Amagi's operational tasks were to protect Japanese commerce, gather information, and move rapidly with the fleet. A normal displacement of about 41,000 tons and a 30-knot speed made these ships substantial battlecruisers rather than light scouts. Their ten 16.1-inch guns gave the fast arm enough weight to fight contemporary Lexington-class opponents as well as to scout. Their scale is compared directly with the Tosa battleship design from which they developed.
Chapter · 13:42-15:58
Amagi as a high-speed information arm
The Amagi class is presented as a 30-knot force for protecting commerce, gathering information, and giving Japan's fleet a fast operational arm.