Japans Secret Submarine Aircraft Carriers Revealed

The Japanese Navy, also known as the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), is renowned for its innovative and often unconventional approach to naval warfare during World War II. One of the most fascinating and little-known aspects of Japanese naval history is the development and deployment of submarine aircraft carriers. These vessels, known as "sentoku" or "sen-toku," were designed to launch aircraft from submerged submarines, providing a stealthy and unexpected attack capability.

What Were Japanese Submarine Aircraft Carriers?

Japanese submarine aircraft carriers were a class of submarines specifically designed to carry, launch, and recover aircraft. These submarines were equipped with hangars, catapults, and aircraft handling systems, allowing them to deploy and retrieve aircraft while submerged. The primary purpose of these vessels was to provide a surprise attack capability, launching aircraft to gather intelligence, conduct reconnaissance, or launch bombing raids against enemy ships and coastal targets.

Development and Design

The development of Japanese submarine aircraft carriers began in the early 1930s, with the first prototype, I-5, being completed in 1932. The I-5 was a large submarine, displacing over 2,000 tons, and was equipped with a hangar and catapult to launch a single floatplane. The success of the I-5 led to the development of further submarine aircraft carriers, including the I-6, I-7, and I-8.

These submarines were designed to be large and spacious, with a length of over 100 meters and a beam of around 10 meters. They were powered by diesel-electric propulsion systems, providing a top speed of around 20 knots. The submarines were equipped with advanced sonar and radar systems, allowing them to detect and track enemy ships.

Types of Japanese Submarine Aircraft Carriers

There were several types of Japanese submarine aircraft carriers, each with its unique characteristics and capabilities. Some of the most notable types include:

• I-400 class: This was the largest class of submarine aircraft carriers, with a length of over 120 meters and a displacement of over 3,500 tons. These submarines were equipped with a hangar and catapult to launch three floatplanes.
• I-13 class: This class of submarines was designed for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering. They were equipped with a single floatplane and were known for their advanced sonar and radar systems.
• I-14 class: This class of submarines was designed for attack missions, equipped with a single floatplane and a pair of 14-inch torpedo tubes.

Operational History

Japanese submarine aircraft carriers played a significant role in several key battles during World War II, including the attack on Pearl Harbor and the Battle of Midway. These submarines were also used for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, providing valuable information on enemy ship movements and dispositions.

Despite their impressive capabilities, Japanese submarine aircraft carriers suffered from several limitations, including limited range and endurance, as well as vulnerability to enemy countermeasures. Many of these submarines were sunk or damaged during the war, and few survived to the end of the conflict.

Legacy of Japanese Submarine Aircraft Carriers

The legacy of Japanese submarine aircraft carriers is complex and multifaceted. While these vessels played a significant role in several key battles during World War II, their limitations and vulnerabilities ultimately led to their decline. However, the concept of submarine aircraft carriers has endured, with modern navies continuing to develop and deploy similar vessels.

The Japanese submarine aircraft carriers also played a significant role in the development of modern submarine design, influencing the development of submarines with advanced sonar and radar systems, as well as improved propulsion and maneuverability.

Conclusion

Japanese submarine aircraft carriers were a unique and fascinating aspect of naval warfare during World War II. These vessels provided a stealthy and unexpected attack capability, launching aircraft to gather intelligence, conduct reconnaissance, or launch bombing raids against enemy ships and coastal targets. While their limitations and vulnerabilities ultimately led to their decline, the legacy of these vessels continues to influence modern submarine design and naval warfare.

Japanese Submarine Aircraft Carriers Image Gallery

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