Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 35:05-35:37

How costly was the raid to Japanese aircraft?

The attack cost Japan about fourteen percent of the aircraft launched once combat and constructive losses are counted, not one quarter of the strike force.

Aircraft LossesAnti Aircraft DefenceBattle DamageCarrier Air GroupsFighter InterceptionImperial Japanese NavyNaval AviationPearl Harbor
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Question

Did Japan lose about a quarter of the aircraft sent against Pearl Harbor?

Short answer

No; the discussion totals 29 aircraft shot down plus about 20 constructive losses out of roughly 360 launched, or about fourteen percent.

Notes

Japan did not lose roughly a quarter of the aircraft sent against Pearl Harbor. The discussion counts 29 aircraft shot down and another 20 constructive losses caused by battle damage and hard landings. Against approximately 360 aircraft launched from six carriers, that total is about fourteen percent. Aircraft destroyed in combat and aircraft written off after returning both reduced the carrier air groups available for later operations.