Hatsutaka-class minelayer

The Hatsutaka-class minelayer (初鷹型敷設艦,) was a class of minelayers of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), serving during World War II. They have three sub classes, this article handles them collectively.

Design

 * The Hastutaka-class minelayer was reinforced model of the Shirataka. The Harima Zōsen Corporation dealt with all of the Hatsutaka-class.

Hatsutaka-class

 * Project number was H12. First production model of the Hatsutaka-class. 2 vessels were built in 1938-40 under the Maru 3 Programme (Ship # 7 - 8). They were equipped with 4 × 40 mm quick-firing guns for anti-submarine warfare.

Wakataka-class

 * Project number was H12B. Second production model of the Hatsutaka-class. Only 1 vessel was built under the Maru 4 Programme (Ship # 102). She was equipped with 2 × 76.2 mm anti-aircraft cannons. The Wakataka was classed in the Hatsutaka-class in the IJN official documents. The IJN called her the Modified Hatsutaka-class (改初鷹型,) unofficially.

Asadori-class

 * Project number was H12C. The Navy Technical Department revised the Wakataka drawings. Only 1 vessel was planned under the Kai-Maru 5 Programme (Ship # 5039). The IJN called her the Modified Wakataka-class (改若鷹型,) unofficially.