Kido Butai

[kham]

The opposition

Japanese_aircraft_carrier_Akagi_01.jpg

Japanese_Navy_Aircraft_Carrier_Kaga.jpg

Japanese_aircraft_carrier_Soryu_1938.jpg

Japanese_aircraft_carrier_Hiryu_1939.jpg

Akagi was built on BC hull; Kaga a BB; this gave them a higher profile for the Japanese dual hangar design. Also, they were larger than any contemporary Carriers. Akagi near 42,000 tons full load, and Kaga 38,000

Soryu and Hiryu are widely considered sisters, but this is incorrect. They were both based on cruiser hulls, but Hiryu had extensive modifications, and her island is on the port side, like Akagi's.

One characteristic of all Japanese carriers, are they all have very small islands. Smaller than your living room. All barely 4 meters on a side, and open at the rear for access. This would become a consideration , in the battle