The Japanese battleship Musashi was one of the most powerful and massive warships ever built, part of the legendary Yamato class during World War II. Named after a historic Japanese province, its construction at the Mitsubishi Shipyard in Nagasaki began in 1937, was launched in 1940, and commissioned into service in August 1942.
Musashi was an enormous vessel, displacing 64,000 tons with a length of over 263 meters (862 feet). Powered by steam turbines generating 150,000 horsepower, it could reach a top speed of 27.5 knots and had a considerable range. It required a crew of around 2,500 personnel.
Its primary offensive power came from nine massive 460-millimeter (18.1-inch) guns housed in three turrets, complemented by numerous 155-millimeter secondary guns and a formidable array of anti-aircraft weapons, including 127-millimeter and 25-millimeter guns. To withstand attacks, Musashi boasted incredibly thick armour, including a 410-millimeter waterline belt and heavily protected decks and turrets. It also carried floatplanes for reconnaissance and was equipped with early radar and hydrophone systems.
After its commissioning, Musashi served as the flagship of the Combined Fleet, participating in various patrols and troop transport missions. In early 1944, it was damaged by an American submarine, leading to repairs and an increase in its anti-aircraft defences. Its active service came to a dramatic end during the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 24, 1944. Targeted relentlessly by American carrier-based aircraft, the Musashi endured a staggering 19 torpedo and 17 bomb hits before finally capsizing and sinking, though over half its crew were rescued.
For over seven decades, the wreck of the Musashi remained hidden. In March 2015, a research team funded by Paul Allen discovered its remains approximately 910 meters (3,000 feet) below the surface of the Sibuyan Sea in the Philippines, marking a significant archaeological find that raised important questions about its preservation.
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