Japoński lotniskowiec zaopatrzeniowy Shinano – analiza funkcjonalna. Część 2: Charakterystyka techniczna i grupa lotnicza

Abstract

Niniejszy artykuł stanowi kontynuację rozważań zapoczątkowanych w części pierwszej: Źródła koncepcji i geneza Shinano oraz losy programu budowy pancerników typu Yamato, opublikowanej w poprzednim zeszycie „Annales Universitatis Paedagogicae Cracoviensis. Studia de Securitate”. Ogółem na cykl artykułów zatytułowanych Japoński lotniskowiec zaopatrzeniowy Shinano – analiza funkcjonalna składa się pięć części.

The conversion of a battleship into an aircraft carrier was not something unique on a global scale. The main features of Shinano that distinguished him from other native and foreign constructions were: powerful aircraft deck armor, huge take-off deck area, intentionally leaving unused space in the hangar, extensive workshop and warehouse infrastructure, and extremely strong anti-aircraft equipment. The abandonment of the creation of an impact aircraft carrier using the full capabilities of such a huge hull, which meant a group of up to 150 aircraft, was right, since it was unlikely that in the battle of aircraft carriers he could throw them all into battle. However, the extension of the second hangar was abandoned, thus reducing the number of the air group, which without losses for the ability to perform most of the specific functions provided for Shinano could be increased to about 100 aircraft, in favor of powerful horizontal armor, which after all could not guarantee the ship’s subdivision, and diminished its combat value as an impact aircraft carrier. The selection of aircraft for the Shinano aviation group corresponded to the level of development of military technology as of the end of 1944. However, this aircraft carrier in the coin of entry into service did not have any chance of receiving the design of the planes for him, because the production of A7M fighters has not yet started, and the B7A bombers was insufficient.