(Scanned from Erminio Bagnasco's "Submarines of World War Two")
These giant submarines were originally of the A2 type, but the design was revised after construction started in order to enable them to carry a second aircraft. The seaplanes were to be the Aichi M6A1, a bomber able to carry a torpedo or an 800kg bomb. The range of these boats was extraordinary, but underwater performance of these boats was badly compromised, and these must have been exceptionally easy targets.
I-13 was sunk by destroyer escort USS Lawrence C. Taylor and aircraft from escort carrier USS Anzio 550 miles east of Yokosuka on 16 July 1945. I-14 surrendered at sea at the end of the war, and was later scrapped.
Two additional ships were laid down, but not completed, and three more were canceled.
| Units | 2 (one survived) |
|---|---|
| Ships | I-13, I-14 |
| Year(s) Completed | 1944-1945 |
| Displacement | 3,603 tons / 4,762 tons |
| Dimensions | 372.8 ft x 38.5 ft x 19.3 ft | Machinery | 2 diesels: 4,400 hp
electric motors: 600 hp |
| Speed | 16.75 knots / 5.5 knots |
| Range | 21,000 nm @ 16 knots |
| Armament | 6x533mm TT fwd + 1x14cm/50 cal. (12 Torpedoes) + two seaplane bombers. |
| Max. Depth | 100 m (330 feet) |
| Crew | 118 officers and men |
