¹⁄350

The Japanese Navy in World War II always seemed to be experimenting with unusual, if not cutting edge technology in an attempt to turn the tide of war back in their favor. Aoshima’s October release of the 1/350 cruiser submarine I-41 is another example of this all-or-nothing strategy. The I-41 was to participate in YU-GO Sakusen (Operation "Supremacy”). By attacking the USN forward base at Majuro where the US carriers were stationed, it was to be a second “Pearl Harbor”.

Aoshima’s I-41 carries two Type 4 "Ka-Tsu" amphibious tanks on its afterdeck. In this configuration, Aoshima’s kit represents the I-41 with her combat load for "Tatsumaki Sakusen” (Operation Tornado), the submarine portion of YU-GO Sakusen. The 16-ton Type 4 amphibious tanks carried Type 2 (450-mm) surface-launched torpedoes with a 350-kg Type 97 explosive warhead. Type 2 torpedoes were usually launched from torpedo boats. The Type 2 was a simplified variant of Type 91 Mod. 3 aerial torpedo. The small 17-foot tank’s 62-horsepower gasoline engine was fitted with a watertight pressure box. The plan called for the tanks to approach the atoll, swim ashore, cross the land, enter the lagoon and attack the anchored American carriers. Interestingly enough, this idea was promoted by Rear Admiral Kuroshima ("Gandhi") Kameto (44th), one of Admiral (Fleet Admiral, posthumously) Yamamoto Isoroku’s former staff operations officers and Pearl Harbor planner.

The 1/350 I-41 is currently available for the retail price of $34.85. Aoshima’s kit of the IJN cruiser submarine I-41 includes two tracked amphibious vehicles.

Images courtesy of Aoshima and HLJ.