The were the only class of purpose-built cable layers of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), serving during World War II. Four vessels were built in 1939âÂÂ41 under the Maru 4 Programme.
Apart from laying communications cables, these ships were also designed as mine planters, for the installation of controlled mines in coastal fortifications.
Ships in class
Project number J21.
Photos
Footnotes
Bibliography
- Monthly Ships of the World, Special issue Vol.45, "Escort Vessels of the Imperial Japanese Navy", , (Japan), February 1996
- The Maru Special, Japanese Naval Vessels No.47, "Japanese naval mine warfare crafts", (Japan), January 1981
- Senshi SÃ
Âsho Vol.31, Naval armaments and war preparation (1), "Until November 1941", Asagumo Simbun (Japan), November 1969