World Aircraft Carriers List: Japanese Aircraft Carriers

Revised 9 March 2000
Version 2.03
Compiled and Maintained by: Andrew Toppan
World Aircraft Carrier Lists Main Page: http://www.hazegray.org/navhist/carriers/

Fleet Aircraft Carriers

Akagi Class
Akagi
Amagi

Kaga
Soryu
Hiryu

Shokaku Class
Shokaku
Zuikaku

Junyo Class (auxiliary)
Junyo
Hiyo

Taiho Class
Taiho
Nos. 801 & 802
Nos. 5021 through 5025

Unryu Class
Unryu
Amagi
Katsuragi
Kasagi
Aso
Ikoma
additional ships

Shinano

Light Fleet Aircraft Carriers

Hosho (experimental)
Shokaku Class
Ryujo

Chitose Class
Chitose
Chiyoda

Zuiho Class
Zuiho
Shoho

Ryuho
Ibuki

Escort Aircraft Carriers

Taiyo Class
Taiyo
Unyo
Chuyo

Kaiyo Class
Kaiyo
ex-Brazil Maru

Shinyo
Kamakure Maru

Akitsu Maru Class
Akitsu Maru
Nigitsu Maru

Kumano Maru

Yamashiro Maru Class (auxiliary)
Yamashire Maru
Chigusa Maru

Shimane Maru Class (auxiliary)
Shimane Maru
Otakisan Maru


Fleet Aircraft Carriers



Akagi class fleet aircraft carriers

Specifications as completed
Displacement: 34,364 tons normal
Dimensions: 816.5 x 95 x 26.5 feet/249 x 30 x 8 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 855.5 x 96 x 26.5 feet/260.7 x 30 x 8 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 19 boilers, 4 shafts, 131,200 shp, 31 knots
Crew: 2000
Armor: 6 inch belt, 3 inch armored deck
Armament: 2 dual, 6 single 8/50 SP, 6 dual 4.7/45 DP, 22 MG
Aircraft: 60

Specifications following reconstruction
Displacement: 41,300 tons full load
Dimensions: 821.5 x 102.5 x 28.5 feet/250.4 x 31.25 x 8.7 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 855 x 102.5 x 28.5 feet/260.6 x 31.25 x 8.7 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 19 boilers, 4 shafts, 133,000 shp, 31.2 knots
Armor: 6 inch belt, 3 inch armored deck
Armament: 6 single 8/50 SP, 6 dual 4.7/45 DP, 28 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 72 (91 maximum)

Concept/Program: A pair of 47,000 ton battlecruisers (fast battleships) cancelled under the Washington Treaty and reordered as aircraft carriers, equivalent to USS Lexington & USS Saratoga and HMS Glorious & HMS Courageous. One of the two ships was wrecked by an earthquake; the other was compeleted as Japan's first large carrier, and saw extensive service.

Design/Conversion: Hull essentially unchanged, except armor was reduced. Completely reworked from the main deck up, with dual-level hangar. Had short flying-off decks at the bow, opening directly from the hangars, in addition to the main flight deck. Completed without an island. She mounted a cruiser's gun armament, partially in turrets and partially in casemates. The boilers exhausted through a starboard-side funnel, which was angled downward. The short flying-off decks were nearly useless.

Modifications: A small island was installed on the starboard side prior to reconstruction.

Modernization: Underwent a major reconstruction to remove the forward flying decks and modernize the ship. The forward flying decks were eliminated, the hangars extended forward, and the main flight deck lengthened, widened and strengthened. A port-side island was installed; the small starboard island was removed. The gun armament was re-arranged and improved. Aircraft arrangements were improved and there were general updates throughout.

Operational: Generally operated with semi-sister Kaga. Saw extensive service as one of the primary Japanese carriers prior to and during WWII.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Lost at Midway.


Akagi
(a mountain)
Photos: [Fitting out], [On trials], [Akagi as completed], [With small starboard-side island], [Akagi after reconstruction], [After reconstruction].

Built by Kure Navy Yard Laid down 6 Dec 1920, cancelled 5 Feb 1922, conversion to carrier started 1923, launched 22 April 1925, completed 25 March 1927.

Operated in trials and developmental service during the early years of Japanese naval aviation. Was fitted with a small starboard-side island for trials purposes.

Reconstructed at Sasebo Navy Yard 10/1935 to 8/1938. Participated in the Sino-Japanese war, Pearl Harbor raid, Indian Ocean raids in 1942. Bombed by US aircraft at Midway 4 June 1942; munitions and fuel exploded on the flight deck and hangar deck, leading to uncontrollable fires; ship was scuttled 5 June 1942.

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Amagi
(a mountain)

Laid down 16 Dec 1920 at Yokosuka Navy Yard. Cancelled 5 Feb 1922 when 40% complete. Conversion to carrier started 1923, but the hull was wrecked by the Tokyo earthquake 1 Sept 1923. Scrapped 1924. Replaced by Kaga in the carrier program.

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Kaga fleet aircraft carrier

Specifications as completed
Displacement: 33,693 tons normal
Dimensions: 754.5 x 97 x 26 feet/230 x 29.5 x 8 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 782.5 x 100 x 26 feet/238.5 x 30.5 x 8 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 12 boilers, 4 shafts, 91,000 shp, 27.5 knots
Crew: 1340
Armor: 11 inch belt
Armament: 2 dual, 6 single 8/50 SP, 6 dual 4.7/45 DP, 22 MG
Aircraft: 60

Specifications following reconstruction
Displacement: 42,541 tons full load
Dimensions: 788.5 x 106.5 x 31 feet/240.3 x 32.5 x 9.5 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 812.5 x 106.5 x 31 feet/247.6 x 32.5 x 9.5 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 127,400 shp, 28.34 knots
Crew: 2016
Armor: 11 inch belt
Armament: 10 single 8/50 SP, 8 dual 5/40 DP, 22 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 81 (90 maximum)

Concept/Program: A fast battleship cancelled under the Washington Treaty and reordered as a carrier to replace Amagi. She was Japan's second large carrier became a semi-sister to Akagi.

Design/Conversion: Hull essentially unchanged. Completely reworked from the main deck up, with dual-level hangar. Had short flying-off decks at the bow, opening directly from the hangars, in addition to the main flight deck. Completed without an island. She mounted a cruiser's gun armament, partially in turrets and partially in casemates. The short flying-off decks were nearly useless. Boiler exhausts were run aft to the stern beside the hangar deck. Limited by relatively slow speed.

Modifications: A small island was installed on the starboard side prior to reconstruction.

Modernization: Underwent a major reconstruction to remove the forward flying decks, improve speed, and modernize the ship. The forward flying decks were eliminated, the hangars extended forward, and the main flight deck lengthened, widened and strengthened. A starboard-side island was installed. The gun armament was re-arranged and improved. She was completely re-engined; boiler exhuasts replaced by a downward-angled starboard-side funnel. Aircraft arrangements were improved and there were general updates throughout.

Operational: Generally operated with semi-sister Akagi. Saw extensive service as one of the primary Japanese carriers prior to and during WWII.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Lost at Midway.


Kaga
(a province)
Photos: [Early in the conversion], [Fitting out - forward decks], [Fitting out - 8" turrets], [Kaga as completed], [With small starboard-side island], [Kaga after reconstruction].

Built by Kawasaki. Laid down 19 July 1920, launched 17 Nov 1921, cancelled 1922. Laid up pending scrapping but converted to carrier to replace wrecked Amagi. Conversion started 1923, commissioned 21 March 1928 but was not immediately operational.

Operated in trials and developmental service during the early years of Japanese naval aviation. Was fitted with a small starboard-side island for trials purposes.

Reconstructed at Sasebo Navy Yard 1934-1935. Participated in the Sino-Japanese war, Pearl Harbor raid, Indian Ocean raids in 1942. Bombed by US aircraft at Midway 4 June 1942; munitions and fuel exploded on the flight deck and hangar deck, leading to uncontrollable fires; blew up and sank when the gasoline tanks exploded.

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Soryu fleet aircraft carrier

Displacement: 19,800 tons full load
Dimensions: 728 x 70 x 25 feet/221.9 x 21.3 x 7.6 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 746.5 x 85.5 x 25 feet/227.5 x 26 x 7.6 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 152,000 shp, 34.5 knots
Crew: 1100
Armor: 1.8 inch belt, 1-2.2 inch decks
Armament: 6 dual 5/40 DP, 28 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 63 (71 maximum)

Concept/Program: First large purpose-built Japanese aircraft carrier; design was the basis for all later fleet carrier construction. The program originated as an "flight deck cruiser" designed to get around treaty restrictions, but the design became a full fleet carrier when the treaties were abrogated. Hiryu was intended as a sistership but was completed to a modified design.

Design: A completely new design, and relatively lightly built. Dual hangars with full-length flight deck and starboard-side island. Cruiser-type machinery used for high speed.

Operational: Generally operated with semi-sister Hiryu as part of IJN's second carrier division.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Sunk at Midway.


Soryu
("A Dragon Blue as the Deep Ocean")
Photos: [Fitting out], [Soryu as completed].

Built by Kure Navy Yard. Laid down 20 Nov 1934, launched 23 Dec 1935, completed 29 Dec 1937.

Participated in the Sino-Japanese war; air group was sent ashore to support the Army in China in 1938, 1940, and early 1941. Participated in the Pearl Harbor raid, and Indian Ocean raids in 1942.

Bombed by US aircraft at Midway 4 June 1942; munitions and fuel exploded on the flight deck and hangar deck, leading to uncontrollable fires; blew up and sank when the gasoline tanks exploded.

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Hiryu fleet aircraft carrier

Displacement: 21,900 tons full load
Dimensions: 731.5 x 73 x 25.5 feet/223 x 22.25 x 7.8 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 746 x 88.5 x 25.5 feet/227.4 x 27 x 7.8 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 153,000 shp, 34.3 knots
Crew: 1101
Armor: 3.5-5.9 inch belt, 1-2.2 inch deck
Armament: 6 dual 5/40 DP, 31 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 64 (73 maximum)

Concept/Program: An improved version of Soryu, often considered to be her sistership.

Design: Soryu design with strengthened hull, raised forecastle, improved armor, a port-side island, and other minor changes.

Operational: Generally operated with semi-sister Soryu as part of IJN's second carrier division.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Sunk at Midway.


Hiryu
("Flying Dragon")
Photos: [Fitting out], [Hiryu as completed], [Bombed and burning].

Built by Yokosuka Navy Yard. Laid down 8 July 1936, launched 16 Nov 1937, completed 5 July 1939.

Participated in the Sino-Japanese war, Pearl Harbor raid, Indian Ocean raids in 1942. Bombed by US aircraft at Midway 4 June 1942; munitions and fuel exploded on the flight deck and hangar deck, leading to uncontrollable fires; ship was scuttled 5 June 1942.

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Shokaku class fleet aircraft carriers

Displacement: 32,105 tons full load
Dimensions: 820 x 85 x 29 feet/250 x 26 x 8.8 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 845 x 95 x 29 feet/257.5 x 29 x 8.8 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 160,000 shp, 34.2 knots
Crew: 1660
Armor: 1.8-6.5 inch belt, 3.9-5.1 inch deck
Armament: 8 dual 5/40 DP, 42 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 72 (84 maximum)

Concept/Program: The third pair of fleet carriers, and the last big carriers completed before WWII. They were an improved and enlarged Soryu.

Design: In general similar to the Soryu design, but more significantly larger, more heavily built, better armed and armored. They were the best Japanese carriers built. The original design had included a port-side island on one ship (as in the previous carrier pairs), but completed with starboard-side islands.

Modifications: During WWII they carried 96 25 mm AA and 6 28-barrel AA rocket launchers. Zuikakulater carried additional AA armament and had other modifications.

Operational: Usually operated together, until Shokaku was lost.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Both lost in WWII.


Shokaku
("Flying Crane")
Photos: [Shokaku as completed], [Under attack at Coral Sea], [Coral Sea damage].

Built by Yokosuka Navy Yard. Laid down 12 Dec 1937, launched 1 June 1939, completed 8 Aug 1941.

Participated in the Pearl Harbor raid. Bombed with serious damage at Coral Sea 8 May 1942; barely survived the return to Japan for repairs. Damaged at Eastern Solomons 8/1942 and seriously damaged at Santa Cruz 10/1942; six bomb hits.

Torpedoed and sunk by submarine Cavalla during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, 19 June 1944.

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Zuikaku
("Lucky Crane")
Photos: [Zuikaku as completed], [In camouflage], [Zuikaku under fire during her final battle], [Sinking].

Built by Kawasaki, Kobe. Laid down 25 May 1938, launched 27 Nov 1939, completed 25 Sept 1941.

Participated in the Pearl Harbor raid and Coral Sea; seriously damaged at the Battle of the Philippine Sea. Sunk by seven bombs and seven torpedoes during Leyte Gulf, 25 October 1944, while serving as a decoy.

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Junyo class auxiliary fleet aircraft carriers

Displacement: 28,300 tons full load
Dimensions: 706 x 87.5 x 26.5 feet/215 x 26.7 x 8 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 719.5 x ?? x 26.5 feet/219 x ?? x 8 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 6 boilers, 2 shafts, 56,250 shp, 25.5 knots
Crew: 1187-1224
Armor: 1 inch over machinery
Armament: 6 dual 5/40 DP, 24 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 53

Concept/Program: Large liners built under the "Shadow Program" and intended for easy conversion to carriers. They were an intermediate type between heavy and light fleet carriers: as large as the heavies, but too slow for effective fleet operations. These vessels were classed as auxiliaries until 31 July 1942, when they were reclassified as warships.

Design/Conversion: Taken over prior to completion. Reworked from the main deck up with dual hangars (restricted in height to reduce topweight), full length flight deck, large island, bulged hull, etc. Sea speed was 22-23 knots and the low hangar clearances were a serious hindrance.

Modifications: Both received an additional 26 25 mm AA in 1943; Junyo carried up to 76 25 mm by 1944.

Operational: Both saw varied service through 1944.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Hiyo sunk 1944; Junyo rendered inoperable in 1944.


Junyo
("Peregrine Falcon")
ex merchant Kashiwara Maru
Photos: [Junyo postwar], [Junyo's island postwar].

Built by Mitsubishi, Nagasaki. Laid down 20 March 1939, taken over 1940, launched 26 June 1941, completed 5 May 1942. Reclassified as a warship 31 July 1942.

Took part in the Aleutian campaign, battle of Santa Cruz, off Guadalcanal, seriously damaged in the Philippine Sea 6/1944. Torpedoed off Nagasaki 12/1944 with serious damage; not fully repaired, laid up for the remainder of the war. Hulk scrapped 1947.

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Hiyo
("Flying Falcon")
ex merchant Izumo Maru
Photos: [Hiyo as completed].

Built by Kawasaki, Kobe. Laid down 30 Nov 1939, taken over 1940, launched 24 June 1941, completed 31 July 1942. Reclassified as a warship 31 July 1942.

Suffered unreliable engines early in her service; the air group was split up and operated ashore for a period; rejoined the ship late 1942. Operated off Guadalcanal several times. Damaged by a submarine torpedo 7 June 1943.

Torpedoed and sunk during the Battle of the Philippine Sea, 20 June 1944.

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Taiho class fleet aircraft carriers

Displacement: 37,720 tons full load
Dimensions: 830 x 91 x 31.5 feet/253 x 27.7 x 9.6 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 855 x 98.5 x 31.5 feet/260.6 x 30 x 9.6 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 160,000 shp, 33.3 knots
Crew: 1751
Armor: 2.2-5.9 inch belt, 3.1 inch flight deck, 4.9 inch hangar deck
Armament: 6 dual 3.9/65 AA, 51 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 53 (84 maximum)

Concept/Program: A large, heavily armored carrier design embodying many wartime improvements, but too late to see effective service. These ships were meant to serve as the core of fleet battlegroups. Two ships of a slightly improved design were ordered but cancelled in favor of a 5-ship program of improved ships; this in turn was cancelled by wartime events.

Design: Essentially a Shokaku design with an armored flight deck, revised armament, enclosed bows, much larger island, and other improvements.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Sunk soon after completion of shakedown.


Taiho
("Great Phoenix")
Photos: [Taiho as completed].

Built by Kawasaki, Kobe. Laid down 10 July 1941, launched 7 April 1943, completed 7 March 1944.

Hit by one submarine torpedo and blew up due to spreading gasoline vapors, 19 June 1944.

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Nos. 801 & 802

Two ships ordered in 1942 but cancelled in favor of five additional ships. Would have been built to a slightly modified design.

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Nos. 5021 through 5025

Five ships planned for construction during the war, but never laid down. Reportedly one was ordered, but the others were not. Would have been built to a considerably enlarged design.

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Unryu class fleet aircraft carriers

Displacement: 22,400-22,800 tons full load
Dimensions: 731.5 x 72 x 25.5 feet/223 x 22 x 7.8 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 746 x 88.5 x 25.5 feet/227.4 x 27 x 7.8 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 4 shafts, 152,000 shp, 34 knots (Katsuragi, Aso: 104,000 shp, 32 knots)
Crew: 1595
Armor: 1.8-5.9 inch belt, 1-2.2 inch deck
Armament: 6 dual 5/40 DP, 51+ 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 65

Concept/Program: A final class of fast fleet carriers, but intended for strikes against US convoys, not fleet actions. They were intended to operate with large heavy cruiser screening forces.

Design: Generally similar to Hiryu but with starboard-side islands. Lightly built and intended for mass production. They used cruiser machinery, but two unit received destroyer machinery to speed prodution.

Departure from Service/Disposal: None ever deployed operationally. Many were incomplete at the end of the war; the survivors and hulks were scrapped postwar.


Unryu
Photos: [Unryu as completed].

Built by Yokosuka Navy Yard. Laid down 1 Aug 1942, launched 25 Sept 1943, completed 6 Aug 1944.

The ship was operational but never embarked aircraft. Torpedoed and sunk by submarines Redfish off Shanghai 19 December 1944.

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Amagi
(a mountain)
Photos: [Amagi sunk].

Built by Mitsubishi, Nagasaki. Laid down 1 Oct 1942, launched 15 Oct 1943, completed 10 Aug 1944.

Never deployed. Bombed at Kure by US aircraft 24 June 1945, grounded to prevent sinking, capsized 28 June 1945. Hulk scrapped in 1947.

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Katsuragi
Photos: [Katsuragi as completed], [As repatriation ship postwar].

Built by Kure Navy Yard. Laid down 8 Dec 1942, launched 19 Jan 1944, completed 15 Oct 1944.

Never deployed. Damaged in late-war raids on Kure. Used as repatriation ship postwar. Scrapped at Osaka in 1947.

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Kasagi
Photos: [Incompete hulk postwar], [Kasagi and Ibuki postwar].

Built by Mitsubishi, Nagasaki. Laid down 14 April 1943, launched 19 Oct 1944, construction stopped when she was complete up to the flight deck (85% complete). Hulk survived the war and was scrapped at Sasebo in 1947.

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Aso
Photos: [Hulk of Aso postwar].

Built by Kure Navy Yard. Laid down 8 June 1943, launched 1 Nov 1944, construction stopped when she was complete up to the hangar floor (60% complete). Damaged by air strikes 24 July 1945, then used as a trials hulk for suicide weapons. Hulk survived the war and was scrapped at Sasebo in 1947.

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Ikoma
Photos: [Hulk of Ikoma postwar].

Built by Kawasaki, Kobe. Laid down 5 July 1943, launched 17 Nov 1944, construction stopped when she was complete up to the hangar floor (60% complete). Heavily damaged in air strikes 24 July 1945. Hulk survived the war and was scrapped at Tamano in 1947.

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Additional Ships
Nos. 800, 5002, 5005, 5008-5015

11 Additional ships planned in 1942 but never laid down.

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Shinano large fleet support aircraft carrier

Displacement: 71,890 tons full load
Dimensions: 840 x 119 x 34 feet/256 x 36.3 x 10.3 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 872.5 x 131 x 34 feet/266 x 40 x 10.3 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 12 boilers, 4 shafts, 150,000 shp, 27 knots
Crew: 2400
Armor: 8.1-15.7 inch belt, 7.5 inch armored deck
Armament: 8 dual 5/40 DP, 145 25 mm AA, 12 28-barrel AA rocket launchers
Aircraft: 47 (120 maximum)

Concept/Program: A large battleship hull of the Yamato class taken over for conversion to a carrier. The ship was intended to operate as a support, supply and repair base for the fast fleet carriers. She would have carried a mid-size air group of her own, plus spare aircraft, parts and supplies for the fleet carriers, enabling those ships to resupply without returning to Japan. She was the largest carrier prior to 1960.

Design/Conversion: Single-level hangar built above the main deck, armored flight deck, large island. The battleship hull was unchanged.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Never became operational; sunk prior to fitting out. When lost she had no functional damage control facilities.


Shinano
(a province)
Photos: [Overhead view while building], [Shinano, probably on trials].

Built at Yokosuka Navy Yard. Laid down 4 May 1940, suspended 12/1940, cancelled 1942 when 50% complete, converted to carrier, launched 8 Oct 1944, completed 19 Nov 1944.

Torpedoed and sunk by Archerfish 29 Nov 1944 while moving to Kure for fitting out.

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Light Fleet Aircraft Carriers


Hosho experimental aircraft carrier

Displacement: 9,630 tons normal, 7,470 tons standard
Dimensions: 541 x 59 x 20 feet/165 x 18 x 6 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 8 boilers, 2 shafts, 30,000 shp, 25 knots
Crew: 550
Armor: none
Armament: 4 5.5/50 SP, 2 3.1/40 AA
Aircraft: 21

Concept/Program: Japan's first aircraft carrier. Often considered the first ship built from the keel up as a carrier, but was initially laid down as a tanker and redesigned during construction. Officially known as an aircraft depot ship. She was extensively used for experimental, trials and development work.

Design: Designed with considerable British assistance; relatively conventional carrier design, but quite small. Had three folding funnels and a small starboard-side island.

Modifications: The island was removed in 1923 due to interference with smoke discharge; her funnels were fixed in the upright position in 1934. During WWII she was refitted with heavier AA batteries.

Operational: Served in experimental, trials and development roles up to 1933, then as training carrier. Returned to combat service during WWII but saw no noteworthy action.

Departure from Service/Disposal: One of the Japanese carriers to survive the war; scrapped postwar.


Hosho
("Flying Phoenix")
ex-Hiryu
Photos: [Hosho as completed], [After removal of island], [At the end of WWII].

Built by Asano, Tsurumi. Laid down 16 Dec 1919 as a tanker, renamed 1920, redesignated as a carrier 13 October 1921, launched 13 Nov 1921, completed 27 Dec 1922.

Island removed 1923. Served as experimental, trials and development ship until 1933, then as a training carrier. 3.1 inch guns replaced by 13 mm guns 2/1936. In reserve for repair and modification, 12/1937 to 11/1940.

Aircraft capacity reduced to 11 by 1940. Returned to first-line duty in WWII; sailed with the main strike force at Midway but saw no combat. 5.5 inch guns removed 1944, 30 25 mm added. By 1945 her armament was reduced to 6 25 mm AA. Slightly damaged in air raid 28 July 1945. Used as repatriation ship postwar, taken out of service 16 August 1946, scrapped at Osaka starting 30 April 1947.

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Shokaku class light fleet aircraft carriers

A class of 12,500 ton light fleet carriers was planned in 1922-23, but was cancelled 19 November 1923 due to the Washington Treaty. These ships are often listed with Hosho and may have been intended as a derivative of that design.

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Ryujo light fleet aircraft carrier

Displacement: 10,150 tons normal
Dimensions: 575.5 x 66.5 x 18 feet/175.4 x 20.3 x 5.5 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 590.5 x 75.5 x 18 feet/180 x 23 x 5.5 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 6 boilers, 2 shafts, 65,000 shp, 29 knots
Crew: 600
Armor: light plating around machinery and magazines
Armament: 6 dual 5/40 DP, 24 MG
Aircraft: 37

Concept/Program: A small carrier designed to fill the remaining tonnage allowed by treaty. The design attempted too much on the displacement, and the ship was not a success. However, she did set the pattern for a series of light carriers which followed.

Design: Built on a cruiser-type hull. Originally planned with a single-level hangar, but changed to dual hangars during construction. She was lightly armored, unstable and overloaded as completed.

Modifications: Immediately following commissioning she was reconstructed with a strengthened hull, bulges, and a reduction of the heavy AA armament; following modifications she was 13,650 tons full load, 575.5 x 68 x 23 feet/175.4 x 20.7 x 7 meters, 924 crew, armed with 4 dual 5/40 DP, 4 25 mm, 24 13 mm; 37 aircraft.

The forecastle had to be raised to overcome wetness induced by the modifications. During WWII additional AA guns were fitted.

Operational: Saw varied service early in WWII, but was soon sunk.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Lost during the Guadalcanal battles.


Ryujo
("Heavenly Dragon")
Photos: [Building - lower hull], [After launching], [Fitting out], [Ryujo as completed], [Following reconstruction].

Built by Yokohama Co. Laid down 26 Nov 1929, launched 2 April 1931, completed 9 May 1933.

Reconstructed at Yokosuka Yard 1934-1936, and soon returned for additional modifications. Operated around the Philippines, East Indies and Aleutians early in WWII; 6 triple 25 mm AA added early 1942. Sunk by bombs and torpedoes 24 August 1942, off Guadalcanal.

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Chitose class light fleet aircraft carriers

Displacement: 15,300 tons full load
Dimensions: 610 x 68 x 24.5 feet/186 x 20.7 x 7.5 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 631.5 x 75.5 x 24.5 feet/192.5 x 23 x 24.5 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines plus diesels, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 44,000 shp, 12,800 bhp, 29 knots
Armor: none (?)
Crew: 800
Armament: 4 dual 5/50 DP, 30 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 30

Concept/Program: Originally built as fleet seaplane carriers as part of the "Shadow Program". They were meant to be easily convertible to fleet oilers, submarine tenders, or light carriers. Following the carrier losses early in WWII both underwent reconstruction as carriers, but had fairly short and unproductive careers.

Design/Conversion: These ships had been modified in 1941 to carry and launch 12 midget submarines, a capability which they apparently retained post-conversion. During the conversion all superstructure was demolished down to the main deck, a hangar and flight deck were built, AA armament completely reworked, hulls bulged, and exhausts routed into downward-angled discharges. The ships did not have islands.

Modifications: Both received additional 6 triple 25 mm AA prior to loss.

Operational: Japan was desparately short of aircraft and pilots by the time these ships entered service as carriers, so they saw little operational service.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Both lost during Leyte Gulf, while acting as decoys.


Chitose
(a city)
Photos: [Chitose as completed - seaplane carrier], [Chitose as aircraft carrier], [Chiyoda or Chitose under attack].

Built by Kure Navy Yard. Laid down 26 Nov 1934, launched 29 Nov 1936, completed 25 July 1938. Sailed with the main strike force at Midway but saw no combat. Damaged at Eastern Solomons, 1942. Reconstructed as a light carrier at Sasebo Navy Yard 1943 to 1 Jan 1944.

Bombed and sunk during Leyte Gulf, 25 October 1944, while serving as a decoy.

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Chiyoda
(a city)
Photos: [Chiyoda as completed - seaplane carrier]. [Chiyoda or Chitose under attack].

Built by Kure Navy Yard. Laid down 14 Dec 1936, launched 19 Nov 1937, completed 15 Dec 1938. Sailed with the main strike force at Midway but saw no combat. Rebuilt as light carrier at Yokosuka Navy Yard 1942 to 31 Oct 1943.

Disabled by aircraft, sunk by cruiser and destroyer gunfire during Leyte Gulf, 25 October 1944, while serving as a decoy.

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Zuiho class light fleet aircraft carriers

Displacement: 14,200 tons full load
Dimensions: 660.5 x 59.5 x 21.5 feet/201.3 x 18 x 6.5 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 672 x 75.6 x 21.5 feet/204.8 x 23 x 6.5 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 52,000 shp, 28 knots
Crew: 785
Armor: none (?)
Armament: 4 dual 5/40 DP, 8 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 30

Concept/Program: Originally built as submarine tenders as part of the "Shadow Program". They were meant to be easily convertible to fleet oilers or light carriers. In 1940-41 both underwent reconstruction as carriers.

Design/Conversion: During the conversion most superstructure was reworked, a hangar and flight deck were built, AA armament completely reworked, hulls bulged, all new engines fitted, and exhausts routed into downward-angled discharges. The ships did not have islands. The new hangar was an expansion of the small seaplane hangar the ships carried in their original role.

Modifications: Zuiho received 6 triple 25 mm AA in 1943, 20 more 25 mm in 1944, along with 6 8-barrel AA rocket launchers; her flight deck was extended forward.

Operational: Zuiho participated in many wartime campaigns.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Shoho sunk at Coral Sea; Zuiho at Leyte.


Zuiho
("Lucky Phoenix")
ex-Takasaki
Photos: [As sub tender Takasaki], [Zuiho as completed], [Overhead view in battle].

Built by Yokosuka Navy Yard. Laid down 20 June 1935 as sub tender, launched 19 June 1936, converted before completion, completed 27 Dec 1940.

Covered East Indies invasion, damaged at Santa Cruz 25 October 1942, operated off Guadalcanal 12/1942 and in the Marianas 6/1943. Ferried aircraft to Truk during late 1942 and early 1943.

Sunk by multiple bombs and torpedoes during Leyte Gulf, 25 October 1944, while serving as a decoy.

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Shoho
("Happy Phoenix")
ex-Tsurugisaki
Photos: [Tender Tsurugisaki as completed], [Shoho as completed], [Under attack at Coral Sea], [Buring at Coral Sea].

Built by Yokosuka Navy Yard. Laid down 3 Dec 1934, launched 1 June 1935, completed as a submarine tender 15 Jan 1939. Converted to light carrier 1941-1942, completed 26 Jan 1942.

Ferried aircraft to Truk early in her career. Sunk by US aircraft in the Coral Sea 7 May 1942.

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Ryuho light fleet aircraft carrier

Displacement: 16,700 tons full load
Dimensions: 689 x 64 x 22 feet/210 x 19.5 x 6.7 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 707.5 x 75.6 x 22 feet/215.6 x 23 x 6.7 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 52,000 shp, 26.5 knots
Crew: 989
Armor: 1/2 inch deck in some areas
Armament: 4 dual 5/40 DP, 38 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 31

Concept/Program: Another converted submarine tender, generally similar to Zuiho.

Design/Conversion: As a submarine tender she had been lightly and rapidly built, was structurally deficient, and required extensive modifications 1936-37. Conversion to carrier was generally similar to Zuiho. During the conversion most superstructure was reworked, a hangar and flight deck were built, AA armament completely reworked, hulls bulged, all new engines fitted, and exhausts routed into downward-angled discharges. The ship did not have an island. The new turbine machinery was needed for speed, but delayed the conversion and caused serious problems in service. This ship was not a success.

Modifications: Light AA increased to 54 25 mm and 6 13.2 mm in 1943; to 61 25 mm, 21 13.3 mm and 6 28-barrel AA rocket launchers in 1944. Her flight deck was extended forward in 1944.

Operational: Was damaged several times and saw little operational service; mostly used for training but made one combat deployment in 1944.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Survived the war, but seriously damaged and scrapped postwar.


Ryuho
("Dragon Phoenix")
ex-Taigei
Photos: [As completed - tender Taigei], [Ryuho postwar].

Built by Yokosuka Navy Yard. Laid down 12 April 1933, launched 16 Nov 1933, completed 31 March 1935. Strengthened and rebuilt 1936-37. Converted to light carrier 1941-1942, completed 28 Nov 1942.

Damaged by US B-25 raid during conversion. Torpedoed 12/1942 while ferrying aircraft to Truk. Had consistent machinery problems. Operated as a training carrier for most of her career, but deployed operationally in 1943, temporarily replacing Hiyo.

Severely damaged at Kure by US aircraft 17 March 1945. Hulk scrapped 1946.

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Ibuki light fleet aircraft carrier

Displacement: 14,570 tons trial
Dimensions: 650.5 x 68 x 21 feet/198.3 x 20.7 x 6.4 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 672.5 x 75.5 x 21 feet/205 x 23 x 6.4 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 72,000 shp, 29 knots
Crew: 1015
Armor: 3.9-4.9 inch belt, 1.4-2.4 inch decks (original design)
Armament: 4 3/60 AA, 48 25 mm AA, 6 28-barrel AA rocket launchers
Aircraft: 27

Concept/Program: A heavy cruiser hull taken over for completion as a carrier as an emergency measure following the carrier disasters of 1942-43. Construction was delayed and eventually stopped by wartime hardships, and the ship never saw service.

Design/Conversion: Originally a heavy cruiser, apparently an improved Mogami type. Conversion was typical of the light carriers, but with a single hangar, one half the boilers removed for fuel storage, and a relatively large island.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Hulk scrapped postwar.


Ibuki

Photos: [Hulk of Ibuki postwar], [Kasagi and Ibuki postwar].

Built by Kure Navy Yard. Laid down 24 April 1942, launched 21 May 1943, construction suspended. Converted to a light carrer at Sasebo Navy starting 11/1943, conversion abandoned 3/1945 when 80% complete. Hulk scrapped 1947.

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Escort Aircraft Carriers


Taiyo class escort aircraft carriers

Displacement: 20,000 tons normal
Dimensions: 570 x 74 x 25 feet/183.7 x 22.5 x 7.6 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 591.5 x 74 x 25 feet/180.3 x 22.5 x 7.6 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 25,200 shp, 21 knots
Crew: 850 (Taiyo: 747)
Armor: none
Armament: 4 dual 5/40 DP (Taiyo 6 4.7/45 AA), 8 25 mm
Aircraft: 27

Concept/Program: The first Japanese escort carriers, built from small passenger liners and intended for supporting duties such as training and aircraft transport. These vessels were classed as auxiliaries until 31 August 1942, when they were reclassified as warships.

Design/Conversion: Simple conversion. Small hangar and relatively short flight deck added, no island, catapult or arresting gear.

Variations: The AA armament varied.

Modifications: The AA armament was augmented during WWII.

Operational: Served almost exclusively in transport and training roles.

Departure from Service/Disposal: All were sunk by submarines before the end of 1944.


Taiyo
("Great Hawk")
ex merchant Kasuga Maru
Photos: [Taiyo as completed].

Built by Mitsubishi, Nagasaki. Laid down 6 Jan 1940, launched 19 Sept 1940, taken over 5/1941 while fitting out. Converted by Sasebo Navy Yard, completed 15 Sept 1941. Reclassified as a warship and renamed 31 August 1942.

Used for training and transport but made one combat deployment. Final armament was 2 dual 5/40, 64 25 mm, 10 13.2 mm. Sunk by submarine Rasher off the Philippines, 18 Aug 1944.

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Unyo
("A Hawk in the Clouds")
ex merchant Yawata Maru
Photos: [Liner Yawata Maru].

Built by Mitsubishi, Nagasaki. Laid down 14 Dec 1938, launched 31 Oct 1939, completed (date unknown), taken over soon after completion, converted by Kure Navy Yard, completed 31 May 1942. Reclassified as a warship and renamed 31 August 1942.

Used solely for transport and training. Final armament was 2 dual 5/40, 64 25 mm, 10 13.2 mm. Sunk by submarine Barb near Hong Kong, 15 Sept 1944.

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Chuyo
("A Hawk Going Speedily to Heaven")
ex merchant Nitta Maru
Photos: [Chuyo sinking].

Built by Mitsubishi, Nagasaki. Laid down 9 May 1938, launched 20 May 1939, taken over while fitting out, converted by Kure Navy Yard, reclassified as a warship and renamed 31 August 1942, completed 25 Nov 1942.

Used solely for transport and training. Final armament was 4 dual 5/40 DP, 22 25 mm AA, 5 13.2 mm AA. Torpedoed and sunk by submarine Sailfish near the Home Islands, 4 Dec 1943.

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Kaiyo class escort aircraft carriers

Displacement: 16,483 tons normal
Dimensions: 523.5 x 72 x 26.5 feet/159.6 x 22 x 8 meters
Extreme Dimensions: 546.5 x 72 x 26.5 feet/166.5 x 22 x 8 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 52,000 shp, 23 knots
Crew: 829
Armor: none
Armament: 4 dual 5/40 DP, 24 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 24

Concept/Program: Another escort carrier conversion from a small liner. Originally taken over as a troop transport but converted to a carrier in view of the critical need for carriers.

Design/Conversion: Simple conversion, similar to other escort carriers. Small hangar and relatively short flight deck added, no island, catapult or arresting gear. Original diesels replaced by destroyer machinery. Second ship was sunk prior to conversion.

Modifications: By mid-1944 was fitted with an additional 20 25 mm AA and some AA rocket launchers.

Operational: Used as transport and training carrier.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Wrecked by British aircraft and scrapped postwar.


Kaiyo
("Sea Hawk")
ex merchant Argentina Maru
Photos: [Kaiyo as completed], [Being scrapped postwar].

Built by Mitsubishi, Nagasaki. Laid down ??, launched 9 Dec 1938, completed 7/1939. Taken over as troop transport 12/1941, then taken over for conversion to carrier 12/1942. Conversion completed 23 November 1943.

Used as transport through 1944, then training carrier. Sunk by US aircraft 24 July 1945. Hulk scrapped postwar.

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No name assigned
ex merchant Brazil Maru

Builder and construction data unknown. Sunk 8/1942, prior to conversion.

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Shinyo escort aircraft carrier

Displacement: 20,586 tons trial
Dimensions: 621 x 84 x 27 ft
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 26,000 shp, 22 knots
Crew: 942
Armor: none
Armament: 4 dual 5/40 DP, 30 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 33

Concept/Program: Another escort carrier converted from a small liner. This was an ex-German liner acquired early in the war; the Germans also had planned a carrier conversion for this ship and her sister.

Design/Conversion: Simple conversion, similar to other escort carriers. Small hangar and relatively short flight deck added, no island, catapult or arresting gear. Hull was bulged to counteract instability caused by higher placement of hangar and flight deck, in turn due to hull shear.

Modifications: The AA battery was up to 42 25 mm early in 1944 and up to 50 25 mm by mid-1944. Her boilers were experimental high-pressure units and caused constant problems, so she was reboilered at some point in her career.

Operational: Used solely for training.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Like many other escort carriers, sunk by submarines.


Shinyo
("Godly Hawk")
ex merchant Sharnhorst
Photos: [Shinyo as completed].

Built by Dechimag, Bremen. Laid down ??, launched 14 Dec 1934, completed 30 April 1940. Acquired 2/1942, converted at Kure Navy Yard, completed 15 Dec 1943.

Used solely for training. Sunk by submarine Spadefish in the Yellow Sea, 17 Nov 1944.

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Kamakura Maru project escort aircraft carrier

planned conversion specifications
Displacement: 17,069 tons standard
Dimensions: 575.5 x 74 x 27.5 feet/175.4 x 22.5 x 8.4 meters
Propulsion: Diesels, 2 shafts, 16,000 bhp, 20 knots
Crew: ???
Armor: none
Armament: 4 dual 5/40 DP, 24 25 mm AA
Aircraft: 38

Concept/Program: Another small passenger liner planned for conversion, but sunk before this could be carried out.

Design/Conversion: Would have been similar to the other escort carriers. Some sources indicate her hangar would have been open-sided.


Name not assigned
ex-Kamakawa Maru, ex merchant Chihiba Maru

Built by Yokohama. Laid down 1928, launched 1929, completed ??. Taken over as transport and renamed 1941. Sunk by submarine Gudgeon 28 April 1943 before planned conversion to escort carrier was carried out.

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Akitso Maru class auxiliary escort/assault aircraft carriers

Displacement: 11,989 tons standard
Dimensions: 471.5 x 74 x 25.5 feet/143.7 x 22.5 x 7.8 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 7,500 shp, 20 knots
Crew: ??
Armor: none
Armament: 2 3 inch AA, 2 3 inch bombardment guns
Aircaft: 20

Concept/Program: Merchant ships acquired, converted and operated by the Army as minimal aircraft carriers to support amphibious operations in the Western Pacific and East Indies. They were intended to assist in the defense of amphibious convoys, transport aircraft to landing areas, and fly aircraft off for defensive and assault-support roles. They could fly off conventional aircraft but not land them, however, they did operated autogyros, which could land aboard. Little is known about these ships service histories.

Design/Conversion: Converted passenger liners, taken over before completion. An extremely simple conversion. A lightweight, relatively short flight deck was built above the hull, on top of the superstructure. There was no hangar, but aircraft could be stored below the flight deck on the original main deck. The funnels and bridge were relocated to the starboard side, and several small cranes were fitted. There was no arresting gear. They retained their original cargo capabilities.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Both sunk by submarines in 1944.


Akitsu Maru

Photos: [No photos available]

Built by Harima. Laid down 17 Sept 1939, launched 24 Sept 1941, completed 30 Jan 1942. Sunk by submarine Queenfish 15 Nov 1944.

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Nigitsu Maru

Photos: [No photos available]

Built by Harima. Laid down 6/1941, launched 1942, completed 3/1943. Sunk by submarine Hake 12 Jan 1944.

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Kumano Maru auxiliary escort/assault aircraft carrier

Displacement: 8,128 tons standard
Dimensions: 501 x 70.5 x 23 feet/153.7 x 21.5 x 7 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 4 boilers, 2 shafts, 10,000 shp, 19 knots
Crew: ??
Armor: none
Armament: 8 75 mm, 6 25 mm
Aircraft: 37

Concept/Program: Another Army conversion, generally similar to the previous class in role and design.

Design/Conversion: Generally similar to Akitsu Maru. It is not known whether a hangar was installed; there was a funnel in the center of the flight deck, and apparently no bridge.

Departure from Service/Disposal: Never employed operationally, and reconverted postwar.


Kumano Maru

Photos: [Kumano Maru postwar].

Built by Hitachi. Laid down 15 Aug 1944, launched 28 Jan 1945, completed 30 March 1945.

Never became operational. Served as a repatriation ship postwar, then reconverted as a merchant ship. Possibly scrapped at Kobe 11/1947 to 9/1948.

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Yamashiro Maru class auxiliary escort aircraft carriers

Displacement: 15,864 tons normal
Dimensions: 516.5 x 75.5 x 29.5 feet/157.5 x 23 x 9 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 2 boilers, 1 shaft, 4,500 shp, 15 knots
Crew: 221
Armor: none
Armament: 16 25 mm
Aircraft: 8

Concept/Program: A continuation of the Army assault/escort carrier concept, these were tankers converted by the Army to provide minimal air cover for troop convoys.

Design/Conversion: Minimal conversion: 2/3 length flight deck fitted, but no hangar, catapults, etc. The boiler uptakes were run aft and discharged at the sides of the flight deck. No island.

Operational: Would have been operated under Army control, with Army aircraft. Neither became an operational ship.


Yamashiro Maru
Photos: [No photos available]

Built by Mitsubishi. Laid down 19 July 1944, launched 14 Nov 1944, completed 27 Jan 1945. Never became operational. Sunk at Yohohama 17 Feb 1945; hulk scrapped at Yokohama in 1947.

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Chigusa Maru

Photos: [No photos available]

Built by Mitsubishi. Laid down 11 Sept 1944, launched 29 Dec 1944, never completed as a carrier. Completed as a tanker in 1949.

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Shimane Maru class auxiliary escort aircraft carriers

Displacement: 11,800 tons standard
Dimensions: 526 x 75 x 30 feet/160.3 x 22.8 x 9 meters
Propulsion: Steam turbines, 2 boilers, 1 shaft, 8,600 shp, 18.5 knots
Crew: ???
Armor: none
Armament: 2 4.7 inch, 52 25 mm
Aircraft: 12

Concept/Program: Tankers converted by the Army to provide minimal air cover for troop convoys. Four additional conversions were reportedly considered but not proceeded with. These were extremely spartan carriers.

Design/Conversion: Minimal conversion: full length flight deck fitted, small hangar, single elevator, but no catapults. No island. The boiler uptakes were run aft to the stern, discharging to starboard.

Operational: Would have been operated under Army control, with Army aircraft. Neither became an operational ship.


Shimane Maru

Photos: [No photos available]

Built by Kawasaki. Laid down 8 June 1944, launched 17 Dec 1944, completed 28 Feb 1945. Never became operational. Wrecked by British aircraft 24 July 1945, later mined. Hulk scrapped at Naniwa in 1948.

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Otakisan Maru

Photos: [No photos available]

Built by Kawasaki. Laid down 18 Sept 1944, launched 14 Jan 1945, not completed. Drifted onto a mine 25 Aug 1945 and sank; hulk scrapped at Kobe in 1948.

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The World Aircraft Carrier Lists
Compiled and Maintained by Andrew Toppan (actoppan@hazegray.org)
Copyright © 1995-2000 by Andrew Toppan
Reproduction, reuse or distribution without permission is prohibited