Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:23:34-4:25:38

Refitting Katsuragi for the early JMSDF

A surviving Katsuragi could support anti-submarine helicopters or surplus propeller aircraft, while jet operations would probably need a refit beyond the available budget.

Aircraft CarriersAlternate HistoryAnti-Submarine WarfareHelicopter CarriersJapan Maritime Self-Defense ForceKatsuragiLive Q&A
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Question

How should the JMSDF refit the surviving aircraft carrier Katsuragi in the 1950s?

Short answer

An ASW helicopter carrier or a carrier using surplus propeller aircraft. Jet operations are doubted without a massive and probably unaffordable refit.

Notes

A hypothetical Katsuragi retained for the JMSDF in 1954 could become an anti-submarine helicopter carrier. A conventional carrier using propeller aircraft is also considered because the hull offers useful aviation capacity. Surplus Allied aircraft such as Bearcats could provide fleet cover while the service developed its experience. Jet operations are doubted without a massive refit, and enough money is unlikely to be available in this scenario. The proposed choices therefore remain a helicopter platform or a carrier using propeller aircraft.