Under the terms of the London Naval Treaty, light aircraft carriers under 10,000 tonnes were also included in the total tonnage, further weakening Japan's position against the American and British navies. In response, the Imperial Japanese Navy took advantage of the allowance for auxiliary ships not restricted by the treaty and built submarine tenders, fast tankers and seaplane tenders designed from the outset to be converted into aircraft carriers in an emergency. These ships were later converted into the Zuiho-class and Chitose-class aircraft carriers. The Zuiho class was converted shortly before the outbreak of war with the US, while the Chitose class was converted after the Battle of Midway, following the loss of four large fleet carriers. This issue looks at the role these converted aircraft carriers played in supporting the rebuilt mobile task force.
Group
Books (first-hand)
Title
Vessel Model Special. Band 96: Zuiho-class / Chitose-class Aircraft Carriers
Details
Japanese text, paperback, many bw- and colour illustrations, large format. 144 pages.
