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Description
Although at first glance Harekaze appears to be a logical continuation of the Kagero and Yugumo-class designs, she was actually based on the substantially larger and more-advanced Shimakaze. Her design is much shorter, and mounts two quintuple torpedo tube mounts while retaining the six 127mm guns found on most previous designs. These weapons did not compare favorably to most contemporary guns, and the Harekazes were the last class of Japanese destroyer to receive them. These ships were also among the first in Japan to be constructed with radar already installed. Throughout the war, the sixteen Harekazes would prove to be a good offensive weapon, capable of launching devastating torpedo attacks on American task forces. However, their poor gun armament was disliked, and some ships had their 127mm guns replaced with smaller but more-effective 100mm guns. Harekaze herself would survive the war, along with her sisters Seiya and Yukiyama. They would remain in service until 1975, whereas they were removed from the naval register. Yukiyama would be preserved due to her role as the Emperor's yacht, but the others would be scrapped.

UPDATE: I'm back. Decided to try a new ship type, and I'm a bit satisfied with the conclusion. I'll do a few more destroyers, because they're easier to do.

Description
Although at first glance Harekaze appears to be a logical continuation of the Kagero and Yugumo-class designs, she was actually based on the substantially larger and more-advanced Shimakaze. Her design is much shorter, and mounts two quintuple torpedo tube mounts while retaining the six 127mm guns found on most previous designs. These weapons did not compare favorably to most contemporary guns, and the Harekazes were the last class of Japanese destroyer to receive them. These ships were also among the first in Japan to be constructed with radar already installed. Throughout the war, the sixteen Harekazes would prove to be a good offensive weapon, capable of launching devastating torpedo attacks on American task forces. However, their poor gun armament was disliked, and some ships had their 127mm guns replaced with smaller but more-effective 100mm guns. Harekaze herself would survive the war, along with her sisters Seiya and Yukiyama. They would remain in service until 1975, whereas they were removed from the naval register. Yukiyama would be preserved due to her role as the Emperor's yacht, but the others would be scrapped.

UPDATE: I'm back. Decided to try a new ship type, and I'm a bit satisfied with the conclusion. I'll do a few more destroyers, because they're easier to do.