Anatomy of the Battleship Yamato

  • By Susan K. Lewis
  • Posted 12.01.09
  • NOVA

In the mid-1930s, the Japanese Navy commissioned a ship called Yamato intended to be the greatest battleship in the world—with more powerful guns, advanced optics, and impenetrable armor. But by the time it entered service in 1941, aircraft carriers had begun to eclipse battleships in naval warfare, and Yamato fell victim to an air attack near the war's end. On this detailed blueprint, see what made the seemingly unsinkable ship vulnerable.

Launch Interactive Printable Version

Explore a marvel of Japanese WWII technology, the largest battleship ever built.

Credits

Images

(All diagrams)
© Janusz Skulski 1988, Reproduced by permission Chrysalis Books Group Plc.
(video still)
© BangBang Singapore Private Ltd.

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