Focusing on the limited fleet of the Kriegsmarine, this book delves into the history and significance of the four battleships launched between 1935 and 1941. It explores their design, operational roles, and the strategic context within which they were developed, providing insights into naval warfare during that era. The narrative highlights the technological advancements and challenges faced by these vessels, offering a detailed examination of their impact on maritime history.
This book delves into the history and significance of two lesser-known battleships from World War II, offering insights into their design, operational roles, and the impact they had on naval warfare. Through detailed analysis and research, it uncovers the stories behind these vessels, highlighting their contributions and the strategic decisions surrounding their deployment. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of naval history and the technological advancements of the era.
Takao was the first of four Takao-class heavy cruisers designed to be an improvement over the previous My k -class design. The My k had proved to be unstable and required modifications, which were incorporated into the Takao design.The Takao-class ships were approved under the 1927 fiscal year budget as part of the Imperial Japanese Navy's strategy of the Decisive Battle, forming the backbone of a multipurpose long-range strike force. Takao was built by the Yokosuka Naval shipyards, and like her sister ships, was named after a mountain.Launched on 12 May 1930 at the Yokosuka Navy Yard and commissioned on 31 May 1932, she was the lead ship of her class, assigned to the Pacific from the start of the war. In early 1942, Takao operated in the Java Sea in operations culminating in the Battle of the Java Sea in early March, when one of Takao's floatplanes bombed the Dutch merchant ship Enggano. The next night, Takao and Atago overtook the old United States Navy destroyer Pillsbury and sank her with no survivors. Throughout the rest of the war she was involved in various Pacific campaigns against the Allies.About the This brand-new series focuses on the construction of famous ships - battleships, carriers, cruisers, and submarines. With groundbreaking 3D imagery, each corner, angle, and dimension of the ship is viewable. With various close-up views, and each 3D image based on actual technical scale drawings and photographs, this makes an exceptional reference tool. Information on the design, development and combat history of each vessel is also included, as well as numerous photographs and 1/350th scale drawings.
In-depth look at the Japanese heavy cruiser Aoba, veteran of the battles of Coral Sea, Savo Island and Cape Esperance - origins, construction, technical characteristics, armor, propulsion, armament, fire control, aircraft and operational history. Excellent visual guide to the ship from all aspects - overall and in detail - camouflage, modifications, weapons systems, boats, cranes, catapults even seaplanes. Features 100 scale drawings, color graphics, b/w photos and data tables. Also includes bonus double-sided, full color poster and 1/350 scale plans representing the ship's starboard and port profiles, bow and stern views plus overhead plan view and various scale detail scrap art. English text. 58 pages.
