Japanese planning was moving toward task groups with separate surface escorts. Improvements to the Kongō class supported the class's use in securing and protecting carrier formations. Planned super cruisers would have performed a similar escort role around carrier battle groups. Japan was developing fast surface escorts for aviation ships while American studies continued to combine the escort and carrier roles in one hull.
Notable Point · 22:06-22:45
Kongō modernization points toward carrier task groups
Work on the Kongō class and planned super cruisers reflected Japan's shift toward fast surface escorts for carrier formations.