FS03 IJN MIDGET SUBMARINE A-TARGET TYPE A "SYDNEY BAY"

Type A miniature submarines (also known as type Ko-hyotecs ) are Japanese submarines from the interwar period and World War II. The total length of the Type A ships was 23.9 meters and 1.8 meters wide. Underwater displacement reached approx. 46-47 tons, and the maximum speed while submerged up to 19 knots. However, the range of the weapon was relatively small and at a speed of 2 knots it was only about 100 nautical miles (about 190 kilometers). The armament consisted of two 450 mm torpedoes. The concept of using miniature submarines was born in the Japanese Navy in the 1920s, and the first projects of such units that could enter production arose in the next decade. One of the most successful units of this type, and at the same time surrounded by great secrecy, was the A type. Its production was primarily the responsibility of the Ourazaki shipyard in Kure, which between 1938 and 1942 produced 57 such units. Type A miniature submarines were characterized by a very high underwater speed, but also a highly limited range, poor sea prowess and low comfort of the crew's work, which at times was dangerous to their health and life. It is worth adding that originally it was assumed that Type A ships would be transferred by surface vessels, only the first experience of their use led to their use with larger submarines. The most famous combat actions of these units were participation in the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and the attack on the port of Sydney in May 1942.