Halving the original machinery reduces speed from cruiser levels to about 29 knots but releases space for oil and aviation petrol. The petrol tanks are moved inside the armored citadel and shielded with prestressed concrete after Taiho demonstrated the danger of fuel vapors. Existing cruiser belt and deck armor are retained, while bulges improve underwater protection and stability at a further cost to speed. A single hangar and two axial lifts support 27 aircraft, and the compact flight deck receives arresting gear and safety barriers without a windbreaker. The conversion rebalances propulsion, protection, aviation capacity, and deck operations within the cruiser hull.
Chapter · 22:41-25:08
Ibuki's carrier conversion balances protection and air power
Ibuki's conversion trades half her machinery for fuel stowage, protects petrol tanks inside the armored citadel, and fits a 27-aircraft hangar within the revised cruiser hull.