Japanese aircraft carrier Hosho
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The 7,410 ton Japanese aircraft carrier Hosho (鳳翔) (meaning "Diving Phoenix") was the first purpose-designed aircarft carrier in the world, commissioned in December 1922, 7 months before the HMS Hermes.
Being the first of her kind, the Hosho was actively used to develop the aircraft carrier operational methods and tactics of the Japanese Navy during the 1920's.
By the beginning of World War II, the Hosho had been superseded by other models, and was relegated to training duty. She saw action however during the Battle of Midway, offering modest air support to the main fleet.
After the war, she was used as a transport to repatriate Japanese personnel from abroad until June 1946, before being dismantled in 1947.
Dimensions: 168m x 21.3m x 6m Load: 26 airplanes Speed: 25 knots Armament: 4 x 140mm