Overview: Ashitaka, the Unfinished Behemoth
The Ashitaka, an unfinished jewel of the Japanese navy, was an Amagi-class battlecruiser whose promising capabilities tragically did not see fruition. Like her namesake siblings, Ashitaka's build was never brought to completion, leaving us to ponder her potential impact on naval warfare.
Design & Engineering
Intensely engineered with an amalgamation of modern technology of the era, Ashitaka incorporated unique design philosophies. The ship was envisioned to perform grandly in speed and offensive capabilities. It was planned to be capable of very high speeds, which unquestionably would have granted it significant tactical advantage in the theater of naval combat.
Armament
Ashitaka was projected to carry ten 410 mm guns, an impressive armament for a battlecruiser of her time. The design featured sets of twin turrets, which would have provided the vessel with a fearsome punch capable of giving even well-armored adversaries pause. The powerful loadout of guns was engineered to have an extensive range, further enhancing the Ashitaka's intended role as a long-distance threat.
Legacy
Despite the ship remaining unfinished, the concepts and intentions behind Ashitaka's design persisted in the evolution of naval technology and strategy. Her potent mix of speed and firepower served as a model for many future ships. While she never traversed the seas, Ashitaka's intended capabilities continue to impact modern naval philosophy and design.
Henceforth, Ashitaka stands as a testament to what could have been - a floating fortitude at sea, ready to engage in swift and decisive battles. Even in the virtual battleground, a completed Ashitaka offers players of World of Warships a glimpse into the elegant but destructive potency that this ship represented. She continues to live on, not on the open seas, but in the annals of naval history and in the fervid imaginations of game strategists.