How Many Aircraft Carriers Did Japan Have in WW2?
The Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) played a significant role in World War II, and its aircraft carriers were a crucial component of its naval power. The IJN’s carrier fleet was one of the most feared and respected in the world, with a total of 15 aircraft carriers serving with the Japanese Navy during the war.
Early Developments
Japan’s fascination with aircraft carriers began in the 1920s, when the country’s naval leaders recognized the importance of naval aviation in modern warfare. The IJN’s first aircraft carrier, the Hosho, was commissioned in 1922 and was primarily used for training and experiments. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that Japan began to build a fleet of operational aircraft carriers.
Kaga and Akagi
The Kaga and Akagi, launched in 1931 and 1933, respectively, were the IJN’s first true aircraft carriers. These two ships were designed to accommodate a mix of fighters, bombers, and torpedo planes, and were equipped with arresting gear and elevators to facilitate efficient flight operations.
Soryu and Hiryu
The Soryu and Hiryu, launched in 1937 and 1939, respectively, were the IJN’s next generation of aircraft carriers. These ships were designed to be more advanced and larger than their predecessors, with a displacement of over 20,000 tons.
Shokaku and Zuikaku
The Shokaku and Zuikaku, launched in 1939 and 1941, respectively, were the IJN’s most advanced aircraft carriers of the war. These two ships were designed to carry a large number of planes, including fighters, bombers, and torpedo planes.
Hiyo and Taiho
The Hiyo and Taiho, launched in 1941 and 1943, respectively, were the IJN’s last two aircraft carriers commissioned during the war. The Hiyo was a light carrier, while the Taiho was a larger, more advanced ship.
Converted Cruisers and Converted Minelayers
In addition to the purpose-built aircraft carriers, the IJN also converted several cruisers and minelayers to carry aircraft. The most notable examples were the Ryujo, a light carrier converted from a heavy cruiser, and the Unryu, a light carrier converted from a minelayer.
Losses and Fate of the Fleet
During the war, the IJN’s aircraft carrier fleet suffered significant losses. A total of 10 carriers were sunk or captured, including the Shokaku, Hiryu, Taiho, and Zuikaku, among others. The Unryu was lost in a typhoon, while the Hiyo was sunk by US submarines.
Table of Japanese Aircraft Carriers
| Carrier | Launched | Commissioned | Displacement | Length | Speed | Aircraft Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hosho | 1921 | 1923 | 7,270 tons | 182 m | 25.5 knots | 20 aircraft |
| Kaga | 1930 | 1933 | 31,500 tons | 243 m | 26.5 knots | 60 aircraft |
| Akagi | 1932 | 1933 | 31,500 tons | 243 m | 26.5 knots | 60 aircraft |
| Soryu | 1935 | 1937 | 27,000 tons | 219 m | 28.5 knots | 60 aircraft |
| Hiryu | 1937 | 1939 | 27,000 tons | 219 m | 28.5 knots | 60 aircraft |
| Shokaku | 1939 | 1941 | 30,000 tons | 233 m | 29.5 knots | 72 aircraft |
| Zuikaku | 1939 | 1941 | 30,000 tons | 233 m | 29.5 knots | 72 aircraft |
| Hiyo | 1941 | 1942 | 11,000 tons | 181 m | 25.5 knots | 15 aircraft |
| Taiho | 1942 | 1943 | 32,000 tons | 247 m | 30.5 knots | 72 aircraft |
| Ryujo | 1929 | 1932 | 8,900 tons | 185 m | 25.5 knots | 12 aircraft |
| Unryu | 1943 | 1944 | 19,000 tons | 197 m | 30.5 knots | 24 aircraft |
Conclusion
The Imperial Japanese Navy’s aircraft carrier fleet was a formidable force during World War II, with 15 carriers serving at various times during the conflict. While the IJN’s carriers suffered significant losses, they played a crucial role in the Japanese Navy’s strategy and contributed to several key battles and campaigns.
