What Shokaku gained over Hiryu

Shokaku improved on Hiryu while preserving the speed needed for fleet operations. The comparison gives Hiryu 34 knots and Shokaku 34.5 knots, despite the newer class's greater displacement. The main dual-purpose battery grew from six twin 127 mm mountings to eight, and Shokaku also carried twelve triple 25 mm mountings. Its deck protection was thicker across the quoted range, while the belt figures extended both below and above Hiryu's. Aircraft capacity rose from Hiryu's 64 flying aircraft and nine spares to 72 and twelve. These gains made Shokaku a closer fit for Japanese requirements, but only two ships of the class were available.