Three Runways? How Japan’s Ambitious Aircraft Carrier Turned into a Mockery

Aircraft Carrier with Three Runways
Intended initially as a Cruiser
Symbol of Japanese Naval Victory

The Design of a Weapon is Directly Linked to Its Purpose and Performance. Therefore, the same type of weapon can take on entirely different forms depending on what the maker expects.

You might think that if the purpose of an aircraft carrier is to transport and land aircraft, most would look similar. However, one aircraft carrier boasts a design unlike any other in the world. The show’s star is the Akagi, an aircraft carrier operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy during the Pacific War.

Three Runways and 8-Inch Extension Guns
It Wasn’t Originally an Aircraft Carrier

The Akagi is a three-story structure with one runway on each floor, comprising three runways. The bottom two runways were designed for aircraft take-off, while the top one was prepared for landing. However, in reality, take-offs and landings took place only on the top deck. The bottom deck was equipped with 8-inch extension guns and was not used as a flight deck or bridge.

This design flaw was because the ship was not originally built as an aircraft carrier. It was initially planned to be made as an Amagi-class cruiser. However, due to the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922, which imposed a limit on the number of cruisers, the Akagi, which was already being built as a cruiser, was converted into an aircraft carrier, enabling it to perform both the roles of an aircraft carrier and a cruiser.

Design Contradictory to Initial Purpose
Ultimately Led to Its Sinking

With three runways and additional extension guns, the ship’s weight exceeded its limit, and it was common for the ship to tilt to the point of capsizing when trying to change direction. Nevertheless, it participated in all major naval battles, from Pearl Harbor to the Coral Sea and Midway.

However, during the Battle of Midway, a bomb from the U.S. hit the top deck of the Akagi. The bomb penetrated the third deck and caused a subsequent explosion on the floor below, which happened to be the hangar for Japan’s B5N bombers. This massive explosion rendered the Akagi combat ineffective, and it eventually sank due to continued attacks. The Akagi, which was designed to perform two roles, was unable to perform either adequately. With anti-aircraft guns mounted in odd locations and a small number of aircraft, it could not put up a proper resistance.

Aircraft Carriers Are Important Strategic Assets
They Must Be Built Carefully

Experts say that aircraft carriers are essential for victory in large-scale modern warfare. They require more construction and maintenance costs than any other weapon, but there is no other weapon that guarantees such a sure victory. However, at the same time, they can also cause catastrophic damage that is irreparable when destroyed.

Recently, there have been reports of South Korea’s aircraft carrier introduction project being in limbo. It is necessary to consider the feasibility and strategic nature of this project objectively, and a serious review is needed to determine whether this is a weapon that we need.