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Could the Yamato beat the Bismarck?
The Yamato’s 18″ guns could penetrate Bismarck anywhere, even her exceptionally thick armored belt. Once the Japanese found the range (and they were among the best shots in surface actions) it would only be a matter of time. Scuttling probably wouldn’t be necessary, the Yamato would hole Bismarck like Swiss cheese.
Did the Yamato ever fight?
The only time Yamato fired her main guns at enemy surface targets was in October 1944, when she was sent to engage American forces invading the Philippines during the Battle of Leyte Gulf….Japanese battleship Yamato.
| History | |
|---|---|
| Japan | |
| Displacement | 65,027 t (64,000 long tons) (normal) 71,659 t (70,527 long tons) (full load) |
What is the difference between the Bismarck and the Yamatos?
The Bismarcks carried about nineteen thousand tons of armor, albeit in an archaic configuration by World War II standards. The Yamatos, on the other hand, displaced about seventy-two thousand tons, armed with nine 18.1” guns in three triple turrets and capable of twenty-seven knots.
What if the Yamato and Iowa had met in battle?
It would have been the ultimate duel of dreadnoughts. In one corner, Japan’s Yamato, weighing in at 65,000 tons, the biggest battleship in history. In the other corner, Iowa, at 45,000 tons the pride of America’s World War II battleship fleet. In reality, the two ships never met in battle.
How effective were the Bismarck and Tirpitz guns against Japanese ships?
The fifteen-inch guns of Bismarck and Tirpitz fire at a greater rate than the Japanese guns, but even when they hit, they do relatively little damage to the vitals of the Japanese ships (although they extensively scar the upper works). By contrast, the 18.1” hits begin to do serious damage immediately, plunging into the German ships at great range.
How far can a Yamato Shell Travel?
Yamato’s nine 18-inchers could throw a 3,200-pound shell out to 26 miles, while Iowa’s nine 16-inch guns could propel a 2,700-pound shell 24 miles. Even though Japanese shells were less effective than American ones, the range advantage should belong to Yamato. Yet the real issue was even hitting the target in the first place.