JS Kurama (DDH-144)

The Kurama, as seen in-game

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## Background History

The Kurama was the second of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's Shirane-class destroyers. The ship was laid down on February 17, 1978; was launched during September 20, 1979; and was commissioned during March 27, 1981. The ship suffered from an accidental boiler explosions at Sasebo during October 13, 1982.

The ship participated in several exercises throughout its career, and even visited the city of Vladivostok to join in the 300th year anniversary of the Russian Navy during July 26 to 30, 1996.

On March 22, 2017; the ship was decommissioned due to the commissioning of the second Izumo-class helicopter destroyer JS Kaga. The ship was sunk as a target ship on June 2018.

## Overview

The Kurama exhibits the characteristics of a World War 2 era destroyer due to its emphasis on cannons. The ship excells in close-range duels, especially since its two torpedo launchers will prove to be devastating to all nearby warship units.

The ship also features a solid air defense, and can block a satisfactory amount of enemy missiles from striking the ship.

The ship, however, lacks missiles and forces players to adopt a difficult and hazardous playstyle of attacking enemies at such a close proximity.

When equipping the ship, you have to think about yor playstyle.Do you want to play as a gunboat providing fire support or a close range brawler with devastating torpedoes? Which playstyle you want is entirely up to you, and don't forget to equip the best equipment for your playstyle.

## Tactics

### Playing as a Kurama

With the Kurama, you can play in 2 different styles, with different weapon setups as well. You can play as a gunboat providing fire support for your team, or as a brawler armed and equipped for CQB(close quarters combat) When playing as a gunboat here's what you need to do: At the start of a match, deploy the ship's helicopter to provide reconaissance for your team. Spotting the enemy ships at the start of the match will be vital for the establishment of strategies and for predicting the actions of your rivals.

As the match starts, provide fire support for allies. Avoid being in a direct engagement with enemy ships that are armed with numerous missiles. Eliminate any nearby enemy submarines also, since the ship is more than capable at countering them.

When playing as a brawler equip the highest DPS cannon and the high DPS yet short-ranged torpedoes(namely the HUWS or the BA-111 Shkval, which one you want to use is your choice) When the match starts, stay undetected if possible while pushing. Then, as the first enemies are detected, use the guns at range while closing the distance. When possible, use the torpedoes. this will deal a high amount of damage quickly, allowing you to destroy enemies very quickly when paired with strong guns. Use your grenade launcher to defend against torpedoes.If your opponent does not have torpedoes you may use your grenade launcher to do damage to the opponent.

The Kurama is also proficient at attacking aircraft carriers. Unlike missiles, shells cannot be intercepted by anti air defenses, and their large size and cumbersome characteristic makes them an easy target even from afar.

### Playing alongside a Kurama

Provide capable allied Kuramas with fire support, especially against ships like the KDDX and the Arleigh Burke. Do not leave them suffering against a heated long-range missile duel, since they will very likely stand no chance.

And as for aircraft carriers, try warding off any air squadrons that are harassing the ship.

### Playing against a Kurama

Although seemingly vulnerable, the Kurama, especially at the hands of skilled players, is a formidable opponent. Never underestimate its capabilities. Although it lacks missiles, it is very dangerous in a gun-to-gun engagement, and avoid being at a close proximity to one at all costs. Submarines and aircraft carriers especially should take warning.

The best way to counter the ship is by spamming missiles and through air attacks. Torpedoes can also work, but the ship's maneuvering ability decreases the chances of those torpedoes scoring a hit.

## Suggested Armaments Setup

The ship, with its flexible armaments setup, can be armed with various weapons that will furthermore improve the ship's performance. Below are some suggested weapons setup. But, bear in mind that these are just suggestions.

When equipping torpedoes, note that the Kurama has 2 torpedo tubes, allowing it to fire a ridiculous 6 HUWS torpedoes at once, causing massive damage at close range.

### In Tier 2

* Cannon: AK-100 (100 mm), Bofors NAG Stealth, Melara Rapid(76mm)
* Grenade Launcher: RUR-5 ASROC, Happy launcher,HWHH-003A (for torpedo defense)
* Torpedo: HUWS(for brawling and CQB), TA 53-56 (533 mm) or K745 Blue shark(For long range).
* Air defense (first slot): Goalkeeper CIWS.
* Air defense (second slot): OSAM
* Helicopter: SV-22 Osprey, 360 INVICTUS

### In Tier 3

* Cannon: Koalitsiya-F, MONARC.
* Grenade Launcher: RUR-5B ASROC.
* Torpedo: HUWS, Mark 48.
* Air defense (first slot): ANSEQ-3 (for players with the "hero" status), Sea RAM.
* Air defense (second slot): ANSEQ-3 (for players with the "hero" status), Sea RAM.
* Helicopter: SV-22 Osprey, WZ-19 CAIC (for faster detection of enemy ships at the prelude of the match) or Ka-58 Black Ghost (for better anti-submarine capabilities).

## Advantages and Disadvantages

### Advantages:

* 2 guns, which means this ship can dish out a lot of artillery damage in a short period.
* The presence of the grenade launcher allows a high Burst DPS.
* Incredibly high damage dispensed at close range with right equipment.
* Good maneuverability that adds up with the grenade launcher thus create a relatively strong torpedo defense.
* Has 2 torpedo tubes, allowing for an extremly high damage output at close range

### Disadvantages:

* Lack of Missile Armament. This ship is heavily reliant of player aim to dish out damage.
* Durability is only slightly above average.

## Trivia

* The ship is named after Mount Kurama.
* The Kurama is the first ship of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force to be equipped with Phalanx CIWS.
* The first non-carrier warship to not possess any missiles.