Anatomy of Yamato

8. Bulbous Bow
Yamato's vast width posed a challenge: her designers had to come up with a hydrodynamic bow to help the ship cut through the water. They tested 50 different wax models and struck upon a bow shape that greatly reduced drag at the front of the ship. The bulbous bow, jutting out 10 feet, creates its own wave that cancels out another wave generated by the main part of the ship. Less hindered by wave resistance, Yamato could reach a top speed of nearly 28 knots (32 mph), extraordinary at the time for a ship of her size.