by Dan K » Fri Sep 11, 2026 7:13 pm
A rare photo of Hiryu launching aircraft below. This was her initial strike against Yorktown, wiith 6 Zeros and 18 Vals.
Generally, speaking, the carriers operated in two ship divisions, with each CV contributing half of a mixed strike package. So, one CV contributes a full deck load of Vals, the other a full load of Kates, while both contribute Zeros to the strike package and to the CAP. There were, of course, variations on this, but I've outlined what was standard operation procedure.
A full deckload for Hiryu was generally 21 to 24 aircraft. Possibly 27 with more Zeros. 18 was the typical maximum deckload of Vals or Kates.
So, it would be entirely reasonable for you stage 9+ Zeros and 12 of either the Vals or Kates on deck. You could also use all the Kates and, say, 3 Vals for ASW work. Or the opposite, with 3 Kates for scout duty.
My two cents. Dan
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A rare photo of Hiryu launching aircraft below. This was her initial strike against Yorktown, wiith 6 Zeros and 18 Vals.
Generally, speaking, the carriers operated in two ship divisions, with each CV contributing half of a mixed strike package. So, one CV contributes a full deck load of Vals, the other a full load of Kates, while both contribute Zeros to the strike package and to the CAP. There were, of course, variations on this, but I've outlined what was standard operation procedure.
A full deckload for Hiryu was generally 21 to 24 aircraft. Possibly 27 with more Zeros. 18 was the typical maximum deckload of Vals or Kates.
So, it would be entirely reasonable for you stage 9+ Zeros and 12 of either the Vals or Kates on deck. You could also use all the Kates and, say, 3 Vals for ASW work. Or the opposite, with 3 Kates for scout duty.
My two cents. Dan