JDS Murasame is the lead ship of a class of destroyers, built for the JMSDF in the late 1950s as successors to the Ayanami class in the antisubmarine warfare role.
JDS Murasame (DD-107): A Destroyer for Japan at Rank II
At a glance:
- Versatile arsenal.
- Excellent mobility.
- Features torpedoes.
The Murasame class of destroyers were ordered in the late 1950s as a replacement for the preceding Ayanami class. Construction of the lead ship, JDS Murasame, began in December 1957 with the keel being laid down in the Kobe shipyard. JDS Murasame was launched and subsequently commissioned into service in 1958 and 1959, respectively.
Although initially intended only to serve in the ASW role, JDS Murasame’s potent artillery arsenal also effectively enabled it to perform anti-aircraft duties. As a result, ships of the Murasame class were later on unofficially redesignated to all-purpose destroyers. After entering service, JDS Murasame took part in several oceangoing voyages and military exercises. Later on in her career, JDS Murasame was also used as a test platform for minesweeping equipment before ultimately being decommissioned in March 1988.
Meet the JDS Murasame!
JDS Murasame (DD-107) will be a new early Cold War era destroyer arriving to the starting ranks of the Japanese Bluewater fleet in the Firebirds major update. Being a later successor to the JDS Harukaze already in the game, JDS Murasame features a greatly upgraded weapons arsenal while maintaining the good mobility of its predecessor. Sounds interesting to you? Then join us in today’s devblog as we explore the details of this new Japanese vessel coming to the game very soon!
As already mentioned, JDS Murasame is a successor design to some of the early Cold War Japanese destroyers, built for the JMSDF after WWII. Keeping in line with previous designs, shipbuilders placed emphasis on flexibility and JDS Murasame is no exception in this. Its arsenal best reflects this fact as the ship is equipped with three 5’’ (127 mm) Mark 16 cannons of American origin. Representing an upgraded version of the iconic Mk.12 cannon also found on JDS Harukaze, the Mk.16 cannons retain their signature high rate of fire and combine it with a longer barrel and heavier rounds, giving the cannon overall greatly improved ballistic properties and extending its range.
Furthermore, JDS Murasame is also equipped with a more powerful secondary battery consisting of two twin 3’’ (76 mm) cannons. Rounding off this arsenal are also a number of depth charge and torpedo launchers on either side of the ship. Overall, JDS Murasame is well equipped to face virtually any opponent on or above the sea’s surface thanks to its both powerful, but also very flexible weapon loadout.
Interesting: JDS Murasame’s 5’’ primary guns originate from the American carrier USS Midway, where the guns originally formed part of the ship’s arsenal.
However, JDS Murasame doesn’t only boast excellent firepower. In fact, this ship is also a very nimble vessel. Thanks to its powerful machinery, JDS Murasame can attain a top speed of 30 kts (56 km/h), similar to its predecessor. As a result, JDS Murasame can quickly maneuver on the sea, allowing captains to change their tactical approach virtually on the fly. On the other hand, being a light vessel also comes with the inherent drawback of not possessing extensive protection. As a result, JDS Murasame features only limited protection around its vital components which may enable it to absorb some damage from incoming fire, but not nearly enabling it enough to engage in brawls with other vessels.
JDS Murasame will soon reinforce the early ranks of the Japanese navy’s Bluewater fleet in War Thunder, becoming available for research to following the release of the Firebirds major update. In the meantime, be on the lookout for more news regarding the upcoming update. Until then, calm seas and happy hunting captains!
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
