Ahlberg, Lars/Lengerer, Hans Soryu-, Hiryu-, and Unryu-Class Aircraft Carriers: In the Imperial Japanese Navy During World War II

This book covers the design and construction of the two well-known carriers "Soryu" and "Hiryu", and the lesser-known ships of the "Unryu" class, and relies on original Japanese source material, including numerous photos, drawings, and specifications. How and why the Japanese designed and constructed the WWII-era, medium-sized "Soryu"-, "Hiryu"-, and "Unryu"-class aircraft carriers, and how they were operated, is covered in detail. The Imperial Japanese Navy planned the construction of 45 aircraft carriers from 1918 to 1943 and commissioned twenty-five of them between 1922 and 1944. These types were large, medium, and small aircraft carriers, with some converted from other warship classes, and escort aircraft carriers remodeled from passenger ships. The medium type presented here formed the majority, with a total of 18 planned: five were completed, three remained in various completion stages at the end of the Pacific War, and ten were eventually canceled.

How and why the Japanese designed and built the medium-sized aircraft carriers "Soryu", "Hiryu" and the "Unryu" class and how they were used is covered in detail. The Imperial Japanese Navy planned the construction of 45 aircraft carriers between 1918 and 1943 and commissioned 25 of them between 1922 and 1944. These types were large, medium and small aircraft carriers, some of which were converted from other classes of warships. The escort aircraft carriers were converted passenger ships. The medium-sized aircraft carriers presented here formed the majority of the Japanese carrier fleet. A total of 18 were planned: Five were completed, three were in various stages of completion at the end of the Pacific War and ten were eventually cancelled.