Japanese destroyer Fubuki – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**Japanese destroyer Fubuki**

**Definition:**
The Japanese destroyer *Fubuki* was the lead ship of the Fubuki-class destroyers built for the Imperial Japanese Navy in the late 1920s. Renowned for their advanced design and powerful armament, these ships represented a significant leap in destroyer capabilities worldwide.

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# Japanese Destroyer Fubuki

The *Fubuki* was the first of a revolutionary class of destroyers constructed for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) during the interwar period. Commissioned in 1928, the *Fubuki*-class destroyers introduced a new standard in naval warfare with their unprecedented size, speed, armament, and operational range. These ships were often referred to as „special type” destroyers and were considered the most powerful destroyers in the world at the time of their introduction. The *Fubuki* herself served extensively during the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II, participating in numerous naval engagements until her sinking in 1942.

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## Design and Development

### Background

Following World War I, the Imperial Japanese Navy sought to modernize and expand its fleet to maintain regional naval superiority. The Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 imposed limitations on capital ships but allowed for the development of smaller vessels such as destroyers. The IJN capitalized on this by designing a new class of destroyers that would outmatch those of other navies in terms of firepower, speed, and endurance.

### Concept and Objectives

The *Fubuki*-class was conceived to serve as a multi-role destroyer capable of fleet escort, torpedo attacks, and anti-aircraft defense. The design aimed to combine the firepower of a light cruiser with the speed and maneuverability of a destroyer. This was achieved by increasing the displacement and incorporating advanced weaponry and propulsion systems.

### Design Features

– **Size and Displacement:** The *Fubuki* displaced approximately 1,750 tons standard and over 2,000 tons at full load, making her significantly larger than contemporary destroyers.
– **Hull and Superstructure:** The hull was longer and wider, with a flush deck design that improved seaworthiness. The superstructure was streamlined to reduce weight and improve stability.
– **Propulsion:** Powered by high-pressure steam turbines and three boilers, the *Fubuki* could reach speeds up to 38 knots, enabling rapid fleet maneuvers.
– **Armament:** The ship was equipped with six 127 mm (5-inch) dual-purpose guns in three twin turrets, nine 610 mm (24-inch) torpedo tubes arranged in three triple mounts, and various anti-aircraft guns. The torpedoes were the famous Type 93 „Long Lance” oxygen-fueled torpedoes, which had exceptional range and destructive power.
– **Range:** The *Fubuki* had an operational range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles at 14 knots, allowing for extended missions without refueling.

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## Construction and Commissioning

The *Fubuki* was laid down at the Uraga Dock Company in Uraga, Japan, in 1926. She was launched on 24 March 1927 and commissioned into the Imperial Japanese Navy on 15 November 1928. As the lead ship of her class, *Fubuki* set the standard for subsequent vessels, which were built with incremental improvements based on operational experience and technological advances.

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## Operational History

### Pre-World War II Service

During the 1930s, *Fubuki* participated in numerous training exercises and fleet maneuvers, helping to refine Japanese naval tactics. She also took part in patrols and escort missions during the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War, supporting Japanese ground forces and securing maritime supply lines.

### World War II Service

At the outbreak of the Pacific War in December 1941, *Fubuki* was assigned to the IJN’s 1st Destroyer Division. She participated in several key operations, including:

– **Invasion of the Philippines:** Providing escort for troop transports and engaging in anti-submarine patrols.
– **Dutch East Indies Campaign:** Supporting amphibious landings and conducting offensive torpedo attacks against Allied shipping.
– **Battle of the Java Sea:** Engaging Allied naval forces in one of the largest surface engagements of the early war period.

### Final Engagement and Sinking

In early 1942, *Fubuki* was involved in operations around the Solomon Islands and New Guinea. On 13 January 1942, during the Battle of Balikpapan, she was damaged by Allied air attacks but survived. Later, on 25 January 1942, while escorting a convoy near the Bangka Strait, *Fubuki* was torpedoed and sunk by the American submarine USS *S-38*. The sinking resulted in significant loss of life, marking the end of the lead ship of the class.

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## Legacy

The *Fubuki*-class destroyers, led by *Fubuki*, had a profound impact on naval design worldwide. Their combination of heavy armament, speed, and range influenced destroyer development in other navies and set a new benchmark for destroyer capabilities. Despite losses during World War II, the class demonstrated the effectiveness of well-armed, fast destroyers in fleet actions and escort duties.

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## Technical Specifications (Fubuki)

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## See Also

– Imperial Japanese Navy
– Fubuki-class destroyer
– Type 93 torpedo
– Pacific War naval battles

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## References

*Note: This article is based on historical naval records and secondary sources documenting the Imperial Japanese Navy and its vessels.*

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**Meta Description:**
The Japanese destroyer *Fubuki* was the lead ship of the revolutionary Fubuki-class, setting new standards in destroyer design with advanced armament and speed. Commissioned in 1928, she served prominently in the Imperial Japanese Navy until her sinking in 1942.