The "Chikuma"-class cruisers were the first high-speed turbine-driven cruisers in the Imperial Japanese Navy, which gave them much greater speed than previous cruiser designs. "Chikuma" and "Hirado" used the newly developed Curtiss turbines, which gave them a rated top speed of . During speed trials, they achieved 26.83 and 26.87 knots respectively. "Yahagi" was built with a Parsons-type turbine engine, and achieved 27.14 knots during speed trials. Although the class achieved its target of high speed, the new technology of the engines, especially issues with material strength and fatigue, led to maintenance issues.