contains

ARP Takao
IJN Atago

IJN Maya
IJN Chokai


The Takao class were an evolution from the preceding Myōkō class, with heavier torpedo armament and a large, almost battleship-like bridge structure.

Like the Myōkō class, the ships were ostensibly intended to remain within the strictures of the Washington Naval Treaty, initially designed to weigh 9,850 long tons (10,010 t). However, like the Myōkōs, the Takaosended up overweight, at 11,350 long tons (11,530 t).^[4] This markedly reduced their freeboard and stability. The large tower bridge added to the instability, but the cause of much of the excess weight remains unclear, as many components were heavier than expected.^[5]

Their main battery was ten 20.3 cm (8 in) guns in five twin mounts. Three of the turrets were located before the bridge in a pyramidal distribution, with the other two aft of the main mast and aircraft handling facilities. After investigation of the recent County class class of the United Kingdom, it was decided to give the main battery some anti-aircraft ability. The turrets were equipped with increased elevation limits versus their predecessors, 70 degrees in the Takao, Atago, and Chōkai, and 55 degrees in the Maya. The gun elevation gear was improved to achieve a maximum rate of twelve degrees per second. Additional shell lifts were installed to ease supply of AA shells to the main guns. However, it was later realized that these arrangements were inadequate. The elevating gear was considered impractical and delicate (later Japanese heavy cruisers used a reduced 55 degree limit on their guns). Though the elevation rate was better, reloading could only be performed at a fixed five degrees of elevation, which reduced rate of fire at higher angles. The rate of train was still only four degrees per second. Switching of anti-aircraft fire control was found inadequate for the main guns. Finally, the turret machinery was found to be too noisy.^[6]

They were also armed with eight 24 in (61 cm) torpedo tubes arranged in four Type 89 twin mounts. A rapid-reload installation was provided, with four twin racks, one per launcher mount. There were sixteen reload torpedoes held in reserve, for a total of twenty-four.^[7] After refit in 1938-1939, Takao and Atago were fitted with sixteen 24 in (61 cm) torpedo tubes in Type 92 quadruple mounts. Two quadruple rapid-reload racks were fitted, one each to port and starboard. Arrangements were made to carry Type 93 torpedoes, which were equipped in 1940.^[8] Chōkai and Maya did not receive these more extensive modifications, but were refitted with the Type 93 torpedo and oxygen equipment in 1941.^[9] Maya was refitted 1943-1944 with sixteen 610mm torpedo tubes in four Type 92 quad mounts, but there were no reloads or rapid-reload racks.^[10]

The ships were initially equipped with four single Type 10 12cm/45 "high-angle" anti-aircraft guns.^[11] These cannons were replaced in 1942 on the Takao and Atago with eight Type 89 12.7cm/40 guns in four twin mounts.^[12] They were replaced on Maya with twelve Type 89 12.7cm/40 guns in six twin mounts during a 1943-1944 refit. Chōkai retained the four Type 10s until it was sunk.^[13]

Light anti-aircraft armament comprised two "HI" Type 40mm/62 guns and two "HI" Type 7.7mm machine guns. Both designs were Vickers imports. These guns were progressively replaced and supplemented with Type 93 13mm guns and Type 96 25mm guns during refits.^[14]