The I400 class of submarines was a series of Japanese submarines designed and built during World War II. These submarines were the largest in the world at the time, with a displacement of over 5,900 tons and a length of 122 meters. They were designed to carry three Aichi M6A Seiran floatplane bombers, which could be launched from a catapult on the submarine's deck. The I400 class was intended to be used as a long-range attack submarine, capable of striking enemy ships and ports from a distance.
Design and Construction
The I400 class was designed by the Japanese Navy’s Kure Naval Arsenal, with the first submarine, I-400, being laid down in January 1943. The submarines were constructed using a combination of welded and riveted steel, with a hull design that allowed them to dive to depths of up to 100 meters. They were powered by four diesel-electric engines, which provided a top speed of 18.7 knots on the surface and 6.5 knots submerged. The submarines were also equipped with a snorkel system, which allowed them to recharge their batteries while remaining submerged.
Armament and Aircraft
The I400 class was armed with eight 533mm torpedo tubes, as well as a 140mm deck gun and three 25mm anti-aircraft guns. However, their primary armament was the three Aichi M6A Seiran floatplane bombers that they carried. These aircraft were designed to be launched from the submarine’s catapult, and were equipped with a range of bombs and torpedoes. The Seiran was a highly advanced aircraft for its time, with a top speed of over 460 km/h and a range of over 1,000 km.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 122 meters |
| Beam | 12 meters |
| Draft | 7 meters |
| Displacement | 5,900 tons |
| Speed | 18.7 knots (surface), 6.5 knots (submerged) |
| Range | 37,500 nautical miles |
Service History
Only three I400 class submarines were completed before the end of World War II: I-400, I-401, and I-402. I-400 and I-401 were both commissioned in December 1944, and were used for a number of missions against Allied shipping in the Pacific. However, they were not successful in sinking any enemy ships, and were eventually surrendered to the United States at the end of the war. I-402 was converted into a tanker submarine before being completed, and was used to transport fuel and supplies to Japanese forces in the field.
Post-War Fate
After the war, the I400 class submarines were taken over by the United States and used for a number of tests and experiments. I-400 and I-401 were both sunk as targets in 1946, while I-402 was scrapped in 1946. The Aichi M6A Seiran floatplane bombers that were carried by the I400 class were also tested by the United States, and were found to be highly advanced and capable aircraft.
In the context of the game World of Warships, the I400 is a Tier X Japanese submarine that is capable of launching aircraft and engaging enemy ships with its torpedoes and deck gun. It is a highly unique and powerful ship that requires a high degree of skill and strategy to play effectively.
What was the primary purpose of the I400 class submarines?
+The primary purpose of the I400 class submarines was to serve as long-range attack submarines, capable of striking enemy ships and ports from a distance. They were designed to carry three Aichi M6A Seiran floatplane bombers, which could be launched from a catapult on the submarine’s deck.
How many I400 class submarines were completed before the end of World War II?
+Only three I400 class submarines were completed before the end of World War II: I-400, I-401, and I-402.
What happened to the I400 class submarines after the war?
+After the war, the I400 class submarines were taken over by the United States and used for a number of tests and experiments. I-400 and I-401 were both sunk as targets in 1946, while I-402 was scrapped in 1946.
