"Do you have a plan for forcing a decisive battle with the Pacific Fleet, and if so, at what time and in what location?"
The response from Admiral Hyakutake to Binta was straightforward.
"The timing should be before December 7. We can use the catchy slogan that the Pacific Fleet has been completely annihilated three times in less than two years. Also, if we strike too early, the Pacific Fleet might not take the bait. The current power gap between Japan and the United States is too great. However, things change towards the end of the year. By then, they should have accumulated considerable strength, and they won't likely avoid our challenge. As for the location, I think Midway would be suitable, but there's a possibility that the Pacific Fleet won't take the bait there. So, if we want to ensure success, Oahu seems to be the better choice. Furthermore, the Americans previously failed to defend Oahu. If they repeat the same mistake, it will be a significant blow, not only to the military but also to Roosevelt. Considering the political impact, Oahu seems to be the only choice."
Based on the information obtained, the Imperial Japanese Navy believes that by the middle to late 1943, several Essex-class and Independence-class carriers will be completed. However, the full-scale commissioning of these carriers will start in the middle to late part of the year. So, among the completed carriers, only around 10 to at most 12 or 13 can be sufficiently trained for combat within the year. Though not as much as battleships, carriers are still large vessels, and it takes some time for the crew to become accustomed to the ship.
"Suppose, hypothetically, that by December, the Pacific Fleet could deploy six large and six small carriers, totaling 800 planes. Adding Oahu's air power, on the other hand, the Combined Fleet has 20 carriers with over 1.100 planes. If we engage in a proper battle, our losses will be enormous."
Hyakutake's concerns were shared by everyone present. It was known that the US deployed P-38 Lightning fighters at the end of last year. Furthermore, information from Germany suggests that the P-47 Thunderbolt, a single-engine fighter with a 2.000 horsepower engine, will begin troop deployment soon. Both of these aircraft were heavily armed, equipped with advanced bulletproof gear, and have a top speed exceeding 600 kilometers. If these facts are true, the Zero Model 21 or even the Model 32 will find it difficult to compete.
"The fact that the Americans have already deployed or is about to deploy new fighters like the P-38 and P-47 suggests that the United States Navy will soon have new carrier-based fighters as well. Given the rationality of the Americans in all matters, the new carrier-based fighters should also have the same 2.000 horsepower engines as the P-47."
It's not just the land-based fighters that they should be wary of. Binta planted more concerns among the commanders with a serious expression.
"We have not yet received any information about the American carrier-based fighter. But Satsutaba-san, do you think they might appear on the battlefield by the end of the year?"
Binta nodded slightly in response to Minister Shiozawa's skeptical look.
"More than a year has passed since the Battle of the Marshall Islands where the Zero and F4F first clashed. The Americans are aware that the F4F can't beat the Zero. It's inconceivable that they, with outstanding adaptability, would continue using the outdated F4F without making any changes."
If Binta's words are accurate, the Combined Fleet will face difficulties in the second battle of Oahu. While the US military can go into battle with new 2.000 horsepower fighters for both land and sea, Japan is left with only Zeros. Of course, the Imperial Navy is hurrying to develop carrier-based fighters to succeed the Zero. However, even with the earliest estimates, practical deployment won't happen until after 1944.
"But if it's the end of the year, the Model 53 might be ready. I think the Model 53 can compete with the new American carrier-based fighters."
Hyakutake unintentionally revealed top-secret information in front of Binta. It was a mistake unbecoming of an admiral, but no one blamed him. Instead, everyone thought it would be easier to proceed with the conversation if Binta knew.
The Model 53 that Hyakutake mentioned is the latest and final model of the Zero. Instead of the Zuisei engine used in Models 21 and 32, the Model 53 is equipped with the Kinsei engine as its heart. The Kinsei engine has a larger displacement than the Zuisei engine, and the latest model in the 60 series produces 1.560 horsepower. This is more than 20% higher output compared to the Zero Model 32. However, the Kinsei engine is larger in diameter compared to the Zuisei engine, resulting in increased air resistance. Additionally, the weight has increased due to enhanced armament and bulletproof gear, limiting the maximum speed increase compared to the Model 32. Nevertheless, acceleration and climbing power have significantly improved, and the maneuverability is also considerably good.
"About the Zero Model 53, could you tell me about its payload capacity?"
In response to Binta's question, Hyakutake glanced around. After confirming that everyone nodded slightly, he spoke.
"The requirement was able to equip the plane with one 500-kilogram or 250-kilogram bombs, or four shots of small rockets of around 30 kilograms."
Hyakutake, who expected questions about the maximum speed and armament for a fighter, was slightly puzzled by Binta's question.
"In other words, the Model 53 can carry bombs weighing up to 500 kilograms?"
"While it is indeed possible to equip 500-kilogram bombs, it might be a bit challenging for small or medium-sized carriers that can't provide a long takeoff distance. Even on large carriers, it might be difficult."
Despite feeling a bit puzzled by Binta's insistence, Hyakutake shared what he knew about the bomb load of the Zero Model 53.
"In that case, let's configure the Model 53 to carry two 120-kilogram rockets under each wing, for a total of four. Additionally, please ensure that it can be equipped with RATO."
Before Minister Shiozawa, Admiral Yamamoto, and Chief of the Naval General Staff Hyakutake could ask about the unfamiliar term "RATO," Binta continued.
"Even with the Zero Model 53, we might not be able to overcome the disadvantage against American fighters. However, fighters are ultimately just a means of delivering ammunition to shoot down enemy planes. So, even if the aircraft performance is somewhat inferior, there are countless ways to fight."
YOU ARE READING
Cash-Loaded Fleet
Historical Fiction「As long as you have money, you can strengthen the fleet as much as you want.」 Born with a natural inclination for gambling, or perhaps a true gambler at heart, Binta Satsutaba is drawn by his instincts to immerse himself in the tumultuous world of...
