Ōhama-class target ship

The Ōhama-class target ship (大濱型標的艦) was a bombing target ship class of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), serving during World War II. 5 vessels were planned under the Kai-Maru 5 Programme (Ship #5411–5415), however, only lead ship Ōhama was completed.

Design and Construction
Project number J36. In 1941, the IJN decided to build bombing target ship JAPANESE TARGET SHIP Hakachi. However, her speed was less than 20 knots. The IJN wanted the high-speed target ship which could support s and s. The IJN gave 33 knots speed to new target ship class. She had the destroyer hull to get 33 knots speed, therefore she mounted same as machinery, and she was able to bear 10 kilogram bomb dropped from 4000 m meters sky. Her armaments only four anti-aircraft machine guns at first, however, the IJN lost a lot of destroyers between 1942–1944. Furthermore, a mass production of the Kaibokan were too late. Ōhama was converted to escort ship, and she mounted many anti-aircraft arms and anti-submarine weapons. On 10 January 1945, lead ship Ōhama was completed.

Service
Ōhama was assigned to the Combined Fleet on 10 January 1945. However, she was not given a target ship duties, because Japan was defeated in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and Battle of Leyte Gulf. She spent her time on convoy escort operations in the Yokosuka area. In August 1945, she was dispatched to Onagawa Local Defense Squadron, she was sunk by aircraft on 9 August 1945. Second ship Ōsashi was discontinued in 1945. Other three vessels were canceled in 1944.