Type A Kō-hyōteki-class submarine

by Gene Berger
Member since 08-Sep-1989

Build Type: Scratch

Country: Japan

Era: 1914-1945

Length Range: 040-80 feet (12-24m)

Model Material:

  • Fiberglass
  • Resin

Model Type: Radio Controlled

Propulsion Type: Electic Motor

Scale: 1:32 (3/8″ = 1′)

Subject Type: Vessel→ Naval and Privateer→ Steel Navy→ Submarine

About the vessel

This was the first class of midget submarines to be deployed by the Japanese Navy. Five took part in the attack on Pearl Harbor, two actually entering the harbor itself. They were armed with two muzzle-loaded torpedoes, and had a crew of two.

They were typically transported to and from their operating areas on the decks of larger submarines. Thus, they did not have any living accommodations of their own. The original intent was to deploy the midget submarines in the path of enemy fleets, but ultimately they were used for harbor attacks and coastal defense.

Midget subs were not named, given only a hull number with the prefix “Ha” (e.g., Ha-23). Operationally, a midget submarine was referred by the number of its mother ship. For example, when I-24 launched Ha-19, the midget was known as “I-24tou” (alternately, “M24”).

Model Image

Click photo for a large image

About the Model

The model was built primarily of fiberglass and resin, from plans based on measurements taken from a vessel on display at Groton Submarine Force Library & Museum. It was fitted out for remote control, but was never “launched”. It will likely remain on the builder’s shelf, safe and sound where it cannot meet the same fate as Ha-19 or the other 4 that attempted to operate in American waters.

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