IJN Oyodo - Japan's Experimental Command Cruiser

The Japanese Navy had a habit of making interesting designs. Sometimes these were ahead of their day. The Fubuki-class destroyers being an excellent example. Other times, these were...of questionable utility. Ryujo and the I-400s are the prime examples here. Oyodo is one of the most interesting of the bunch. A submarine command cruiser, which seems like the kind of 'wacky concept' that the Japanese loved. Probably not the best use of resources, in the end. However, the ship would ultimately end up as a flagship instead. Her extensive command facilities given a new, and arguably more useful, role. Even if it meant the ship largely missed out on actual combat. Further Reading: www.amazon.com/Japanese-Cruisers-Pacific-Eric-Croi… www.amazon.com/Imperial-Japanese-Pacific-General-M… www.amazon.com/Warships-Imperial-Japanese-Navy-186… www.combinedfleet.com/oyodo_t.htm

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