Taiho Aircraft Carrier

Taiho was Japan’s first completed fleet carrier with an armored flight deck. Commissioned during the later Pacific War, it embodied attempts to improve carrier protection while supporting a substantial air group. Its service was cut short at the Battle of the Philippine Sea in June 1944 after an American submarine torpedo hit and subsequent internal explosions. The loss demonstrated that armor alone could not compensate for damage-control failures and the dangers associated with aviation fuel. The armored flight deck represented a significant change in Japanese fleet-carrier protection, but internal damage control remained crucial. A submarine torpedo hit during the Philippine Sea battle led to fuel-vapor problems and a catastrophic explosion. The loss shows how heavy protection could not compensate for every vulnerability within a complex aviation ship.

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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