In 1941, before the start of the Pacific War, the SAKITO MARU-class transports SANUKI and SAGARA MARUs were requisitioned from their owners by the IJN and converted to seaplane carriers/tenders at Mitsubishi Shipbuildings' Nagasaki (SANUKI) and Yokohama (SAGARA) shipyards. Both the SAGARA and SANUKI MARUs were rerated as transports in 1942.
Years Completed: | SANUKI MARU: 1939 SAGARA MARU: 1940 |
Displacement: | 7, 189-tons. |
Dimensions: | Length 479', beam 62', draft 32' td> |
Propulsion: | 2 Mitsubishi-Sulzer diesels, 2 shaft, 16, 0600 shp. |
Armament: | 2 x 5.9-inch, 2 x 13mm MG |
Conversion: | Aft well deck fitted with two 56' catapults, cranes fitted to recover aircraft. |
Aircraft: | 8 Type 95 Kawanishi E8N “Dave” 2 seat reconnaissance float biplanes, 4 Type 0 Aichi E13A1 "Jakes" . |