Imperial Japanese Navy submarines
Encyclopedia
Imperial Japanese Navy submarines originated with the purchase of five Holland type
submarines from the United States
in 1904. Japanese submarine forces progressively built up strength and expertise, becoming by the beginning of World War II
one of the world's most varied and powerful submarine
fleets.
The Imperial Japanese Navy
(IJN) acquired its first submarines during the Russo-Japanese War
on 12 December 1904 where they arrived in sections at the Yokahama dockyards. The vessels were purchased from the relatively new American company, Electric Boat, and were fully assembled and ready for combat operations by August 1905. However, hostilities with Russia
were nearing its end by that date, and no submarines saw action during the war.
The submarines that Electric Boat sold to Japan were Holland designs
, known as Holland Type VIIs and modeled after the American s. They were shipped by freighter from Seattle, Washington in "knocked-down" kit form to Japan, and then reassembled by Arthur Leopold Busch
at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal
, which was then Japan's largest naval shipyard, to become Hulls No. 1 through 5. The five imported Hollands were originally built at Fore River Ship and Engine Company in Quincy, Massachusetts
under Busch's direction for the Electric Boat Company back in August–October 1904.
Frank Taylor Cable
, an electrician who was working for Isaac Rice's Electro-Dynamic and Storage Companies along with Rice's Electric Boat, arrived some six months after Busch, training the IJN in the operation of the newly introduced Hollands.
In 1904 Kawasaki
Dockyard Company purchased plans for a modified version directly from Holland, and built two boats (Hulls No. 6 and 7), with the help of two American engineers, Chase and Herbert, who had been assistants to Holland. The Kawasaki-type submarines displaced 63 or 95 tons when submerged, and measured 73 or 84 feet in overall length, respectively. both vessels measured 7' at the beam. This contrasted with the original five imported Hollands-type submatines which had arrived that same year, at over 100 tons submerged, 67 foor overall length and 11 foot beams. The Kawasaki Type #6 and #7 submarines had gained extra speed and reduced fuel consumption by 1/4. However both boats could launch only one 18" torpedo, and eash was manned by 14 sailors, whereas the imported Holland-type submarines could fire two torpedoes and could be operated by 13 sailors.
The Kaigun Holland #6 was launched at Kobe on 28 September 1905 and was completed six months later at Kure as the first submarine built in Japan. It sank during a training dive in Hiroshima Bay on 15 April 1910. Although the water was only 58 feet deep, there were no provisions at all for the crwemen escape while submerged. The commanding officer, Lieutenant Tatsuta Sakuma, patiently wrote a description of his sailor's efforts to bring the boat back to the surface as their oxygen supply ran out. All of the sailors were later found dead at their duty stations when this submarine was raised the following day. The sailors were regarded as heroes for their calm performance of their duties until death, and this submarine has been preserved as a memorial in Kure, Japan.
Although the capabilities of these first submarines were never tested in combat during the Russo-Japanese War
, the first submarine squadron was soon formed at Kure Naval Base in the Inland Sea. In 1909, the first submarine tender
, Toyorasi, was commissioned.
Japan, along with the rest of the allies, drew heavily upon Germany's Guerre de Course (commerce raiding
) operations during the First World War, and their submarine successes reinforced Japan's willingness to develop this weapon, resulting in eighteen ocean-going submarines being included in its 1917 expansion program. At the end of World War I, Japan received nine German submarines as reparations, which allowed her and the other Allies to accelerate their technological developments during the interwar period.
, including manned torpedoes (Kaiten
), midget submarines (Ko-hyoteki
, Kairyu
), medium-range submarines, purpose-built supply submarines (many used by the Imperial Japanese Army
, see Type 3
), fleet submarines (many of which carried an aircraft), submarines with the highest submerged speeds of the conflict (Sentaka I-200), and submarines able to carry multiple bombers (World War II's largest submarine, the Sentoku I-400
). They were also equipped with the most advanced torpedo of the conflict, the oxygen-fuelled Type 95
, sometimes confused with the type 93
Long Lance torpedo. A plane launched from one such fleet submarine, I-25
, conducted what remains the only aerial bombing attack on the continental United States, when Warrant Flying Officer Nobuo Fujita
piloting a Yokosuka E14Y
scouting plane dropped four 168-pound bombs in an attempt to start forest fires outside the town of Brookings, Oregon
, on September 9, 1942. In February 1942, the submarine I-17
fired a number of deck-gun shells from her deck gun
at the Elwood Oil Fields near Santa Barbara, California
. None of the shells caused any serious damage.
Overall, despite their technical innovation, Japanese submarines were built in small numbers and had less effect on the war than those of the other major navies. The IJN pursued the course of guerre d'escadre (fleet vs fleet warfare), and consequently submarines were often used in offensive roles against warships, which were fast, maneuverable and well-defended compared to merchant ships. In 1942, Japanese submarine I-19 sank one fleet carrier, the , damaged the battleship , and damaged the destroyer (which sank later on 19 October 1942) as the result of one salvo of torpedoes. Also, during the Battle of Midway
, the I-168 administered the coup de grace
to another fleet carrier, the , as well as sinking the destroyer from the same salvo. However, as fuel oil diminished and air superiority was lost, Imperial submarines were no longer able to continue with such successes. Once the United States was able to increase its production of destroyer
s and destroyer escort
s, as well as bringing over highly effective anti-submarine techniques learned during the Battle of the Atlantic, they continually took more and more of a toll on Imperial Japanese submarines, which also tended to be slower and not as deeply-diving as their Kriegsmarine
counterparts. The Imperial Japanese Navy's doctrine of fleet warfare (guerre d'escadre) resulted in its submarines seldom posing a threat to allied merchant convoys and shipping lanes to the degree that the Kriegsmarine's U-boats did as they pursued commerce raiding
against Alled and neutral merchant ships.
During the last two years of the War in the Pacific
, the I.J.N. submarines instead were often used to transport supplies to isolated island garrisons -- ones deliberately bypassed by the Americans and the Australia
ns. During the war, I.J.N. submarines did sink about 1,000,000 tons (displacemant) of merchant shipping (184 ships), compared with 1.5 million tons for the British Royal Navy
(493 ships), 5.2 million tons for the U.S. Navy (1314 ships), and 14.3 million tons for Kriegsmarine U-boats (2,840 ships).
Early models of I.J.N. submarines were not very maneuverable under water, could not dive very deeply, and lacked radar
. (Later in the war units that were fitted with radar were in some instances sunk due to the ability of American radar sets to detect their emissions. For example, the sank three such I.J.N. submarines near Japan in just four days). After the end of the conflict, several of Japan's most original submarines were sent to Hawaii for inspection in "Operation Road's End" (I-400
, I-401, I-201
, and I-203) before being scuttled by the U.S. Navy in 1946 when the Soviet Union
demanded to have access to the I.J.N. submarines, also.
class three.
These were missions enabled under the Axis Powers
' Tripartite Pact
to provide for an exchange of strategic materials and manufactured goods between Germany, Italy and Japan. Initially, cargo ships made the exchanges, but when this was no longer possible, submarines were used.
Only six submarines attempted this trans-oceanic voyage during World War II: I-30
(April 1942), I-8
(June 1943), I-34
(October 1943), I-29
(November 1943), and German submarine U-511 (August 1943). Of these, I-30 was partially successful but was later sunk by a mine
, I-8 completed her mission, I-34 was sunk by British submarine , and I-29 by the United States submarine, (assisted by Ultra intelligence). I-52 made the final attempt.
and the British L class submarine
.
.
, I-69/I-169, I-70, I-71/I-171, I-72/I-172, I-73) were similar to the KD5 but with a higher speed.
, I-75/I-175) were similar to the KD6a but were one foot longer and 25 tons heavier.
, I-177
, I-178, I-179, I-180, I-181, I-182, I-183, I-184, I-185) were similar to the KD6 but with the torpedo tubes moved forward and a slightly improved operating depth.
, I-2, I-3, I-4) were based on the Kaidai II (Type KD2) and German submarine U-142
.
) combined the benefits of the Type J2 and the Kaidai V (KD5). This type later led to the Type A, Type B, and Type C submarines.
bomber carrying 800 kg bombs.
The range and speed of these submarines was remarkable (21,000 nmi at 16 knots), but their underwater performance was compromised, making them easy targets. I-13
was sunk on 16 July 1945 by the destroyer escort and aircraft action from escort carrier about 550 miles (885.1 km) east of Yokosuka. I-14
surrendered at sea at the end of the war, and was later scrapped off the coast of Oahu
at a depth of 2600 feet perhaps to prevent Russia from obtaining the technology. The wreck was recently found.
Type B1 (I-15 class) submarines (I-15
, I-17
, I-19, I-21, I-23, I-25
, I-26
, I-27, I-28
, I-29
, I-30
, I-31
, I-32, I-33, I-34
, I-35, I-36, I-37, I-38, I-39) were the most numerous type of submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy
during World War II
. In total 20 were made, starting with I-15, the class ship. These were fast, very long ranged, and carried a single Yokosuka E14Y
seaplane, located in a hangar in front of the conning tower, launched by a catapult.
The series was rather successful, especially at the beginning of the war. I-26
, in 1942, crippled the aircraft carrier . I-19, on 15 September 1942, fired six torpedoes at aircraft carrier , two of which hit the carrier and sank her, the remainder damaging the battleship and the destroyer USS O'Brien
(which sank later); I-25
conducted the only aerial bombing to occur on the continental United States during World War II. On 09 September 1942, I-25 launched its reconnaissance plane, a Yokosuka E14Y
code named Glen which proceeded to drop four (4) 168 pound bombs in a forest near present day Brookings
, Oregon
. Several of these ships also undertook "Yanagi" missions to Europe (I-30
, I-34
, I-29
).
Eighteen of the twenty-one Type B3 (I-54 class) submarines were cancelled in 1943 in favor of the Type E submarine, leaving the I-54, I-56, and I-58.
, I-24
) was based on the Junsen type submarine and developed from the Type KD6. This type, like the other Type C submarines, was utilized as mother ships for the Kō-hyōteki
midget submarines and the Kaiten
suicide torpedoes.
The Type C3 submarines (I-52 class) were submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy
, designed and built by Mitsubishi
Corporation, between 1943 and 1944, as cargo carriers. They were quite long and carried a crew of up to 94 officers and men. They also had a long cruising range at a speed of 12 knots (23.5 km/h).
The Japanese constructed only three of these during World War II (I-52, I-53 and I-55), although twenty were planned. They were among the largest submarines ever built to date, and were known as the most advanced submarines of the period. One of them, I-52, was selected for a Yanagi (exchange) mission to Germany. She was sunk on 24 June 1944 by aircraft from 800 miles (1,287.5 km) southwest of the Azores. Her cargo consisted of rubber, gold, quinine, and Japanese engineers to Germany.
. This type was designed as transport submarines with torpedoes for self-defense.
(機雷潜, Minelaying submarine) I-121 class were copies of the German minelayer submarine U-125
. This type was used as minelayers and supply submarines as they were obsolete by World War II.
The Sentoku
(伊四〇〇型潜水艦) I-400 class displaced 5223 tons surfaced and measured 400 ft 3 in (122m) overall. They had a figure-eight hull shape for additional strength to handle the on-deck hangar for housing the three Seiran
aircraft. In addition, they had four anti-aircraft guns and a large deck cannon as well as eight torpedo tubes from which they could fire the 21 inch (53 cm) Type 95 torpedo
.
Three of the Sen Toku were built (I-400, I-401
, and I-402
). Each had four 1825 horsepower
(1360 kW) engines and range 37,500 nm at 14 knots (27.4 km/h).
The submarines were also able to carry three Aichi M6A
Sei ran aircraft
, each carrying an 800 kilogram (1764 lb) bomb 550 nautical miles (1,018.6 km) at 360 miles per hour (580 km/h). To fit the aircraft in the hangar the wings of the aircraft were folded back, the horizontal stabilizers folded down, and the top of the vertical stabilizer folded over so the overall profile of the aircraft was within the diameter of its propeller. A crew of four could prepare and get all three airborne in 45 minutes launching them with a 120 foot (37 m) catapult
on the fore deck of the giant submarine.
The Sentaka Type (潜高, High-speed submarine) I-201 class submarines were modern design, and known as Sentaka (From Sen, abbreviation of Sensuikan, "Submarine", and Taka, abbreviation of Kōsoku, "High speed"). Three were built, I-201
, I-202
, and I-203 (I-204 to I-208 were not completed).
They displaced 1070 tonnes, had a test depth of 360 feet (109.7 m), and were armed with four torpedo
tubes and 25 mm guns in retractable mounts to maintain streamlining. These submarines were designed for mass production. They were high-performance boats, with streamlined all-welded hulls and a high battery capacity supplying two 2500 hp motors, which had nearly double the horsepower of the German-designed MAN diesels. The submerged speed was 19 knots (37.2 km/h), more than double that achieved by contemporary American designs. They were equipped with a snorkel, allowing for underwater diesel operation while recharging batteries.
The Kaichu
s were double-hulled medium sized submarines. They were derived from the Kaitokuchu type submarine (KT). Several variants existed. From 1934 to 1944, the K6 type (Ro-33 Class) and the K7 type (Ro-35 Class) were built. The K6 type was equipped with a 3.25 inch (80 mm) gun and Type 95 Long Lance torpedoes. Twenty units were built: Ro-33
, Ro-34
, Ro-35, Ro-36, Ro-37, Ro-38, Ro-39, Ro-40, Ro-41, Ro-42, Ro-43, Ro-44, Ro-45
, Ro-46, Ro-47, Ro-48, Ro-49, Ro-50, Ro-55, Ro-56.
s built under license by Mitsubishi.
.
.
(Small Type or Submarine-Small Type) were medium sized submarines for use as point-defense submarines. Eighteen units were built: Ro-100, Ro-101, Ro-102, Ro-103, Ro-104, Ro-105, Ro-106, Ro-107, Ro-108, Ro-109, Ro-110, Ro-111, Ro-112, Ro-113, Ro-114, Ro-115, Ro-116, Ro-117.
(Submarine Transport-Small Type) were transport submarines. Several of this type were converted to tankers or to mother ships for the midget submarines.
(Submarine High speed-Small type) were small-size speed submarines commissioned for Operation Downfall
. Of the 79 boats planned, only 9 were completed.
The Ko-hyoteki
(甲標的, Type 'A' Target) class of Japan
ese midget submarine
s had hull numbers but no names. For simplicity, they are most often referred to by the hull number of the mother submarine. Thus, the midget carried by I-16 was known as the I-16 midget. The midget submarine hull numbers beginning with the character "HA", which can only be seen on a builder's plate inside the hull.
Fifty were built. The "A Target" name was assigned as a ruse - if their design was prematurely discovered by Japan's foes, the Japanese Navy could insist that the vessels were battle practice targets. They were also called "tubes" and other slang names.
The Kairyu
(海龍, Sea Dragon) was a class of midget submarine
s designed in 1943-1944, and produced from the beginning of 1945. These submarines were meant to meet the invading American Naval forces upon their anticipated approach of Tokyo.
Over 760 of these submarines were planned, and by August 1945, 250 had been manufactured, most of them at the Yokosuka shipyard.
These submarines had a two-man crew and were fitted with an internal warhead for suicide missions.
The Kaiten
(Japanese:回天) was a torpedo
modified as a suicide weapon, and used by the Imperial Japanese Navy
in the final stages of the Second World War. Kaiten means Return to the sky however it is commonly translated as Turn toward heaven.
Early designs allowed for the pilot to escape after the final acceleration towards the target, although whether this could have been done successfully is doubtful. There is no record of any pilot attempting to escape or intending to do so, and this provision was dropped from later production kaitens.
Six models were designed, the types 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 were based on the Long Lancetype 93 torpedo
(24 inch oxygen/kerosene), and the Type 10, based on the Type 92 torpedo
(21 inch electric). Types 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10 were only manufactured as prototypes and never used in combat.
USS Holland (SS-1)
USS Holland was the United States Navy's first commissioned submarine, named for her Irish-American inventor, John Philip Holland, although not the first submarine of the US Navy, which was the 1862...
submarines from the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in 1904. Japanese submarine forces progressively built up strength and expertise, becoming by the beginning of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
one of the world's most varied and powerful submarine
Submarine
A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation below the surface of the water. It differs from a submersible, which has more limited underwater capability...
fleets.
Origins
Imperial Japanese Navy
The Imperial Japanese Navy was the navy of the Empire of Japan from 1869 until 1947, when it was dissolved following Japan's constitutional renunciation of the use of force as a means of settling international disputes...
(IJN) acquired its first submarines during the Russo-Japanese War
Russo-Japanese War
The Russo-Japanese War was "the first great war of the 20th century." It grew out of rival imperial ambitions of the Russian Empire and Japanese Empire over Manchuria and Korea...
on 12 December 1904 where they arrived in sections at the Yokahama dockyards. The vessels were purchased from the relatively new American company, Electric Boat, and were fully assembled and ready for combat operations by August 1905. However, hostilities with Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
were nearing its end by that date, and no submarines saw action during the war.
The submarines that Electric Boat sold to Japan were Holland designs
USS Holland (SS-1)
USS Holland was the United States Navy's first commissioned submarine, named for her Irish-American inventor, John Philip Holland, although not the first submarine of the US Navy, which was the 1862...
, known as Holland Type VIIs and modeled after the American s. They were shipped by freighter from Seattle, Washington in "knocked-down" kit form to Japan, and then reassembled by Arthur Leopold Busch
Arthur Leopold Busch
Arthur Leopold Busch or Du Busc was a British-born American naval architect responsible for the development of the United States Navy's first submarines.-Career:...
at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal
Yokosuka Naval Arsenal
was one of four principal naval shipyards owned and operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy, and was located at Yokosuka city, Kanagawa prefecture on Tokyo Bay, south of Yokohama...
, which was then Japan's largest naval shipyard, to become Hulls No. 1 through 5. The five imported Hollands were originally built at Fore River Ship and Engine Company in Quincy, Massachusetts
Quincy, Massachusetts
Quincy is a city in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, United States. Its nicknames are "City of Presidents", "City of Legends", and "Birthplace of the American Dream". As a major part of Metropolitan Boston, Quincy is a member of Boston's Inner Core Committee for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council...
under Busch's direction for the Electric Boat Company back in August–October 1904.
Frank Taylor Cable
Frank Taylor Cable
Frank Taylor Cable was an early pioneer in submarine development and piloted the first United States Navy submarine during its pre-commissioning trials....
, an electrician who was working for Isaac Rice's Electro-Dynamic and Storage Companies along with Rice's Electric Boat, arrived some six months after Busch, training the IJN in the operation of the newly introduced Hollands.
In 1904 Kawasaki
Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation
-External links:*...
Dockyard Company purchased plans for a modified version directly from Holland, and built two boats (Hulls No. 6 and 7), with the help of two American engineers, Chase and Herbert, who had been assistants to Holland. The Kawasaki-type submarines displaced 63 or 95 tons when submerged, and measured 73 or 84 feet in overall length, respectively. both vessels measured 7' at the beam. This contrasted with the original five imported Hollands-type submatines which had arrived that same year, at over 100 tons submerged, 67 foor overall length and 11 foot beams. The Kawasaki Type #6 and #7 submarines had gained extra speed and reduced fuel consumption by 1/4. However both boats could launch only one 18" torpedo, and eash was manned by 14 sailors, whereas the imported Holland-type submarines could fire two torpedoes and could be operated by 13 sailors.
The Kaigun Holland #6 was launched at Kobe on 28 September 1905 and was completed six months later at Kure as the first submarine built in Japan. It sank during a training dive in Hiroshima Bay on 15 April 1910. Although the water was only 58 feet deep, there were no provisions at all for the crwemen escape while submerged. The commanding officer, Lieutenant Tatsuta Sakuma, patiently wrote a description of his sailor's efforts to bring the boat back to the surface as their oxygen supply ran out. All of the sailors were later found dead at their duty stations when this submarine was raised the following day. The sailors were regarded as heroes for their calm performance of their duties until death, and this submarine has been preserved as a memorial in Kure, Japan.
Although the capabilities of these first submarines were never tested in combat during the Russo-Japanese War
Russo-Japanese War
The Russo-Japanese War was "the first great war of the 20th century." It grew out of rival imperial ambitions of the Russian Empire and Japanese Empire over Manchuria and Korea...
, the first submarine squadron was soon formed at Kure Naval Base in the Inland Sea. In 1909, the first submarine tender
Submarine tender
A submarine tender is a type of ship that supplies and supports submarines.Submarines are small compared to most oceangoing vessels, and generally do not have the ability to carry large amounts of food, fuel, torpedoes, and other supplies, nor to carry a full array of maintenance equipment and...
, Toyorasi, was commissioned.
Japan, along with the rest of the allies, drew heavily upon Germany's Guerre de Course (commerce raiding
Commerce raiding
Commerce raiding or guerre de course is a form of naval warfare used to destroy or disrupt the logistics of an enemy on the open sea by attacking its merchant shipping, rather than engaging the combatants themselves or enforcing a blockade against them.Commerce raiding was heavily criticised by...
) operations during the First World War, and their submarine successes reinforced Japan's willingness to develop this weapon, resulting in eighteen ocean-going submarines being included in its 1917 expansion program. At the end of World War I, Japan received nine German submarines as reparations, which allowed her and the other Allies to accelerate their technological developments during the interwar period.
World War II
Imperial Japanese Navy submarines formed by far the most varied fleet of submarines of World War IIWorld War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, including manned torpedoes (Kaiten
Kaiten
The Kaiten were manned torpedos and suicide craft, they were used by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the final stages of World War II.-History:...
), midget submarines (Ko-hyoteki
Ko-hyoteki class submarine
The class was a class of Japanese midget submarines used during World War II. They had hull numbers but no names. For simplicity, they are most often referred to by the hull number of the mother submarine...
, Kairyu
Kairyu class submarine
The was a class of midget submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy, designed in 1943–1944, and produced from the beginning of 1945. These submarines were meant to meet the invading American naval forces upon their anticipated approach of Tokyo.-History:...
), medium-range submarines, purpose-built supply submarines (many used by the Imperial Japanese Army
Imperial Japanese Army
-Foundation:During the Meiji Restoration, the military forces loyal to the Emperor were samurai drawn primarily from the loyalist feudal domains of Satsuma and Chōshū...
, see Type 3
Type 3 submergence transport vehicle
The was a class of transport submarines of the Imperial Japanese Army , serving during the Second World War. IJA planned to build over 400 boats, however only 38 boats were completed until the end of war...
), fleet submarines (many of which carried an aircraft), submarines with the highest submerged speeds of the conflict (Sentaka I-200), and submarines able to carry multiple bombers (World War II's largest submarine, the Sentoku I-400
I-400 class submarine
The Imperial Japanese Navy submarines were the largest submarines of World War II and remained the largest ever built until the construction of nuclear ballistic missile submarines in the 1960s. They were submarine aircraft carriers able to carry three Aichi M6A Seiran aircraft underwater to their...
). They were also equipped with the most advanced torpedo of the conflict, the oxygen-fuelled Type 95
Type 95 torpedo
The Type 95 torpedo was a torpedo of the Imperial Japanese Navy.It was based on the formidable Type 93 torpedo but had a smaller warhead, shorter range and a smaller diameter...
, sometimes confused with the type 93
Type 93
Type 93 may refer to:* Type 93 Air-to-Ship Missile* Type 93 flamethrower* Type 93 mine* Type 93 Surface-to-Air Missile* Type 93 torpedo...
Long Lance torpedo. A plane launched from one such fleet submarine, I-25
Japanese submarine I-25
was a B1-Type submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy that served in World War II, took part in the Attack on Pearl Harbor, and carried out the only aerial bombing on the continental United States during wartime; during the so-called Lookout Air Raid; and the Bombardment of Fort Stevens, both...
, conducted what remains the only aerial bombing attack on the continental United States, when Warrant Flying Officer Nobuo Fujita
Nobuo Fujita
was a Warrant Flying Officer of the Imperial Japanese Navy who flew a floatplane from the long-range submarine aircraft carrier , and conducted the only wartime aircraft-dropped bombing on the continental United States of America, which became known as the Lookout Air Raid...
piloting a Yokosuka E14Y
Yokosuka E14Y
|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Francillon, Ph.D., René J. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1979. ISBN 0-370-30251-6....
scouting plane dropped four 168-pound bombs in an attempt to start forest fires outside the town of Brookings, Oregon
Brookings, Oregon
Brookings is a city in Curry County, Oregon, United States. It was named after John E. Brookings, president of the Brookings Lumber and Box Company, which founded the city in 1908. As of the 2010 census the population was 6,336. The total population of the Brookings area is over 13,000, which...
, on September 9, 1942. In February 1942, the submarine I-17
Japanese submarine I-17
I-17 was a Japanese B1 type submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy which saw service during World War II. She was the first Axis ship to shell the United States mainland.-Pearl Harbor:...
fired a number of deck-gun shells from her deck gun
Deck gun
A deck gun is a type of artillery cannon mounted on the deck of a ship or submarine.The deck gun was used as a defensive weapon against smaller boats or ships and in certain cases where torpedo use was limited. Typically a crew of three; gunner, loader, and layer, operated the gun, while others...
at the Elwood Oil Fields near Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara is the county seat of Santa Barbara County, California, United States. Situated on an east-west trending section of coastline, the longest such section on the West Coast of the United States, the city lies between the steeply-rising Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean...
. None of the shells caused any serious damage.
Overall, despite their technical innovation, Japanese submarines were built in small numbers and had less effect on the war than those of the other major navies. The IJN pursued the course of guerre d'escadre (fleet vs fleet warfare), and consequently submarines were often used in offensive roles against warships, which were fast, maneuverable and well-defended compared to merchant ships. In 1942, Japanese submarine I-19 sank one fleet carrier, the , damaged the battleship , and damaged the destroyer (which sank later on 19 October 1942) as the result of one salvo of torpedoes. Also, during the Battle of Midway
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway is widely regarded as the most important naval battle of the Pacific Campaign of World War II. Between 4 and 7 June 1942, approximately one month after the Battle of the Coral Sea and six months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States Navy decisively defeated...
, the I-168 administered the coup de grace
Coup de grâce
The expression coup de grâce means a death blow intended to end the suffering of a wounded creature. The phrase can refer to the killing of civilians or soldiers, friends or enemies, with or without the consent of the sufferer...
to another fleet carrier, the , as well as sinking the destroyer from the same salvo. However, as fuel oil diminished and air superiority was lost, Imperial submarines were no longer able to continue with such successes. Once the United States was able to increase its production of destroyer
Destroyer
In naval terminology, a destroyer is a fast and maneuverable yet long-endurance warship intended to escort larger vessels in a fleet, convoy or battle group and defend them against smaller, powerful, short-range attackers. Destroyers, originally called torpedo-boat destroyers in 1892, evolved from...
s and destroyer escort
Destroyer escort
A destroyer escort is the classification for a smaller, lightly armed warship designed to be used to escort convoys of merchant marine ships, primarily of the United States Merchant Marine in World War II. It is employed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, but also provides some protection...
s, as well as bringing over highly effective anti-submarine techniques learned during the Battle of the Atlantic, they continually took more and more of a toll on Imperial Japanese submarines, which also tended to be slower and not as deeply-diving as their Kriegsmarine
Kriegsmarine
The Kriegsmarine was the name of the German Navy during the Nazi regime . It superseded the Kaiserliche Marine of World War I and the post-war Reichsmarine. The Kriegsmarine was one of three official branches of the Wehrmacht, the unified armed forces of Nazi Germany.The Kriegsmarine grew rapidly...
counterparts. The Imperial Japanese Navy's doctrine of fleet warfare (guerre d'escadre) resulted in its submarines seldom posing a threat to allied merchant convoys and shipping lanes to the degree that the Kriegsmarine's U-boats did as they pursued commerce raiding
Commerce raiding
Commerce raiding or guerre de course is a form of naval warfare used to destroy or disrupt the logistics of an enemy on the open sea by attacking its merchant shipping, rather than engaging the combatants themselves or enforcing a blockade against them.Commerce raiding was heavily criticised by...
against Alled and neutral merchant ships.
During the last two years of the War in the Pacific
War In The Pacific
War in the Pacific is a 2004 two-player turn-based computer war game published by Matrix games. It is a very large, complex, and detailed simulation of the Pacific Theatre of World War II, at both the operational and strategic level....
, the I.J.N. submarines instead were often used to transport supplies to isolated island garrisons -- ones deliberately bypassed by the Americans and the Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
ns. During the war, I.J.N. submarines did sink about 1,000,000 tons (displacemant) of merchant shipping (184 ships), compared with 1.5 million tons for the British Royal Navy
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
(493 ships), 5.2 million tons for the U.S. Navy (1314 ships), and 14.3 million tons for Kriegsmarine U-boats (2,840 ships).
Early models of I.J.N. submarines were not very maneuverable under water, could not dive very deeply, and lacked radar
Radar
Radar is an object-detection system which uses radio waves to determine the range, altitude, direction, or speed of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, guided missiles, motor vehicles, weather formations, and terrain. The radar dish or antenna transmits pulses of radio...
. (Later in the war units that were fitted with radar were in some instances sunk due to the ability of American radar sets to detect their emissions. For example, the sank three such I.J.N. submarines near Japan in just four days). After the end of the conflict, several of Japan's most original submarines were sent to Hawaii for inspection in "Operation Road's End" (I-400
I-400 class submarine
The Imperial Japanese Navy submarines were the largest submarines of World War II and remained the largest ever built until the construction of nuclear ballistic missile submarines in the 1960s. They were submarine aircraft carriers able to carry three Aichi M6A Seiran aircraft underwater to their...
, I-401, I-201
I-200 class submarine
The were submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. These submarines were of advanced design, built for high underwater speed, and were known as or...
, and I-203) before being scuttled by the U.S. Navy in 1946 when the Soviet Union
Soviet Union
The Soviet Union , officially the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics , was a constitutionally socialist state that existed in Eurasia between 1922 and 1991....
demanded to have access to the I.J.N. submarines, also.
Submarine aircraft carriers
The Japanese applied the concept of the "submarine aircraft carrier" extensively, starting with the J3 class of 1937-38. Altogether 41 submarines were built with the capability to carry seaplanes. Most IJN submarine aircraft carriers could carry only one aircraft, but I-14 had hangar space for two, and the giant I-400I-400 class submarine
The Imperial Japanese Navy submarines were the largest submarines of World War II and remained the largest ever built until the construction of nuclear ballistic missile submarines in the 1960s. They were submarine aircraft carriers able to carry three Aichi M6A Seiran aircraft underwater to their...
class three.
Yanagi missions
Axis Powers
The Axis powers , also known as the Axis alliance, Axis nations, Axis countries, or just the Axis, was an alignment of great powers during the mid-20th century that fought World War II against the Allies. It began in 1936 with treaties of friendship between Germany and Italy and between Germany and...
' Tripartite Pact
Tripartite Pact
The Tripartite Pact, also the Three-Power Pact, Axis Pact, Three-way Pact or Tripartite Treaty was a pact signed in Berlin, Germany on September 27, 1940, which established the Axis Powers of World War II...
to provide for an exchange of strategic materials and manufactured goods between Germany, Italy and Japan. Initially, cargo ships made the exchanges, but when this was no longer possible, submarines were used.
Only six submarines attempted this trans-oceanic voyage during World War II: I-30
Japanese submarine I-30
I-30 was a Type B1 submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. After operating in the Indian Ocean she participated in a Yanagi mission, aimed at connecting Japan and Nazi Germany by submarine. She was the first Japanese submarine to reach Europe, arriving at Lorient, France in...
(April 1942), I-8
Japanese submarine I-8
The Japanese submarine I-8 was a World War II Junsen Type J-3 Imperial Japanese Navy submarine, famous for completing a technology exchange mission to German-occupied France and back to Japan in 1943....
(June 1943), I-34
Japanese submarine I-34
I-34 was a Kaidai Junsen Type B1 class submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy. During World War II, while on a Yanagi mission between Japan and Germany carrying strategic raw material and information, she was sunk by the British submarine HMS Taurus using Ultra intelligence.-Commissioning:Her keel...
(October 1943), I-29
Japanese submarine I-29
I-29, code-named Matsu , was a B1 type submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy used during World War II on two secret missions with Germany, during one of which she was sunk.-Type B Submarines:...
(November 1943), and German submarine U-511 (August 1943). Of these, I-30 was partially successful but was later sunk by a mine
Naval mine
A naval mine is a self-contained explosive device placed in water to destroy surface ships or submarines. Unlike depth charges, mines are deposited and left to wait until they are triggered by the approach of, or contact with, an enemy vessel...
, I-8 completed her mission, I-34 was sunk by British submarine , and I-29 by the United States submarine, (assisted by Ultra intelligence). I-52 made the final attempt.
1st Class submarines
This class includes the largest of Japanese submarines, characterized by great size and range.Type KD1 (I-51)
The Type KD1 (I-51 class) submarine was the prototype for the types (KD2-KD7) that followed and was based on the German cruiser submarine U-139SM U-139
SM U-139 was the lead ship of her class, one of the submarines serving in the Imperial German Navy in World War I. She was commissioned on 18 May 1918 under the command of Lothar von Arnauld de la Perière, who named the submarine Korvettenkapitän Schweiger, after Walther Schwieger, who had sunk...
and the British L class submarine
British L class submarine
The British L class submarine were originally planned under the emergency war programme as an improved version of the British E class submarine. The scale of change allowed the L class to become a separate class....
.
Type KD2 (I-152)
The Type KD2 (I-152 class) submarine was based on the U-139 and the British K class submarineBritish K class submarine
The K class submarines were a class of steam-propelled submarines of the Royal Navy designed in 1913. Intended as large, fast vessels which had the endurance and speed to operate with the battle fleet, they gained notoriety, and the nickname of Kalamity class, for being involved in many accidents....
.
- I-152 - scrapped 1948.
Type KD3a (4 units)
The Type KD3a (I-153 class) submarines (I-53/I-153, I-54/I-154, I-55/I-155, I-158) were similar to the Type KD1 and KD2 but with strengthened hulls.Type KD3b (3 units)
The Type KD3b (I-159 class) submarines (I-59/I-159, I-60, I-63) were similar to the Type KD3a but were 16 inches longer and had a different bow shape.- I-59/I-159 - sank the SS RooseboomSS RooseboomThe Rooseboom was a 1,035 ton Dutch steam ship owned by KPM built in 1926 by Rijkee & Co of Rotterdam.-The sinking:...
off SumatraSumatraSumatra is an island in western Indonesia, westernmost of the Sunda Islands. It is the largest island entirely in Indonesia , and the sixth largest island in the world at 473,481 km2 with a population of 50,365,538...
March 1, 1942. The I-159 surrendered September 2, 1945 and was scuttled off the Goto IslandsGoto IslandsThe are Japanese islands in the East China Sea, off the western coast of Kyūshū. The islands are a part of Nagasaki Prefecture.- Geography :There are 140 islands in total, including five main islands:,,,, and....
on April 1, 1946. - I-60 - rammed I-63 off Mizunoko Light February 2, 1939. The I-60 herself was sunk off Kratakoa Island January 17, 1942 by .
- I-63 - rammed by I-60 off Mizunoko Light February 2, 1939.
Type KD4 (3 units)
The Type KD4 (I-61/I-162 class) submarines (I-61, I-62/I-162, I-64/I-164) were slightly smaller and had four torpedo tubes, but were otherwise similar to the Type KD3.- I-64/I-164 - sunk off Cape Ashizuri May 17, 1942 by .
Type KD5 (3 units)
The Type KD5 (I-165 class) submarines (I-65/I-165, I-66/I-166, I-67) were similar to the Type KD4 but had an improved operating depth.- I-65/I-165 - depth-charged off Saipan June 27, 1945 by aircraft from VPB-142.
- I-66/I-166 - sunk off One Fathom Bank July 17, 1944 by .
Type KD6a (6 units)
The Type KD6a (I-168 class) submarines (I-68/I-168Japanese submarine I-168
I-168 was a Kaidai class submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. At the Battle of Midway she sank two American warships: the aircraft carrier and the destroyer . At that time she was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Yahachi Tanabe.-Early career:The submarine was completed...
, I-69/I-169, I-70, I-71/I-171, I-72/I-172, I-73) were similar to the KD5 but with a higher speed.
Type KD6b (2 units)
The Type KD6b (I-174 class) submarines (I-74/I-174Japanese submarine I-174
Japanese submarine I-174 was a Kaidai class submarine operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy between 1938 and her sinking in 1944. She completed eight war patrols during the Pacific War. She attacked the Convoy GP55 on 16 June 1943. During her ninth war patrol she was sunk near Truk on 12 April...
, I-75/I-175) were similar to the KD6a but were one foot longer and 25 tons heavier.
Type KD7 (10 units)
The Type KD7 (I-176 class) submarines (I-176Japanese submarine I-176
The I-176, also named I-76,Although the submarine had been named I-76 when ordered in 1939, she was renamed I-176 upon her completion in 1942. was a of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. The most successful submarine of her class, she severely damaged the heavy cruiser in October...
, I-177
Japanese submarine I-177
Japanese Submarine I-177 was a Japanese KD7 type that saw service during World War II in the Imperial Japanese Navy. I-177 was commissioned on 28 December 1942 and was sunk by on 3 October 1944 with the loss of her entire crew of 101 sailors...
, I-178, I-179, I-180, I-181, I-182, I-183, I-184, I-185) were similar to the KD6 but with the torpedo tubes moved forward and a slightly improved operating depth.
- I-176 sank patrolling off Truk on November 16, 1943, the only known Japanese submarine success against a US submarine - Snook was a probable second victim by Japanese submarines. I-176 was lost a year later.
Type J1 (I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4)
The Type J1 (I-1 class) submarines (I-1Japanese submarine I-1
The Japanese submarine I-1 was a J1 type submarine built by Kawasaki, Kobe, for the Imperial Japanese Navy. She was a large cruiser submarine displacing 2,135 tons and was the lead of four boats built in the class....
, I-2, I-3, I-4) were based on the Kaidai II (Type KD2) and German submarine U-142
SM U-142
SM U-142 was one of the 329 submarines serving in the Imperial German Navy in World War I.U-142 was engaged in the naval warfare and took part in the First Battle of the Atlantic....
.
Type J1 Mod. (I-5)
The Type J1 Modified (I-5 class) submarine was similar to the Type J1, but with facilities for one aircraft.- I-5 - possibly sunk July 19, 1944 off GuamGuamGuam is an organized, unincorporated territory of the United States located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is one of five U.S. territories with an established civilian government. Guam is listed as one of 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories by the Special Committee on Decolonization of the United...
by .
Type J2 (I-6)
The Type J2 (I-6 class) submarine was similar to the I-5 class, but with a catapult for aircraft.- I-6 - rammed June 16, 1944 off Hachijo-shima by the Toyokawa Maru.
Type J3 (I-7, I-8)
The Type J3 (I-7 class) submarines (I-7, I-8Japanese submarine I-8
The Japanese submarine I-8 was a World War II Junsen Type J-3 Imperial Japanese Navy submarine, famous for completing a technology exchange mission to German-occupied France and back to Japan in 1943....
) combined the benefits of the Type J2 and the Kaidai V (KD5). This type later led to the Type A, Type B, and Type C submarines.
- I-7 - damaged by gunfire off Kiska June 22, 1943 from and runs aground on the Twin Rocks. The I-7 was scuttled June 23.
- I-8 - sunk off Okinawa March 31, 1945 by .
Type A1 (I-9, I-10, I-11)
The Type A1 (I-9 class) submarines were large seaplane-carrying submarines, with communication facilities to allow them to operate as command ships for groups of submarines. The type was also equipped with a hangar for one aircraft.- I-9 - sunk June 14, 1943 off Kiska by .
- I-10 - sunk July 4, 1944 off Saipan by and .
- I-11 - disappeared January 11, 1944 off Ellice Island. The I-11 possibly struck a mine.
Type A2 (I-12)
The Type A2 (I-12 class) submarine was similar to the Type A1, but with less powerful engines, giving the type slower surface speed but a longer range.Type AM (I-13, I-14)
The Type AM (A Modified) (I-13 class) submarines was a large seaplane-carrying submarine, with hangar space for two aircraft. These giant submarines were originally of the A2 type, but their design was revised after construction started to carry a second aircraft. The seaplanes were to be the Aichi M6A1Aichi M6A
The Aichi M6A Seiran was a submarine-launched attack floatplane designed for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II...
bomber carrying 800 kg bombs.
The range and speed of these submarines was remarkable (21,000 nmi at 16 knots), but their underwater performance was compromised, making them easy targets. I-13
Japanese submarine I-13
Japanese submarine I-13 was an AM type submarine. The submarine was built at the Kawasaki shipyard in Kobe....
was sunk on 16 July 1945 by the destroyer escort and aircraft action from escort carrier about 550 miles (885.1 km) east of Yokosuka. I-14
Japanese submarine I-14
The submarine I-14 was a large, seaplane-carrying submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy of the AM type. 400 feet long and 40 feet high, it didn't see action in World War II. With a range of 21,000 nmi, it could carry two or three Aichi M6A Seiran bombers, whose wings and tail could be folded to...
surrendered at sea at the end of the war, and was later scrapped off the coast of Oahu
Oahu
Oahu or Oahu , known as "The Gathering Place", is the third largest of the Hawaiian Islands and most populous of the islands in the U.S. state of Hawaii. The state capital Honolulu is located on the southeast coast...
at a depth of 2600 feet perhaps to prevent Russia from obtaining the technology. The wreck was recently found.
Type B1 (20 units)
Japanese submarine I-15
I-15 was a Japanese B1 type submarine. She was completed at Kure Navy Yard on September 30, 1940, whereupon she entered into service with the Imperial Japanese Navy. Her first and only commanding officer was Commander Nobuo Ishikawa. I-15 operated off the north coast of Oahu during the raid on...
, I-17
Japanese submarine I-17
I-17 was a Japanese B1 type submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy which saw service during World War II. She was the first Axis ship to shell the United States mainland.-Pearl Harbor:...
, I-19, I-21, I-23, I-25
Japanese submarine I-25
was a B1-Type submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy that served in World War II, took part in the Attack on Pearl Harbor, and carried out the only aerial bombing on the continental United States during wartime; during the so-called Lookout Air Raid; and the Bombardment of Fort Stevens, both...
, I-26
Japanese submarine I-26
I-26 was a Japanese B1 type submarine which saw service in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. She was completed and commissioned at the Kure Dockyard on 6 November 1941, under the command of Commander Yokota Minoru....
, I-27, I-28
Japanese submarine I-28
I-28 was a submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy which saw service during the Pacific Campaign of World War II. I-28 was commissioned at Kobe, Japan on February 6, 1942. The submarine participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942...
, I-29
Japanese submarine I-29
I-29, code-named Matsu , was a B1 type submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy used during World War II on two secret missions with Germany, during one of which she was sunk.-Type B Submarines:...
, I-30
Japanese submarine I-30
I-30 was a Type B1 submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. After operating in the Indian Ocean she participated in a Yanagi mission, aimed at connecting Japan and Nazi Germany by submarine. She was the first Japanese submarine to reach Europe, arriving at Lorient, France in...
, I-31
Japanese submarine I-31
I-31 was a Type B1 submarine operated during World War II. She was sunk by American destroyers near Attu.-References:...
, I-32, I-33, I-34
Japanese submarine I-34
I-34 was a Kaidai Junsen Type B1 class submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy. During World War II, while on a Yanagi mission between Japan and Germany carrying strategic raw material and information, she was sunk by the British submarine HMS Taurus using Ultra intelligence.-Commissioning:Her keel...
, I-35, I-36, I-37, I-38, I-39) were the most numerous type of submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy
Imperial Japanese Navy
The Imperial Japanese Navy was the navy of the Empire of Japan from 1869 until 1947, when it was dissolved following Japan's constitutional renunciation of the use of force as a means of settling international disputes...
during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. In total 20 were made, starting with I-15, the class ship. These were fast, very long ranged, and carried a single Yokosuka E14Y
Yokosuka E14Y
|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Francillon, Ph.D., René J. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1979. ISBN 0-370-30251-6....
seaplane, located in a hangar in front of the conning tower, launched by a catapult.
The series was rather successful, especially at the beginning of the war. I-26
Japanese submarine I-26
I-26 was a Japanese B1 type submarine which saw service in the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. She was completed and commissioned at the Kure Dockyard on 6 November 1941, under the command of Commander Yokota Minoru....
, in 1942, crippled the aircraft carrier . I-19, on 15 September 1942, fired six torpedoes at aircraft carrier , two of which hit the carrier and sank her, the remainder damaging the battleship and the destroyer USS O'Brien
USS O'Brien
USS O'Brien has been the name of five ships of the United States Navy, in honor of Jeremiah O'Brien :*O’Brien , a torpedo boat, built in 1900 and served until 1909....
(which sank later); I-25
Japanese submarine I-25
was a B1-Type submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy that served in World War II, took part in the Attack on Pearl Harbor, and carried out the only aerial bombing on the continental United States during wartime; during the so-called Lookout Air Raid; and the Bombardment of Fort Stevens, both...
conducted the only aerial bombing to occur on the continental United States during World War II. On 09 September 1942, I-25 launched its reconnaissance plane, a Yokosuka E14Y
Yokosuka E14Y
|-See also:-References:NotesBibliography* Francillon, Ph.D., René J. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1979. ISBN 0-370-30251-6....
code named Glen which proceeded to drop four (4) 168 pound bombs in a forest near present day Brookings
Brookings
- Organizations :* Brookings Institution, a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy organization based in Washington, D.C.- Places :* Brookings, Oregon, USA* Brookings, South Dakota, USA* Brookings County, South Dakota, USA- People :* Robert S...
, Oregon
Oregon
Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is located on the Pacific coast, with Washington to the north, California to the south, Nevada on the southeast and Idaho to the east. The Columbia and Snake rivers delineate much of Oregon's northern and eastern...
. Several of these ships also undertook "Yanagi" missions to Europe (I-30
Japanese submarine I-30
I-30 was a Type B1 submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. After operating in the Indian Ocean she participated in a Yanagi mission, aimed at connecting Japan and Nazi Germany by submarine. She was the first Japanese submarine to reach Europe, arriving at Lorient, France in...
, I-34
Japanese submarine I-34
I-34 was a Kaidai Junsen Type B1 class submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy. During World War II, while on a Yanagi mission between Japan and Germany carrying strategic raw material and information, she was sunk by the British submarine HMS Taurus using Ultra intelligence.-Commissioning:Her keel...
, I-29
Japanese submarine I-29
I-29, code-named Matsu , was a B1 type submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy used during World War II on two secret missions with Germany, during one of which she was sunk.-Type B Submarines:...
).
Type B2 (6 units)
The Type B2 (I-40 class) submarines (I-40, I-41, I-42, I-43, I-44, I-45) were externally similar to the Type B1, but with a high-tensile strength steel hull and diesel engines of a simpler design.Type B3 (I-54, I-56, I-58)
- I-54 - sank October 28, 1944 by .
- I-56 - possibly sank the http://www.aimm.museum/SS-279/ss-279.htm sometime after April 8, 1945. The I-56 was herself later sunk April 18, 1945 by .
- I-58Japanese submarine I-58I-58 was a Japanese B3 type cruiser submarine that served in the final year of World War II. Modified to carry Kaiten manned torpedoes, she damaged two enemy destroyers with them, but her most significant success was the , sunk with conventional torpedoes on 30 July 1945...
- sank the July 30, 1945. The I-58 surrendered on September 2, 1945, and scuttled off the Goto IslandsGoto IslandsThe are Japanese islands in the East China Sea, off the western coast of Kyūshū. The islands are a part of Nagasaki Prefecture.- Geography :There are 140 islands in total, including five main islands:,,,, and....
on April 1, 1946.
Type C1 (5 units)
The Type C1 (I-16 class) submarine (I-16, I-18, I-20, I-22Japanese submarine I-22
I-22 was a submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy which saw service during the Pacific Campaign of World War II. I-22 was commissioned at Yokosuka, Japan on March 10, 1941. The submarine participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea and attack on Sydney Harbour in May and June 1942...
, I-24
Japanese submarine I-24
I-24 was a submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy which saw service during the Pacific Campaign of World War II. I-24 was commissioned at Sasebo, Japan on October 31, 1941...
) was based on the Junsen type submarine and developed from the Type KD6. This type, like the other Type C submarines, was utilized as mother ships for the Kō-hyōteki
Ko-hyoteki class submarine
The class was a class of Japanese midget submarines used during World War II. They had hull numbers but no names. For simplicity, they are most often referred to by the hull number of the mother submarine...
midget submarines and the Kaiten
Kaiten
The Kaiten were manned torpedos and suicide craft, they were used by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the final stages of World War II.-History:...
suicide torpedoes.
Type C2 (I-46, I-47, I-48)
The Type C2 (I-46 class) submarines were nearly identical to the Type C1 with the exception that the Type C2 lacked the capability to carry the midget submarines.- I-46 - possibly sank by the and on October 28, 1944.
- I-47 - sank the on November 20, 1944. The I-47 surrendered on September 2, 1945 and was scuttled off the Goto IslandsGoto IslandsThe are Japanese islands in the East China Sea, off the western coast of Kyūshū. The islands are a part of Nagasaki Prefecture.- Geography :There are 140 islands in total, including five main islands:,,,, and....
on April 1, 1946. - I-48 - sunk January 23, 1945 by .
Type C3 (I-52, I-53, I-55)
Imperial Japanese Navy
The Imperial Japanese Navy was the navy of the Empire of Japan from 1869 until 1947, when it was dissolved following Japan's constitutional renunciation of the use of force as a means of settling international disputes...
, designed and built by Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi Group , Mitsubishi Group of Companies, or Mitsubishi Companies is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company that consists of a range of autonomous businesses which share the Mitsubishi brand, trademark and legacy...
Corporation, between 1943 and 1944, as cargo carriers. They were quite long and carried a crew of up to 94 officers and men. They also had a long cruising range at a speed of 12 knots (23.5 km/h).
The Japanese constructed only three of these during World War II (I-52, I-53 and I-55), although twenty were planned. They were among the largest submarines ever built to date, and were known as the most advanced submarines of the period. One of them, I-52, was selected for a Yanagi (exchange) mission to Germany. She was sunk on 24 June 1944 by aircraft from 800 miles (1,287.5 km) southwest of the Azores. Her cargo consisted of rubber, gold, quinine, and Japanese engineers to Germany.
Type D1 (11 units)
The Type D1 (I-361 class, I-372 class) submarines (I-361, I-362, I-363, I-364, I-365, I-366, I-367, I-368, I-369, I-370, I-371, I-372) were based on the U-155German submarine Deutschland
Deutschland was a blockade-breaking German merchant submarine used during World War I. It was developed with private funds and operated by the North German Lloyd Line...
. This type was designed as transport submarines with torpedoes for self-defense.
Type D2 (I-373)
The Type D2 (I-373 class) submarine was designed as a tanker submarine based on the Type D1 but with no torpedoes.- I-373 - sunk August 14, 1945 by . The I-373 was the last Japanese submarine sunk in World War II.
Kiraisen Type (I-121, I-122, I-123, I-124)
The KiraisenI-121 class submarine
The was a class of submarine in the Imperial Japanese Navy , serving from the 1920s to the Second World War. The IJN classed it as a .-Construction:...
(機雷潜, Minelaying submarine) I-121 class were copies of the German minelayer submarine U-125
SM U-125
SM U-125 was one of the 329 submarines serving in the Imperial German Navy in World War I.U-125 was engaged in the naval warfare and took part in the First Battle of the Atlantic....
. This type was used as minelayers and supply submarines as they were obsolete by World War II.
Sen-Ho Type (I-351)
The Sen-Ho (潜補, Submarine-Tanker) I-351 class was a tanker/transport submarine.- I-351 - sunk July 14, 1945 in the South China SeaSouth China SeaThe South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean, encompassing an area from the Singapore and Malacca Straits to the Strait of Taiwan of around...
by .
Sentoku Type (I-400, I-401, I-402)
I-400 class submarine
The Imperial Japanese Navy submarines were the largest submarines of World War II and remained the largest ever built until the construction of nuclear ballistic missile submarines in the 1960s. They were submarine aircraft carriers able to carry three Aichi M6A Seiran aircraft underwater to their...
(伊四〇〇型潜水艦) I-400 class displaced 5223 tons surfaced and measured 400 ft 3 in (122m) overall. They had a figure-eight hull shape for additional strength to handle the on-deck hangar for housing the three Seiran
Aichi M6A
The Aichi M6A Seiran was a submarine-launched attack floatplane designed for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II...
aircraft. In addition, they had four anti-aircraft guns and a large deck cannon as well as eight torpedo tubes from which they could fire the 21 inch (53 cm) Type 95 torpedo
Type 95 torpedo
The Type 95 torpedo was a torpedo of the Imperial Japanese Navy.It was based on the formidable Type 93 torpedo but had a smaller warhead, shorter range and a smaller diameter...
.
Three of the Sen Toku were built (I-400, I-401
Japanese submarine I-401
The Sen Toku-class I-401 was once the largest submarine in the world. It was commanded by Lieutenant Commander Nobukiyo Nambu of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II...
, and I-402
Japanese Submarine I-402
Imperial Japanese Navy submarine I-402, was one of three completed Sen Toku I-400 class submarine aircraft carriers, which proved to be the largest prior to nuclear submarine development. Each were able to carry three Aichi M6A Seiran floatplanes...
). Each had four 1825 horsepower
Horsepower
Horsepower is the name of several units of measurement of power. The most common definitions equal between 735.5 and 750 watts.Horsepower was originally defined to compare the output of steam engines with the power of draft horses in continuous operation. The unit was widely adopted to measure the...
(1360 kW) engines and range 37,500 nm at 14 knots (27.4 km/h).
The submarines were also able to carry three Aichi M6A
Aichi M6A
The Aichi M6A Seiran was a submarine-launched attack floatplane designed for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II...
Sei ran aircraft
Aircraft
An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air, or, in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines.Although...
, each carrying an 800 kilogram (1764 lb) bomb 550 nautical miles (1,018.6 km) at 360 miles per hour (580 km/h). To fit the aircraft in the hangar the wings of the aircraft were folded back, the horizontal stabilizers folded down, and the top of the vertical stabilizer folded over so the overall profile of the aircraft was within the diameter of its propeller. A crew of four could prepare and get all three airborne in 45 minutes launching them with a 120 foot (37 m) catapult
Catapult
A catapult is a device used to throw or hurl a projectile a great distance without the aid of explosive devices—particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines. Although the catapult has been used since ancient times, it has proven to be one of the most effective mechanisms during...
on the fore deck of the giant submarine.
- I-400 - sunk as a target off Pearl Harbor June 4, 1946 by .
- I-401 - sunk as a target off Pearl Harbor May 31, 1946 by . The wreck of the I-401 was found in 2005.
- I-402 - scuttled with Ha-201 16 nmi off Kinai Island April 1, 1946.
Sentaka Type (3 units)
Japanese submarine I-201
The Japanese submarine I-201 was a World War II, diesel-powered submarine. It was captured at the end of the war by American forces. After examination of its design, it was sunk off Oahu in 1946. It was discovered in 2009 by the Hawaii Undersea Research Laboratory.The submarine was one of the...
, I-202
Japanese submarine I-202
I-202 was one of only three I-200 class submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy to be completed during World War II. The I-200 class were of advanced design, and had been built for high underwater speed...
, and I-203 (I-204 to I-208 were not completed).
They displaced 1070 tonnes, had a test depth of 360 feet (109.7 m), and were armed with four torpedo
Torpedo
The modern torpedo is a self-propelled missile weapon with an explosive warhead, launched above or below the water surface, propelled underwater towards a target, and designed to detonate either on contact with it or in proximity to it.The term torpedo was originally employed for...
tubes and 25 mm guns in retractable mounts to maintain streamlining. These submarines were designed for mass production. They were high-performance boats, with streamlined all-welded hulls and a high battery capacity supplying two 2500 hp motors, which had nearly double the horsepower of the German-designed MAN diesels. The submerged speed was 19 knots (37.2 km/h), more than double that achieved by contemporary American designs. They were equipped with a snorkel, allowing for underwater diesel operation while recharging batteries.
- I-201 - sunk as a target off Pearl HarborPearl HarborPearl Harbor, known to Hawaiians as Puuloa, is a lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, west of Honolulu. Much of the harbor and surrounding lands is a United States Navy deep-water naval base. It is also the headquarters of the U.S. Pacific Fleet...
May 23, 1946 by . The wreck of the I-201 was found in 2009 along with the I-14. - I-202 - scuttled 13 nmi off Kongo Point April 5, 1946.
- I-203 - sunk as a target off HawaiiHawaiiHawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
May 21, 1946 by .
2nd Class submarines
These submarines included medium-sized medium-ranged units of the Imperial Japanese Navy.Kaichu Type (20 units)
Kaichu type submarine
The submarines were double-hulled medium sized submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. They were derived from the .Several variants existed. From 1934 to 1944, the K6 type and the K7 type were built...
s were double-hulled medium sized submarines. They were derived from the Kaitokuchu type submarine (KT). Several variants existed. From 1934 to 1944, the K6 type (Ro-33 Class) and the K7 type (Ro-35 Class) were built. The K6 type was equipped with a 3.25 inch (80 mm) gun and Type 95 Long Lance torpedoes. Twenty units were built: Ro-33
Japanese submarine Ro-33
Ro-33 was a Ro-33-class submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Commissioned on October 7, 1935 the submarine saw action for Imperial Japanese forces during the Pacific Campaign of World War II. The submarine was sunk near Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea with all hands by the Royal Australian...
, Ro-34
Japanese submarine Ro-34
Ro-34 was a Ro-33-class submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Commissioned on May 31, 1937 the submarine saw action for Imperial Japanese forces during the Pacific Campaign of World War II. The submarine was sunk off the Russell Islands in the Solomons with all hands by the United States Navy...
, Ro-35, Ro-36, Ro-37, Ro-38, Ro-39, Ro-40, Ro-41, Ro-42, Ro-43, Ro-44, Ro-45
Japanese submarine RO-45
Ro-45 was an Ro-35-class submarine of the Japanese Navy during World War II. It was completed and commissioned at Mitsubishi Shipbuilding on January 11, 1944. It was based in the Maizuru Naval District under the command of Commander Hamazumi Yoshihisa. It was later reassigned to the Sixth Fleet...
, Ro-46, Ro-47, Ro-48, Ro-49, Ro-50, Ro-55, Ro-56.
Type L1 (Ro-51, Ro-52)
The Type L1 (Ro-51 class) submarines were British L class submarineBritish L class submarine
The British L class submarine were originally planned under the emergency war programme as an improved version of the British E class submarine. The scale of change allowed the L class to become a separate class....
s built under license by Mitsubishi.
Type L2 (Ro-53, Ro-54, Ro-55, Ro-56)
The Type L2 (Ro-53 class) submarines were similar to the Type L1 but with no torpedo tubes and a change in the battery groups.Type L3 (Ro-57, Ro-58, Ro-59)
The Type L3 (Ro-57 class) submarines were copies of the British submarine L9HMS L9
HMS L9 was a British L class submarine built by William Denny and Brothers, Dumbarton. She was laid down on in October 1916 and was commissioned on 27 May 1918....
.
Type L4 (9 units)
The Type L4 (Ro-60 class) submarines (Ro-60, Ro-61, Ro-62, Ro-63, Ro-64, Ro-65, Ro-66, Ro-67, Ro-68) were copies of the British submarine L52HMS L52
HMS L52 was a British L class submarine built by Armstrong Whitworth, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. She was laid down on 16 May 1917 and was commissioned on an unknown date....
.
Ko Type (18 units)
The Ko TypeRo-100 class submarine
The was a medium size submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy , serving during World War II. The IJN official designation for this class was or .-Construction:...
(Small Type or Submarine-Small Type) were medium sized submarines for use as point-defense submarines. Eighteen units were built: Ro-100, Ro-101, Ro-102, Ro-103, Ro-104, Ro-105, Ro-106, Ro-107, Ro-108, Ro-109, Ro-110, Ro-111, Ro-112, Ro-113, Ro-114, Ro-115, Ro-116, Ro-117.
Sen'yu-Ko Type (12 units)
The Sen'yu-Ko TypeHa-101 class submarine
The was a transport submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy , serving during late World War II. The IJN planned to build 12 boats, but only 10 vessels were completed by the end of the war. The IJN called these submarines . Several boats were converted to tankers or mother ships for the midget...
(Submarine Transport-Small Type) were transport submarines. Several of this type were converted to tankers or to mother ships for the midget submarines.
Sentaka-Ko Type (10 units)
The Sentaka-Ko TypeHa-201 class submarine
The was a small size-high underwater speed submarine of the Imperial Japanese Navy , serving during 1945. The official designation of the submarine was .-Construction:...
(Submarine High speed-Small type) were small-size speed submarines commissioned for Operation Downfall
Operation Downfall
Operation Downfall was the Allied plan for the invasion of Japan near the end of World War II. The operation was cancelled when Japan surrendered after the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet Union's declaration of war against Japan. The operation had two parts: Operation...
. Of the 79 boats planned, only 9 were completed.
3rd Class submarines
This class includes the smallest of the Japanese submarines, from midget submarines to manned torpedoes often used for suicide attacks.Ko-Hyoteki Type (50 units)
Ko-hyoteki class submarine
The class was a class of Japanese midget submarines used during World War II. They had hull numbers but no names. For simplicity, they are most often referred to by the hull number of the mother submarine...
(甲標的, Type 'A' Target) class of Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
ese midget submarine
Midget submarine
A midget submarine is any submarine under 150 tons, typically operated by a crew of one or two but sometimes up to 6 or 8, with little or no on-board living accommodation...
s had hull numbers but no names. For simplicity, they are most often referred to by the hull number of the mother submarine. Thus, the midget carried by I-16 was known as the I-16 midget. The midget submarine hull numbers beginning with the character "HA", which can only be seen on a builder's plate inside the hull.
Fifty were built. The "A Target" name was assigned as a ruse - if their design was prematurely discovered by Japan's foes, the Japanese Navy could insist that the vessels were battle practice targets. They were also called "tubes" and other slang names.
Kairyu Type (250 units)
Kairyu class submarine
The was a class of midget submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy, designed in 1943–1944, and produced from the beginning of 1945. These submarines were meant to meet the invading American naval forces upon their anticipated approach of Tokyo.-History:...
(海龍, Sea Dragon) was a class of midget submarine
Midget submarine
A midget submarine is any submarine under 150 tons, typically operated by a crew of one or two but sometimes up to 6 or 8, with little or no on-board living accommodation...
s designed in 1943-1944, and produced from the beginning of 1945. These submarines were meant to meet the invading American Naval forces upon their anticipated approach of Tokyo.
Over 760 of these submarines were planned, and by August 1945, 250 had been manufactured, most of them at the Yokosuka shipyard.
These submarines had a two-man crew and were fitted with an internal warhead for suicide missions.
Kaiten Type (400 units)
Kaiten
The Kaiten were manned torpedos and suicide craft, they were used by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the final stages of World War II.-History:...
(Japanese:回天) was a torpedo
Torpedo
The modern torpedo is a self-propelled missile weapon with an explosive warhead, launched above or below the water surface, propelled underwater towards a target, and designed to detonate either on contact with it or in proximity to it.The term torpedo was originally employed for...
modified as a suicide weapon, and used by the Imperial Japanese Navy
Imperial Japanese Navy
The Imperial Japanese Navy was the navy of the Empire of Japan from 1869 until 1947, when it was dissolved following Japan's constitutional renunciation of the use of force as a means of settling international disputes...
in the final stages of the Second World War. Kaiten means Return to the sky however it is commonly translated as Turn toward heaven.
Early designs allowed for the pilot to escape after the final acceleration towards the target, although whether this could have been done successfully is doubtful. There is no record of any pilot attempting to escape or intending to do so, and this provision was dropped from later production kaitens.
Six models were designed, the types 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 were based on the Long Lancetype 93 torpedo
Type 93 torpedo
The Type 93 was a -diameter torpedo of the Imperial Japanese Navy , launched from surface ships. It is commonly referred to as the Long Lance by most modern English-language naval historians, a nickname given it after the war by Samuel E. Morison, the chief historian of the U.S...
(24 inch oxygen/kerosene), and the Type 10, based on the Type 92 torpedo
Type 92 torpedo
The Type 92 torpedo was a submarine-launched torpedo used by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. It was in length and 21 inches in diameter. This type of torpedo was battery powered. It could deliver a 660 pound warhead at 30 knots to a target 7 kilometers away....
(21 inch electric). Types 2, 4, 5, 6 and 10 were only manufactured as prototypes and never used in combat.