Shōkaku

Armor Model

Overview

The Shōkaku-class aircraft carriers in terms of architecture and construction almost exactly repeated the Hiryū type, however they had improved seakeeping qualities and protection, enhanced anti-aircraft armament, and an increased air group. At the time of their construction, these ships were considered the largest and most powerful purpose-built aircraft carriers in the world. Shōkaku was built in Yokosuka. The aircraft carrier participated in the attack on Pearl Harbor, bombing American airbases. In 1942, the ship took part in the invasion of Rabaul and the raid into the Indian Ocean, where it sank the British aircraft carrier Hermes. The carrier fought in the battles of the Coral Sea and off the Eastern Solomon Islands. In the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands, Shōkaku sustained heavy damage from aircraft of the American carrier Hornet, but also inflicted serious damage on the enemy. During the Battle of the Philippine Sea, on June 19, 1944, the carrier was torpedoed by the submarine USS Cavalla, which caused aviation fuel vapors to ignite and led to the ship's loss.