The IJN Hosho had been laid down as a mixed sea plane carrier/aircraft carrier in 1920. However, she would be modified during construction and was completed as a full-deck aircraft carrier. She was launched in November 1921 and commissioned in December 1922. Thus, she was the Imperial Japanese Navy's first aircraft carrier.
Technical Description
As built, Hosho had a small starboard-side island, but this was removed in 1923 and it was never replaced. The three funnels were originally hinged, being normally vertical but it was swung to the horizontal position during flying operations. However, it was found to be unnecessarily complicated and they were permanently fixed in the upright position in 1934.
The flight deck of the IJN Hosho was originally 158.2-m (519-ft) long, but it would be extended aft in 1944 to give it a length of 176.6-m (579.4-ft). Thus, it stretched completely from bow to stern. The original aircraft compliment was 26, but as aircraft became larger and heavier, this number was progressively reduced to 21 in 1934, and to 11 in 1942.
Operational History
Between 1937 and 1940, the IJN Hosho was active in operations off the China coast, providing close fire support, through their aircraft, to the Japanese ground troops. By the time the war against the United States of America broke out, she had already been relegated to the training role and other secondary duties. She would continue to function as a trainer carrier until the end of the armed conflict in 1945. Finally, she was scrapped in 1947.
Specifications
Type: aircraft carrier
Displacement: 7,470 tons; 10,000 tons full load.
Length: 176.6 m (579.4 ft)
Beam: 18 m (59 ft)
Draft: 6.2 m (20.3 ft)
Propulsion: two geared steam engines, with two shafts, fed by twelve boilers, developing 30,000 SHP.
Maximum Speed: 25 knots
Range: 8,680 nautical miles
Armament: four 5.5-in guns outboard of hangar; two 3-in AA guns.
Crew: 550 sailors and officers
Below, the IJN Hosho in 1922 after it had been commissioned
Below, the Japanese carrier in August 1945
