Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:42:31-2:43:37

A surviving Yamato discovered by the JMSDF

A Yamato-class battleship found in 1954 would most likely be scrapped, but a usable hull could become a helicopter, missile, and anti-submarine platform.

Alternate HistoryAnti-Submarine WarfareHelicopter CarriersJapan Maritime Self-Defense ForceJapanese NavyLive Q&AYamato Class Battleships
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Question

What happens if a Yamato-class battleship is discovered intact just after the JMSDF forms in 1954?

Short answer

It is probably scrapped, but a sound hull might be converted into a helicopter-based anti-submarine and missile ship.

Notes

Scrapping is the first and most likely response given to finding a surviving Yamato-class ship in 1954. A usable hull could instead become a platform for helicopters and missiles if Japan wanted to retain it. Anti-submarine work is suggested as a role for that conversion. American acceptance is also considered possible in the context of the Korean War. The conversion remains conditional on both the ship's condition and a decision to keep it.