【Vanilla】13-Go Submarine Chasers
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The Type 13 Submarine Chaser (K8 Type) was a class of submarine chasers of the Japanese Navy. A total of 15 units were built, 9 of which were lost during the Pacific War. According to the plan of 1939 (Showa 14), 4 units were planned to be built; an additional 7 units were planned in 1940 (Showa 15) under temporary military expenses; and 4 more units were planned in 1941 (Showa 16) under the shipbuilding budget. These submarine chasers were expected to be completed by November 1941 and were launched successively from July 1940 to January 1942. Although they were primarily built for coastal defense and not designed for open sea operations, the outbreak of the Pacific War saw these vessels performing long-distance convoy escort and anti-submarine duties. Their anti-aircraft armament was initially modest, planned with only one high-angle gun and a twin 13 mm machine gun setup. However, this was a significant improvement over earlier Japanese Navy submarine chasers, which were only equipped with machine guns. Despite later additions such as 25 mm guns, most of the lost vessels were victims of aerial attacks. The armament included a high-angle gun without a shield on the foredeck, and the aft deck was equipped with depth charges.
Unit 15 and Unit 18, along with other vessels, sank the Gato-class submarines "Wahoo" and "Amberjack," respectively, while Unit 24 alone sank the Tambor-class submarine "Triton." The Type 28 and Type 60 Submarine Chasers simplified the body shape, structure, and equipment. Despite these classifications, all vessels from Number 28 to Number 59, and Numbers 60, 61, and 63 were categorized as Type 13 Submarine Chasers (after the decommissioning of Number 13, they were reclassified as Type 14).
The design for this class began in 1938 (Showa 13) as part of the fourth supplementary plan. Given the Japanese Navy submarine chasers’ requirement for speeds over 20 knots, the need for lightweight construction, thin-plate structures, and high-power, lightweight engines was not conducive to mass production. The plan specifically demanded "ease of rapid construction." The design simplified assembly and reduced components, utilizing thick plates to allow even small shipyards to construct them. Deep draft designs were chosen to ensure the performance of underwater listening devices, suitable for installing large diesel engines. To lower the center of gravity, very thick bottom plates were used along with about 10 tons of fixed ballast, ensuring good stability and seaworthiness. The size increase of the hull to improve living conditions and seaworthiness led to a trial displacement of 460 tons, approximately 1.5 times that of the Type 4 model.
Mechanically, it employed medium-sized commercial-type diesel engines, with the maximum speed requirement reduced to 16 knots, needing 1700 horsepower for twin-shaft propulsion. Its range was 2000 nautical miles at 14 knots, which was well-received in the Pacific War for long-distance convoy escort duties.
In terms of armament, it transitioned from traditional 40 mm guns to equip an 8 cm high-angle gun, alongside twin 13.2 mm machine guns. Anti-submarine equipment included Type 94 throwers and Type 95 depth charges. The radio equipment consisted of special transmitters and receivers, with some vessels additionally equipped with special receivers and medium-wave radio telephones.
Shortly after the completion of Unit 13, the submarine chasers were reclassified from a type of special service craft to a distinct category of vessels, and submarine chaser squads (three vessels per squad) were formed. Thus, a command structure was introduced, prompting changes in the fitting-out. The captain’s quarters were relocated to the superstructure within the upper deck, and the galley, formerly within the bridge structure, was moved to a superstructure located aft of the bridge and just before the funnel. This change also moved the position of the galley’s chimney from near the mast to in front of the funnel.
This vessel was completed on July 15, 1940, in Tsurumi. Assigned to Yokosuka, it joined the 2nd Submarine Chaser Division on March 31, 1941. On April 3, 1943, off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, it was sunk by torpedoes fired by the American submarine Pickerel (SS-177) and was struck from the naval register on May 1, 1943.
Standard displacement, tons: 438
Full load displacement, tons: 460
Length, meters:
Waterline length: 49.0
Overall length: 51.0
Breadth, meters: 6.70
Draft, meters: 2.75
Number of shafts: 2
Machinery: Diesel engines
Power, horsepower: 1700
Maximum speed, knots: 16
Endurance: 2,000 nautical miles at 14 knots
Fuel: Heavy oil 30.0 tons
Armament:
1 x 1 – 76/40 Type 11
2 x 1 – 13.2/76
3 x 1 – Type 96 25mm guns
4 x Type 95 depth charge projectors
Electronic equipment: Type 93 sonar, Type 93 hydrophone
Complement: 68
The Blade of Coastal Defense — As vessels specifically designed for coastal defense, the Type 13 Submarine Chasers demonstrated their capability for efficient anti-submarine warfare within a smaller displacement.
The Ultimate All-Rounder — During the Pacific War, these vessels not only fulfilled coastal defense duties but also took on long-distance maritime convoy escort and anti-submarine tasks, becoming true all-rounders.
Innovation in Simplification — To meet the urgent needs of wartime, the Type 13 Submarine Chasers adopted simplified design and construction methods, enabling even small shipyards to build them quickly, reflecting innovative thinking in emergency situations.
Absolute Precision — Based on historical photos and blueprints, this model accurately replicates the modified K8 as it was after the refit.
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