By 1943, the heavy losses of merchant shipping to American submarines caused
the IJN to move escorts up in their warship building priorities. In the spring
of 1943, the Type C was designed as a simplified version of the Type B (Mikura
and Ukuru) Class. The first unit was laid down in September 1943. 132 units were
ordered and construction of Type C escorts continued until the end of the war.
The hull design was further simplified and electric welding was used extensively
during manufacturing. Although almost 200 tons lighter than the Type B design,
the Type Cs were fitted with inferior engines and could make no more that 16.5
knots. They also had one less 4.7-inch gun in their main armament.
Type C (Class I)(odd-numbered) Escort Vessels
Builders and
Years Completed:Various
1944-1945
Displacement:
745-tons standard.
Dimensions:
206.75' x 27.5' x 9.5'
Propulsion:
2-shaft geared diesel engines, 1900 b.h.p, speed
16.5 knots
Armament:
2 x 4.7-inch 120-mm)/45 cal HA, 6 Type 96 25-mm
AA (2x2), an 3-inch (80-mm) trench mortar and 120 depth charges. During
the war, the class was fitted with additional Type 96 25-mm guns bringing
their total to 12.
