H.I.J.M.S. Shoyu Class
Specifications

 Ships in class* (3)
  • Shoyu
  • Zuiyu
  • Taiyu


    • Dimensions:
  • Disp: 24,473 tons full load
  • LOA: 787' - 3"
  • Beam: 71' - 1"


    •  Performance:
  • SHP: 160,000 (4 shafts)
  • Boilers: N/A
  • Turbines: N/A
  • Top Speed Trials: 31 knots


    •  Armor:
  • Sides: N/A
  • Deck: N/A
  • Flight Deck: N/A


    •  Armament:
  • Main: 16 - 5" DP in twin mounts
  • Sec: -
  • Ter: -
  • Light AAW: 66 - 25mm in triple mounts
  • Torpedo: -


    •  Aircraft:
  • Total: 57
  • VF: 19
  • VB: 21
  • VT: 15
  • Scout: 2


    •  Flight Specifications:
  • F/D LOA: N/A
  • F/D WOA: N/A
  • Hangars: 2
  • Elevators: 2


    •  Operation History:
     Contruction on these three ships was completed mid 1944. All three participated as the "Bait" under Ozawa during the battle of the Philippines. With their armored flight decks all three ships survived the first day of air raids in damaged condition. Ozawa, learning that Kurita's battle force had retired, saved these three ships in the night, by making a high speed run to Japan with the Hybrid Ise class battleships/carriers. The Shoyu and Taiyu needed extensive repairs. They never put to sea again and survived the war in damaged condition. The Zuiyo escorted the Yamato on her final voyage to Okinawa and was sunk along side the Zuiho en route.

     Special Notes:
     Ordered in 1941 as part of the Aikawa class of heavy cruisers, the Shoyu class of armored Aircraft carriers were born from the nessesity of tough Aircraft Carriers after the Battle of Midway.
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