(Sagara Maru in 1942 camouflage)
In 1941, before the start of the Pacific War, the SAKITO MARU-class
transports SANUKI and SAGARA MARUs were requisitioned from their owners by the
IJN and converted to seaplane carriers/tenders at Mitsubishi Shipbuildings'
Nagasaki (SANUKI) and Yokohama (SAGARA) shipyards. Both the SAGARA and SANUKI
MARUs were rerated as transports in 1942.
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|
| Years Completed: |
SANUKI MARU: 1939
SAGARA MARU: 1940
|
| Displacement: |
7, 189-tons. |
| Dimensions: |
Length 479', beam 62', draft 32' td> |
| Propulsion: |
2 Mitsubishi-Sulzer diesels, 2 shaft, 16, 0600
shp. |
| Armament: |
2 x 5.9-inch, (plus 2 x 3-inch AA - KIMIKAWA and KIYOKAWA MARUs only), 2 x 13mm MG |
| Conversion: |
Aft well deck fitted with two 56' catapults, cranes fitted to recover aircraft. |
| Aircraft: |
8 Type 95 Kawanishi E8N “Dave” 2 seat reconnaissance float biplanes, 4 Type 0 Aichi E13A1 "Jakes" . |
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