
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship rudder.png
Rudder Replacement
Research:
110 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship screw.png
Propeller Replacement
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship engine.png
Engine Maintenance
Research:
160 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods ship damage control crew.png
Damage Control Division
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods ship fire control crew.png
Fire Division
Research:
110 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods engine smoke screen system.png
Smokescreen
Research:
110 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods ship anti fragmentation protection.png
Shrapnel Protection
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods ship venting.png
Ventilation
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new ship pumps.png
New Pumps
Research:
160 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods ship ammo wetting.png
Ammo Wetting
Research:
160 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
7.7 mm AP belt
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods he frag dist fuse ship.png
120mm_jp_type1_base_fuse_naval_he_ammo_pack
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new aux caliber turrets.png
Auxiliary Armament Targeting
Research:
110 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
7_7mm_lewis_navy_incendiary_ammo_pack
Research:
110 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods he frag dist fuse ship.png
120mm_jp_type0_distant_fuse_naval_he_ammo_pack
Research:
110 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods new main caliber turrets.png
Primary Armament Targeting
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods ship rangefinder.png
Improved Rangefinder
Research:
150 Rp icon.png
Cost:
45 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods torpedo.png
Torpedo Mode
Research:
160 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods ship mortar.png
Bomb mortar
Research:
160 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods naval mine.png
Mines
Research:
160 Rp icon.png
Cost:
50 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png

After researching Tool Set and FPE, the primary research focus should be in Seakeeping and Unsinkability towards tier IV where Torpedo Mode is a worthy upgrade. The lowest priority upgrades are those for the 7.7 mm auxiliary machine guns and, of course, bomb mortar. Note that even with fully upgraded speed and manoeuvrability, primary turrets still handle emergency turns well, making targeting upgrades a lower priority on the list.

Armament

Primary armament

4 х Turret120 mm/45 3rd Year Type cannon
Ammunition240 rounds
Vertical guidance-7° / 33°
Full broadside with all of of the Mutsuki's main guns, note the shockwaves coming from the end of the barrel due to released pressure wave.

The IJN Mutsuki is armed with four single 120 mm mounts, one in the bow, one just aft of the bridge in between the funnels, and two towards the aft. It's comparatively a powerful weaponry excelling especially at longer ranges against its equivalents.

All but the rearmost turrets aim forwards by default, making it relatively easy to hit targets ahead of her with her guns. Additionally, since they are all centrally mounted, it is possible to get all four turrets on target, although when making a turn rear-most turret has to travel over 180° to get a bearing on the target.

Within its battle rating. IJN Mutsuki has both the highest number of and the highest calibre of primary guns. Its guns also have a second-highest muzzle velocity. That said though, it comes with a price - its shells are slow to reload, leading to the lowest sustained rate of fire among comparable destroyers. At the same time, damage output against warships is not as great as reload time might suggest, although still, it's able to hullbreak almost any boat bar some unlucky hits at full-health units. Unfortunately for captains of the Mutsuki, the primary armament has a woeful turret traverse speed of 5°/sec (aced), making it difficult to switch targets and decreasing the overall versatility significantly. It would be very difficult to take the Mutsuki into more confined spaces as the turrets rotate far too slowly to deal with multiple torpedo boats or other craft.

Unlike most of the other nations, and typically to IJN rank III destroyers, it lacks armour-piercing shells for its primary armament what can be an issue when trying to deal with higher ranks. Alternative to standard HE is a researchable modification bringing in the Type 0 time fuse HE shells. Dedicated primarily for anti-aircraft duty, while very potent, the low number of fired shells and long reload time make for a hard choice and a very tricky way to protect itself from airborne attacks.

Secondary armament

2 х Turret7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun
Ammunition1940 rounds
Belt capacity97 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Type 92 machine guns are mounted on a platforms port and starboard to the Mutsuki's bridge.
Main article: Type 92 (7.7 mm)

The secondary armament of the Mutsuki is two type 92 7.7 mm machine guns, each with 1,940 rounds of ammunition. The mountings are both abreast of the bridge, giving good all-around coverage, but no overlapping arcs of fire except for the narrow frontal arc. They do virtually no damage and cannot be relied upon for defence against boats or aircraft.

Note that these are auxiliary weapons, not anti-aircraft, therefore they won't use crew upgrades for anti-aircraft weaponry, even though they are single-mount machine guns with vertical guidance of +60 degrees, making them often automatically engage aircraft.

Additional armament

Setup 112 x 610 mm Type 90 torpedo
Setup 28 x Type 95 depth charge
Setup 312 x 610 mm Type 90 torpedo
2 x Type 95 depth charge
Setup 416 x Type 93 mod1 moored contact mine
Setup 512 x 610 mm Type 90 torpedo
2 x Type 93 mod1 moored contact mine
Graphic detailing port firing arcs for each of the launchers, with a total firing arc of 70° and an overlapping arc of 35°

The IJN Mutsuki carries two triple centre mountings for 610 mm Type 90 torpedoes, along with 6 reload torpedoes in lockers alongside the rearmost funnel. This gives it the ability to reload mid-battle. Each torpedo has a 480 gram TNT equivalent warhead and travels for 7 km at 85 km/h.

This gives it the best torpedo count, torpedo speed and damage at its rank and the second-best range that can be upgraded to by far the longest range through the Torpedo Mode modification that adds 8,000 m for a total of 15 km range, making it capable of reaching opposing spawn area within nearly all maps played on the ship's battle rating.

IJN Mutsuki's torpedo firing arcs are tricky to use. When switching between torpedo aiming modes, the first one to select is for the frontal mount, which not only has a narrower firing arc of the two but its available firing arc is oriented towards the rear of the ship. This creates a situation where most of the unknowing players would only use a very narrow 35° arc, where the first launcher begins to be able to release torpedoes after coming about. Therefore, when manoeuvring bow-first towards the enemy, switch to the rear launcher first; when manoeuvring stern-first towards the enemy, use the front launcher first.

The IJN Mutsuki has an unlockable modification to equip Type 95 depth charges mounted on the Bomb Mortar. It's a tier IV modification, making a comparatively difficult to unlock. It's the only one of two destroyers within its battle rating to be equipped with that modification, making it a fairly unique ship equipment. Mutsuki comes equipped with two mortars: port and starboard, each having one charge loaded and up to 3 spares. Charges cannot be loaded interchangeably, therefore only 4 are available to launch port and 4 starboard. Charges after ejection will be dropped at a constant distance away from the ship, the player has only control over which side should the charges be ejected on. Depth charges cannot be equipped onboard Mutsuki without the bomb mortar, it's the only way they can be deployed.

Charges are extremely situational, and due to a very short range, they are dropped on they are one of the most tricky weapons to use on any destroyer. Even more so, given that their primary target - submarines - are not available in the game.

Usage in battles

IJN Mutsuki is one of the more challenging destroyers in the game, forcing players to rely on positioning, primary weaponry and other teammates.

Her combination of good survivability with speed and long-range cannons make for a respectable fighter at range, however, the lack of secondaries create huge opportunities for hostile torpedo boats or aircraft. IJN Mutsuki in essence is forced to rely on friendlies, is best used in formation assisting other ships, using the cover of their anti-aircraft and trying to always keep hostiles at over 2.5 km, away from the range of their auxiliary guns firing back.

While maps the IJN Mutsuki will fight on include small, narrow passages, those should be avoided for the fear of enemy boats - lack of secondary armament combined with slow, cruiser-like reload time on the primary cannons make for a very challenging task to destroy hostile torpedo boats, and being a destroyer: it has overall a poor manoeuvrability and a large size compared to many opponents it will face, making for a juicy target.

Overall, IJN Mutsuki has a very steep learning curve, where the player simultaneously has to master positioning in warships, leads on various targets at various ranges and long-range torpedo gameplay.

Pros and cons

Destroyers abilities of the rank II destroyer, IJN Mutsuki

Pros:

  • Main calibre guns with very good firing arcs and shell speed
  • Excellent max speed
  • Outstanding, long-range torpedoes (in particular after unlocking Torpedo Mode)
  • Good survivability

Cons:

  • Very vulnerable from the air
  • Very vulnerable to attacks from multiple angles
  • In essence no secondary or anti-aircraft armament
  • The longest reload time on the primary guns among comparable destroyers

History

IJN Mutsuki during its launch date, on 23 June 1924

As the Washington Naval Treaty entered effect, where it substantially limited the quantity of naval weaponry available to the signatory nations, Japan began developing more advanced naval designs to better parry the might of the U.S. Navy.

One such design was the Mutsuki-class destroyers, developed in the early 1920s. Although intended as an improvement over the preceding Kamikaze-class, the Mutsuki-class would become outdated the moment it entered service due to the fact that the even more advanced Fubuki-class was developed in parallel. Nonetheless, Mutsuki-class destroyers still had a prolific service life during WW2, even in the later stages when most were converted into transport vessels.

Mutsuki, the lead ship of her class, was laid down in May 1924 at the Sasebo Naval Arsenal shipyard and was completed in March 1926. The ship was initially commissioned under the name Destroyer No.19, only receiving the name 'Mutsuki' in August 1928.

Mutsuki's combat record began with the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War between China and Japan in the early 1930s. The first battle involving the destroyer during WWII was the invasion of Wake Island. Following the invasion, Mutsuki took part in many more major operations in the Pacific, such as the invasions in the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and Rabaul, while also participating in the Battle of the Coral Sea in 1942.

After undergoing repairs in July 1942, Mutsuki was reassigned to the 8th Fleet and participated in the bombardment of Henderson Field on 24 August 1942. However, Mutsuki met her fate the following day, after an American B-17 Flying Fortress bomber managed a direct hit on the ship's mid section during the Battle of the Eastern Solomons. Mutsuki sunk on that fateful August day and was subsequently struck from Naval records in October 1942.

- From Devblog

Clock on a rear mast

View of the Range Dial on a rear mast while main guns are firing.

The clock clearly visible on a rear mast of the Mutsuki and certain other destroyers is in fact a Range Dial (also known as Concentration Dial).

It enables other ships in a formation that are either behind smoke screen, with a broken range-finders or otherwise have their sight of the enemy hampered to take firing data from a friendly ship.

This technique was first introduced in the British Navy and subsequently adopted throughout other countries until being fully replaced by a short-range radio communications in 1930s, with some ships still bearing the clocks even up to the early days of the WW2.

Range dials are not functional in the game, they're purely visual part of the ship.

Media

Skins

See also

Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the ship;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Sasebo Naval Arsenal (佐世保海軍工廠)
Destroyers 
Mutsuki-class  IJN Mutsuki
Hatsuharu-class  IJN Hatsuharu
Shiratsuyu-class  IJN Yuudachi
Light Cruisers 
Kuma-class  IJN Kuma
Agano-class  IJN Agano
Unique Ships  IJN Yubari
Tanks  Chi-Ha Short Gun

Japan destroyers
  IJN
Momi-class  IJN Momi
Mutsuki-class  IJN Mutsuki · IJN Satsuki
Fubuki-class  IJN Ayanami
Hatsuharu-class  IJN Hatsuharu · IJN Nenohi
Shiratsuyu-class  IJN Yuudachi
Yugumo-class  IJN Yugumo · IJN Hayanami · IJN Kiyoshimo
Shimakaze-class  IJN Shimakaze
Akizuki-class  IJN Akizuki · IJN Hatsuzuki
  JMSDF
Ariake-class*  JDS Yūgure (DD-184)
Harukaze-class  JDS Harukaze (DD-101)
  * Modified Fletcher-class destroyers