Shohatsu-class landing craft

The Shohatsu (小発) or 10m landing craft was a small landing craft used by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. It was used for landing personnel and stores. It was designated the "Type B" landing craft by the United States.[1]

Class overview
NameShohatsu Class, Landing Craft
Operators
General characteristics (Shohatsu-class landing craft)
TypeLanding Craft/Barge
Tonnage4.4 tons
Length34.9 ft (10.64 m)o/a
Beam8 ft (2.44 m)
Draught1.11 ft (0.34 m)
Speed7.5 knots (13.9 km/h)
Range60 nautical miles (111 km) at 7.5 knots (13.9 km/h)
Capacity35 men or 3.5 tons cargo
Complement5
Armament1 machine gun

Design

The Shohatsu class were 34.9 ft (10.64 m) long, 8 ft (2.44 m) wide, and had a draft of 1.11 ft (0.34 m). The class had a maximum speed of 7.5 knots (13.9 km/h), and a range of 60 nautical miles (111 km), assuming they were travelling at top speed. The ship could hold 35 men, or 3.5 tons of cargo. It was built of steel,[2] and had a single bow with no landing ramp.

Service history

It was carried by destroyers and smaller vessels as a cargo boat. Japan ordered 20 of the Shohatsu class land crafts, but it is not known how many of them were actually finished and delivered.[2]

References

Citations

Websites

Further reading

  • Jentschura, Hansgeorg; Jung, Dieter; and Mickel, Peter. Translated by Brown, J.D. 1977. Warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy, 1869–1945. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 0-87021-893-X.
  • Military Monograph Series - Japanese Landing Craft of World War II. Merriam Press. ISBN 1-57638-049-1


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