Akitsu Maru Escort Carrier

Akitsu Maru was a Japanese Army transport designed to support amphibious and aviation-related operations. Its flight deck and landing-craft arrangements made it an unusual subject, but it was not a conventional navy fleet carrier with the same aircraft-launch and recovery system. The ship served during the Second World War and was sunk in 1944. Its history illustrates the Japanese Army’s independent maritime requirements and the sometimes unconventional vessels created to meet them. The vessel combined troop and equipment transport with facilities intended to support aircraft and landing operations. Its army ownership distinguished it from the navy’s fleet carriers. That unusual institutional role explains why it should not be evaluated simply as a small version of a conventional carrier intended for sustained fleet air combat.

Finish and color

Supplied unpainted and printed in the selected color. Choose from the available product color options.

Tabletop use

Suitable for period-appropriate custom scenarios in Global War 1936, Global Empires, and compatible Axis & Allies games. Use suitable scenario or house rules for unit statistics and any technology upgrades. This piece does not supply additional game rules.

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