kongou (battleship)

Lead ship of her class, last Imperial Japanese Navy capital ship built in foreign yard. One of the most advance warship at the time of her construction, combining heavy firepower, high speed, and adequate protection. Reconstructed from 1929-31 (and reclassified as fast battleships), further reconstructed from 1935-37. Blew up and sank in 2 hours in 1944 after being hit by 1 torpedo from United States Navy submarine "Sealion".