When the commanders of the Battleship Division 2 aboard the Tennessee realized that the third enemy battleship they were facing was of the Fusō-class, they were confident of victory. The Fusō-class, while superior in maneuverability and defense, clearly lacked firepower compared to American and British battleships. The fact that it had only eight guns of the 14-inch caliber, following the British trend, could be considered a weakly armed ship by modern standards.
On the other hand, the Tennessee had the same caliber of 14-inch guns, but it boasted a 50% increase with twelve guns compared to the Fusō-class. Moreover, with a long barrel of 50 calibers, it had superior penetration power at high muzzle velocity, further widening the gap in firepower. In addition, the Tennessee had a wider hull for its length, providing greater stability compared to the Fusō-class, making it a superior platform for the cannons. If the opponent had the Nagato-class with 16-inch guns, caution would be warranted, but facing the Fusō-class seemed to be an advantage for the Tennessee. Every crew member, from the captain down to the rest of the Tennessee crew, shared this sentiment and awaited the order to commence firing on the enemy's third battleship.
The first to open fire was the battleship identified as the target, the Fusō-class battleship. Four shells were fired from a considerable distance of 27.000 meters, creating water spouts upon impact. The proximity of the splashes to the Tennessee, just 100 meters away, left the commander of the Battleship Division 2 and the captain of the Tennessee breathless. The water spout that rose diagonally to the left front was dangerously close to the Tennessee. Regardless of the beginning, the distance accuracy was exceptionally precise for a first shot.
"Is their aim skillful, or is it just luck?"
"I don't want to think about it, but it's possible that Japanese battleships are using fire control radar. If so, it would explain getting a near-hit on the first salvo."
In response to the murmurs of the Battleship Division 2 commander, the captain of the Tennessee dismissed speculation but laid out his own thoughts.
"Whether for our country or for Britain, it's hard to believe that Japan has mastered fire control radar. Achieving such high distance accuracy on the first shot is likely just a stroke of luck."
"Or perhaps Japan secretly received technology from Germany. If Japan uses that technology to trouble us, Germany can certainly recover enough from the leakage of that technology."
The captain's observation made the Battleship Division 2 commander ponder slightly. If what the captain of the Tennessee said was true, it would be a serious situation. Regardless of Japan, German technology could not be underestimated. Of course, there was no worry about losing, but they still had to be prepared for some damage. While the commander was contemplating this, the enemy's third battleship fired the second salvo, impacting right behind the ship. The impact of the underwater explosion was felt, indicating how close the projectile was. This confirmed to the Battleship Division 2 commander and the Tennessee captain that the enemy was undoubtedly using fire control radar. Now they had to be prepared to be bracketed or, at worst, face the possibility of a direct hit.
The Tennessee hurriedly began her bombardment in response to the enemy's accurate gunfire. Before the shells could land, the enemy's third battleship's shells hit the Tennessee, sandwiching it with impacts on the port side and similarly on the starboard side. It was a bracketing attack.
"It's alright. This ship, along with the Colorados, boasts the best defense among our country's obsolete battleships. Even though the enemy took the initiative, the Tennessee could withstand 14-inch shells quite well. Besides, our firepower is overwhelmingly superior. Once we target the enemy's third battleship in the dispersion area, we can turn the tables."
To calm down subordinates whose anxiety and tension were deepening, the commander of the Battleship Division 2, alongside a resolute voice, signaled the gunnery officer on the Tennessee to take action. At that moment, eight shells from the enemy's third battleship poured down. Simultaneously with the impact, a significant shock rocked the Tennessee.
"Damage report!"
The voice of the Tennessee captain, tinged with impatience, echoed on the bridge. After a brief pause, a report was given by the damage control officer.
"Hit on the engine room, one boiler is completely disabled. We are currently investigating other damages, but regardless, their main gun shells have pierced through our ship's armor. It's not the power of typical 14-inch shells!"
In response to the damage control officer's report, which sounded like an angry shout, the Tennessee captain and the commander exchanged glances.
"Do they use SHS like our navy's new battleships? Or did they equip themselves with long-barreled guns with high penetration power?"
"Even if they were using SHS, a 14-inch shell would at most weigh 800 kilograms, or generously estimating, 850 kilograms. And even with a long barrel, it's hard to believe they can so easily penetrate the Tennessee's armor."
The commander of Battleship Division 2 rejected the speculation of the Tennessee captain with a polite disagreement. Encouraged by a nod from the captain, the commander signaled him to continue.
"Their main guns are likely 15-inch or 16-inch guns capable of using SHS. Otherwise, the Tennessee's armor wouldn't give in so easily."
As the captain was about to continue with further speculation, a large impact disrupted him. The enemy's third battleship's shells had truly begun to carve into the Tennessee.
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Drastically Modified Combined Fleet
Historical Fiction「All of these ships are all weird. It's like a magical fleet.」 An organization built on the knowledge and experience gained from past accidents and incidents, using them as lessons to stack up and ensure that the same mistakes are never repeated aga...
