Zuiho Class Light Carrier Summary

This is the 3D print sculpt of the Zuiho class light carrier by EBard Models.

In the mid-1930s, the Imperial Japanese Navy decided to build a class of two submarine tenders which could be converted into light aircraft carriers or fleet oilers. These were immediately converted aircraft carriers and would be renamed the Zuiho & Shoho and known as the Zuihō class.

After their conversion, the ships had a length of 205.5 meters and displaced 11,443 tonnes at standard load. Their original diesel engines were replaced by a pair of destroyer-type geared steam turbine engines.

The primary armament consisted of eight 40-caliber 12.7 cm Type 89 anti-aircraft (AA) guns in twin mounts on sponsons along the sides of the hull. In 1943, Zuihō's light AA armament was increased to 48 twenty-five mm guns. The following year, an additional twenty 25 mm guns were added in addition to six 28-round AA rocket launchers.

The Zuihō-class carriers were a flush-deck design and lacked an island superstructure. They were designed to operate 30 aircraft. Their crew numbered 785 officers and men.

Completed in early 1942, Shōhō supported the invasion forces in Operation MO, the invasion of Port Moresby, New Guinea, and was sunk by American carrier aircraft on her first combat operation during the Battle of the Coral Sea on 7 May. Shōhō was the first Japanese aircraft carrier to be sunk during World War II. Zuihō played a secondary role in the Battle of Midway in mid-1942 and did not engage any American aircraft or ships during the battle. She participated in the Guadalcanal campaign during the rest of 1942 and was lightly damaged during the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.

Afterwards, her aircraft were disembarked several times in mid to late 1943 and used from land bases in a number of battles in the South West Pacific. Zuihō participated in the Philippine Sea and Leyte Gulf in mid-1944. In this last battle, Zuihō mainly served as a decoy for the main striking forces and she was finally sunk by American aircraft fulfilling her task. 

These sculpts come magnetized to hold one aircraft.

Ships of Class:

• Zuiho
• Shoho

Insignia can be added to each deck decal to make it easier to identify ship nationality. Select from your choice of images.

National Flag	Hinormaru

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