Фотоальбом IJN Hosho

Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hōshō conducts initial full power trials in Tateyama Bay, Japan. 1922 Kure Maritime Museum, Japanese Naval Warship Photo Album: Aircraft carrier and Seaplane carrier, Supervisory editor: Kazushige Todaka, p. 11. Public domain

Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hōshō in October 1945 after Japan's surrender. The image shows the ship's extended and widened flight deck. Ships of the World via Stille, Mark Imperial Japanese Navy Aircraft Carriers 1921-45, Osprey Publishing,

Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hōshō at Yokosuka after removal of the flight deck island. 22 Sep 1924 Kure Maritime Museum, Japanese Naval Warship Photo Album: Aircraft carrier and Seaplane carrier, Supervisory editor: Kazushige Todaka, p. 14.

japanese carrier hosho during trials, early 1923 IJN Archives

An unidentified aircraft lands on the Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hōshō at an unidentified location sometime around the Shanghai Incident. 1932 Renga Kantai Fujo-su, KK Best Sellers.

Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hōshō (right foreground) in an unidentified port in Japan after its return from the Battle of Midway. 1942 Renga Kantai Fujo-su, KK Best Sellers

A view of the underside of the flightdeck of the Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hōshō. View on the ship's forecastle, 13 October 1945. Hosho was then at Kure, Japan, undergoing conversion to a repatriation transport. Note her overhanging flight deck and anchor handling machinery. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Hangar of light carrier Hosho, 3 Oct 1945 Interior of the ship's hangar, 13 October 1945, showing temporary deck built to provide extra berthing space. Hosho was then at Kure, Japan, undergoing conversion to a repatriation transport.

USN ID profile

USN ID Profile

Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carriers Hōshō (foreground) and Kaga (background) at an unknown location during the China Incident in 1937. Hideki Shingō via Hata, Ikuhiko; Yasuho Izawa, Don Cyril Gorham (translator) (1975 (original) 1989 (translation). Japanese Naval Aces and Fighter Units in World War II. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press.

Hosho Japanese Post card circa 1921-22

Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hōshō at Kure, Japan in 1945 after the end of World War II. United States Government - Kure Maritime Museum, Japanese Naval Warship Photo Album: Aircraft carrier and Seaplane carrier, Supervisory editor: Kazushige Todaka, p. 15.

Japanese aircraft carrier Hōshō in Tokyo Bay 1922 Kure Maritime Museum, Japanese Naval Warship Photo Album: Aircraft carrier and Seaplane carrier, Supervisory editor: Kazushige Todaka, p. 11.

Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hōshō outside Yokosuka. On deck is a Mitsubishi 1MF Type 10 fighter aircraft undergoing landing trials. Feb 1923 Imperial Japanese Navy - Kure Maritime Museum, Japanese Naval Warship Photo Album: Aircraft carrier and Seaplane carrier, Supervisory editor: Kazushige Todaka, p. 13.

Japanese battleship Yamato under construction at the Kure Naval Base, Japan, September 20, 1941. The aircraft carrier Hosho is at the extreme right. The supply ship Mamiya is in the center distance. Kure Naval Base. This photo is part of the records in the Yamato Museum. The photo can be seen at the US Naval Historical Center.

Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hōshō undergoes initial trials off Tateyama, Japan. 4 Dec 1922 Kure Maritime Museum, Japanese Naval Warship Photo Album: Aircraft carrier and Seaplane carrier, Supervisory editor: Kazushige Todaka, p. 9.

Imperial Japanese Navy aircraft carrier Hōshō at Kure, Japan in 1945 after the end of World War II. United States Government - Kure Maritime Museum, Japanese Naval Warship Photo Album: Aircraft carrier and Seaplane carrier, Supervisory editor: Kazushige Todaka, p. 15.

Hosho 1921

Hosho Profile - 1924 D.H.Jones

Hosho Profile - 1945 D.H.Jones

Hosho Profile 1942

Hosho Profile - 1936 D.H.Jones

Hosho Aircrafts - 1924 D.H.Jones

The Mitsubishi 1MF was among the first designs produced for the Mitsubishi Internal Combustion Engine Co. Ltd, set up by the Mitsubishi industrial concern in 1920. One of three types designed by Herbert Smith, formerly of the British Sopwith company, to meet requirements issued by the Imperial Japanese Navy for aircraft to equip its first aircraft-carrier (the Hosho), the 1MF1 initial version was an unequal-span single-seat carrier-based fighter biplane, powered by a 223kW Hispano-Suiza 8 engine, which entered production in 1921 as the Navy Type 10-1 Carrier Fighter. It was followed by the 1MF2, an experimental variant with modified upper-wing ailerons. The series Type 10-2 or 1MF3 had twin Lamblin radiators fitted between the landing gear legs, the Type 10-3 (1MF4) had the pilot's cockpit relocated farther forward and a redesigned tailplane, while the 1MF5A was a version of the 1MF4 with experimental flotation gear. Production of the 1MF series ended in 1928 with the 138th example. The Type 10 proved a tough, reliable fighter and remained in service for a number of years, latterly as an advanced trainer.

HOSHO 1922

Carrier Hosho running full power trials, Tateyama Bay, Japan, 30 Nov 1922 Kure Maritime Museum, Japanese Naval Warship Photo Album: Aircraft carrier and Seaplane carrier, Supervisory editor: Kazushige Todaka, p. 10.

HOSHO in 1931 When transferred to training.

Hosho funnels Lowered to horizontal position 1932

HOSHO 1928

Mitsubishi 2MR - Hosho 1922 Another Herbert Smith design, the first example of the Mitsubishi 2MR two-seat carried-based reconnaissance biplane flew in January 1922. The type entered service as the Type 10 Carrier Reconnaissance Biplane and was built in a number of versions. The 2MR1 had a frontal radiator for its 224kW Hispano-Suiza 8 engine, while the 2MR2 had twin underslung Lamblin radiators and redesigned tail surfaces. The 2MR4, which was the main production version, had some further revisions of the wing and tail unit, and other variants with minor changes were the 2MRT1, 2MRT2, 2MRT2A, 2MRT3 and 2MRT3A. Total production of all versions was 159, the last machine leaving the workshops in 1930. After long carrier service, the 2MR was used as a trainer in the late 1930s. The 2MR4 version spanned 12.04m, had a maximum take-off weight of 1320kg, and was armed with two fixed forward-firing 7.7mm machine-guns, with twin guns of the same calibre mounted over the observer's cockpit, and could carry three 30kg bombs. The R-2.2 and R-4 civil conversions had an enclosed cabin for two passengers replacing the rear cockpit, and a number of ex-army surplus 2MRs were sold on the civil market in the 1930s.

Mitsubishi 1MF - Hosho 1921 The Mitsubishi 1MF was among the first designs produced for the Mitsubishi Internal Combustion Engine Co. Ltd, set up by the Mitsubishi industrial concern in 1920. One of three types designed by Herbert Smith, formerly of the British Sopwith company, to meet requirements issued by the Imperial Japanese Navy for aircraft to equip its first aircraft-carrier (the Hosho), the 1MF1 initial version was an unequal-span single-seat carrier-based fighter biplane, powered by a 223kW Hispano-Suiza 8 engine, which entered production in 1921 as the Navy Type 10-1 Carrier Fighter. It was followed by the 1MF2, an experimental variant with modified upper-wing ailerons. The series Type 10-2 or 1MF3 had twin Lamblin radiators fitted between the landing gear legs, the Type 10-3 (1MF4) had the pilot's cockpit relocated farther forward and a redesigned tailplane, while the 1MF5A was a version of the 1MF4 with experimental flotation gear. Production of the 1MF series ended in 1928 with the 138th example. The Type 10 proved a tough, reliable fighter and remained in service for a number of years, latterly as an advanced trainer.

Sopwith Cuckoo - First Landings on Hosho It was the first true aircraft carrier (as opposed to seaplane tenders) based torpedoplane and one of the first, if not the first aeroplane type to be specifically designed for operations from flat top aircraft carrier decks. One less well known aspect of the Cuckoo's history is that the type was exported to the Imperial Japanese Navy. In 1921 six Cuckoos and a small naval aviation team was sent to Japan as the British Mission, lead by Colonel the Master of Sempill, to advise the IJN in naval aviation matters. Other aircraft sent include Avro 504Ls on floats, Sopwith Pups, Gloster Sparrowhawks and two Blackburn Swift torpedoplanes. Although the Cuckoos and the Swifts were used only for training, there is no doubt that they made landings aboard Hosho, Japan's first aircraft carrier. Photos survive showing Swifts and Cuckoos carrying out torpedo drops in Tokyo Bay.

RUYHO seen from the Hosho

Mistsubishi 2MR1 on the deck of aircraft carrier Hosho

Photoselection Japan's first landing on an aircraft carrier based fighter "Hosho" (Mitsubishi 1MF3) February 28, 1923 was first implemented takeoff and landing fighter Mitsubishi 1MF Type 10, the deck has just put into operation the aircraft carrier "Hosho" English pilot William Jordon, Herbert Smith team member, made nine of takeoffs and landings on an aircraft carrier. During this Jordon received as a lump sum award of 10 thousand yen (some istochnikam- 15 thousand) - a fantastic amount for 1923. To estimate the amount of the premium, it must be remembered that the then yen was rigidly tied to the gold reserves of Japan and 1 yen was 1.5 grams of gold, so for his flight at the same time Jordon received 15 kg of pure gold! A month later, the Japanese pilot (ml. Lieutenant) Shunichi Kira was the first in Japan to take off and landing on the deck of an aircraft carrier.

Mitsubishi 1MF3 on Hosho Clearly visible longitudinal wires strung along the flight deck of an aircraft carrier Hosё. It was believed that they help the aircraft to withstand course on the narrow deck of the ship. It turned out futile and removed.

Probably among the first takeoff and landings on carriers ever... Lieutenant Jordon with his 1MF3. Clearly visible longitudinal wires strung along the flight deck.

Logitudinal cables instaled to "avoid planes from faling sideways" Walk on the flight deck, stepping over dozens of longitudinal cable not easy - the real beguining...

Torpedo practice Tokyo Bay

Hosho at Yokosuka in September 1931 (colorized picture)

Very rare picture of probably the first fighter carrier squadron ever... Hosho

Mitsubishi 2MT5 A-359 Hosho

Blackburn Swift bought from the UK for testing on Hosho

Mitsubishi 1MF The first take off and landing on the Hosho February 28 1923 by William Jordan. In 1921 Herbert Smith was invited to Nagoya to help Mitsubishi in develop what would not only be the worlds Thefirst purposely designed carrier fighter, but also the first airplane to land and take off from the worlds first purposely designed aircraft carrier: the Mitsubishi Type 10 fighter (1921 was the 10:th year of the emperor Taisho's regime). Smith was Mitsubishi's prime choice as he had earlier designed the successful Sopwith Pup and the Sopwith Triplane. The 1MF was fighter of classic design, cloth covered wooden structure with two 7.7 machineguns. A 300 hp Hispano Suiza 300 hp 8 cylinder V water cooled engine powered the aircraft's which could keep airborne for 150 minutes. The first prototype was completed in October 1921 and had a honeycomb radiator in front of the engine. The new fighter was successfully tested and accepted by the Navy as a replacement for the Gloster Sparrowhawk the following month. The Type 10 served with operational units from 1923 until 1930 when it was replaced by the Nakajima A1N Type 3 fighter. The production version of the airplane had the honeycomb radiator replaced by Lamblin radiators which Mitsubishi got the manufacturing rights for in 1923. The radiators were two small drums with cooling fins placed bellow the wing. The redesign gave the fighter a more pointed and streamlined nose. A total of 138 Type 10 fighters were built between 1921 and 1929. The last ones being trainers. To enable carrier landings the Type 10 was equipped with claws mounted on the wheel axles. The claws were designed to grab the arresting wires on the carrier Hosho. The wires were in British style for the period running from the bow to the stern. The idea behind this was that the wires would guide the aircraft when landing and prevent it from steering off course. Additional wires were also stretched across the deck to help stop the plane. The bow-stern wire arrangement was not very reliable and were soon deleted. The first take off and landing on the Hosho was made February 28 1923 by William Jordan, who was a member of Herbert Smith's team. For this achievement Jordan earned 10.000 Yen (15.000 according to some sources), never the less a huge amount of money in 1923. A month later Shunichi Kira became the first Japanese aviator to land on the carrier.

Mitsubishi 1MF3 The Type 10 fighters that went into production were all 1MF-2's. The first subtype being the 1MF3 with the honeycomb radiator replaced by the Lamblin type. The profile bellow shows a 1MF3 from the aircraft carrier Hosho. The "A" carrier identification code was used until 1926 when it was replaced by Katakana.

Mistsubishi A5M2 Trainer Hosho 1943

Hosho on first sea trials 1922

Avro 504 Roe trainer, seaplane version. A total of 78 examples of the Roe type were imported starting from 1921 until production was taken over by Nakajima (250 examples) and Aichi (30). Note again the “J.N. letters on the fuselage and the overall color. The aircraft carrier on the right is "Hosho"

Hosho at Battle of Midway Recon Squadron - Yokosuka B4Y1 Jean Hosho 1942 During the Battle of Midway, where she gave the battleships of Yamamoto's Main Body a tiny organic air capability, the Hosho was carrying eight B4Y Jean torpedo bombers. It was one of these planes that took the famous picture of the burning Hiryu after she had been pummeled by Dauntless bombers at Midway. After Midway, the Japanese fleet was desperate for carrier decks. Despite this, the Hosho was removed from active duty as a combatant on June 20th, 1942. She was then used exclusively for landing exercises and carrier training in the Inland Sea of Japan.

Hosho 1943японском авианосце "Хосё" (鳳翔, что означает «Летящий Феникс»): Водоизмещение: 9,630 тонн (нормальное), 7,470 тонн (стандартное) Размеры: 165 x 18 x 6 метров (541 x 59 x 20 футов) Двигательная установка: Паровые турбины, 8 котлов, 2 вала, 30,000 л.с., скорость 25 узлов Экипаж: 550 человек Бронирование: отсутствует Вооружение: 4 орудия калибра 5.5 дюймов/50, 2 зенитные пушки калибра 3.1 дюйма/40 Авиация: 21 самолёт Изначально "Хосё" был заказан как нефтяной танкер под названием «Хирю» (Hiryu) по плану флота "8-6", но в 1920 году было принято решение изменить проект на авианосец. Предполагается, что на дизайн "Хосё" повлияла британская миссия Сэмфилла (Semphill Mission), находившаяся в Японии в то время. Тем не менее, "Хосё" стал первым кораблем, который был построен с самого начала как авианосец. Английский авианосец HMS Hermes, спроектированный в то же время, был завершен на год позже. Его большая сестра, корабль «Сёкаку», была запланирована, но отменена после подписания Вашингтонского морского договора в 1922 году. "Хосё" был спущен на воду в 1922 году на верфи Asano Shipbuilding Yards в Тсуруми (Tsurumi). Изначально на борту имелась "островная" конструкция на правом борту, которая служила командным мостиком и пунктом наблюдения за полетами. Однако при испытаниях она показала себя неудовлетворительно и в 1923 году была заменена на мостик, расположенный спереди и ниже уровня палубы. Это позволило расширить лётную палубу. "Хосё" был оснащён тремя шарнирными дымоходами, которые могли устанавливаться горизонтально или вертикально в зависимости от условий. В конечном итоге дымоходы были зафиксированы в вертикальном положении. В 1944 году длина палубы была увеличена с 519 до 579 футов. Первый взлёт с палубы "Хосё" состоялся 22 февраля 1923 года на истребителе Mitsubishi 1MF Type 10, одном из трёх самолётов, специально разработанных для авианосца. Другими были разведывательный самолёт Mitsubishi 2MR и торпедоносец-триплан 1MT. Первая посадка была выполнена британским гражданским пилотом Джорданом (Jourdan) 23 февраля. Изначально система посадки на "Хосё" использовала британский метод с продольными тросами вдоль палубы и поперечными тросами, но она оказалась неэффективной и была заменена на традиционные поперечные посадочные тросы. С 1922 по 1927 годы, до ввода в строй авианосца "Акаги", "Хосё" был самым передовым авианосцем в японском флоте. В 1933 году он был выведен из регулярного состава флота и использовался как учебное судно. Он продолжал выполнять эту роль до начала Тихоокеанской войны и принимал участие в операциях у китайских берегов в 1940 году. На начало Второй мировой войны его зенитное вооружение было заменено на четыре спаренные 25-мм пулемёта. Позднее 14-см орудия были сняты, и было установлено больше одиночных и спаренных 25-мм пулемётов. Во время войны "Хосё" в основном использовался для тренировок, но участвовал в обороне на Мидуэйском сражении в 1942 году. Три года спустя он получил повреждения в результате американской воздушной атаки на Курэ. После войны "Хосё" использовался для репатриации японских граждан и солдат. Завершив эту миссию, он был отправлен на слом в 1947 году.