Chitose Class Seaplane Tender Summary

This is a 3D printed sculpt of the Chitose seaplane tender class from EBard Models.

The Chitose class consisted of two seaplane tenders that were eventually converted to light aircraft carriers.

The Chitoses were completed in 1938 as the first Japanese seaplane carriers built as such from the keel up. By the time of the Pacific War, they also carried midget submarines, which they could launch from two large steel doors in the stern. They had been designed as part of the "shadow fleet" of vessels that could be rapidly converted to oilers, submarine tenders, or light aircraft carriers should war break out, in an attempt to get around the limits imposed by naval disarmament treaties. Under the terms of the Washington Naval Treaty, the total tonnage of Japan's naval vessels was limited by class.

Among their unusual features was mixed propulsion, with diesel for economy and geared turbines for higher speed. The ships also had an unusual profile, with a very large seaplane handling area aft, a service area amidships which was covered by a large platform, and the bridge superstructure well forward.

They served as seaplane tenders during the early part of the Pacific War. After the Battle of Midway, they were converted into light aircraft carriers in 1942-1944. The service area platform and associated machinery was removed, the bridge superstructure cut down, and the main deck converted to a hangar deck, over which a flush flight deck was constructed.

Both were designed to carry 30 aircraft. They were not particularly successful in combat because there were few carrier-qualified pilots left by 1944 to fly from them. Both ships participated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea, and both were sunk in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.

Ships of Class:

• Chitose - Sunk during the Battle Off Cape Engano, 1944
• Chiyoda - Sunk during the Battle Off Cape Engano, 1944

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