Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:09:31-4:10:03

The Shokaku class torpedo-protection compromise

A design question asks why the Shokaku class received less torpedo protection than calculations and tests appeared to promise.

Aircraft CarriersHull DesignImperial Japanese NavyShokaku Class Aircraft CarriersTorpedo DefenceWarship Design
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Question

Why did the Shokaku class end up with weaker torpedo protection than its design studies suggested?

Short answer

Hull-flow goals and limited internal volume prevented the preferred defence scheme from fitting alongside the carrier's other requirements.

Notes

The answer points to hull form, hydrodynamic goals, and internal space competition. The desired internal defence scheme could not fit alongside the other requirements, making the final protection level an example of the compromises that shape even otherwise advanced carrier designs.