Japanese training cruiser Kashii 1939-1945

Building ordered under Fiscal Year 1939, laid down by Mitsubishi, Yokohama, Japan on 4 October 1939, launched on 15 October 1940, commissioned on 20 Mach 1945, sunk in an American air attack off French Indochina on 12 January 1945 and stricken on 20 March 1945. Part of Katori-class. Ordered under the 1937 and 1939 Supplementary Naval Budgets as training cruisers, during the Second World War used as administrative flagships with an increased anti aircraft armament. Displacement 5,890 (normal)-6,279 (full load) tons and as dimensions 129.77 x 15.95 x 5.75 metres or 425.9 x 52.4 x 18.10 feet. The propulsion consisted of 2-shaft geared turbines, diesel motors and 3 Kampong boilers with total horsepower of 8,000 shp allowing a speed of 18 knots and range of 9,000 nautical miles.10 knots. Crew numbered 315 men to which another 275 midshipmen were added. Took one float plane with her for which a catapult was available. The armament consisted of 2x2-14mc/5.5” /50 cal guns, 1x2-12.7cm/5” /40 cal anti aircraft guns, 4-2.5cm/0.98” type 96 anti aircraft guns (later maximum 30), 8-13.2mm.0.52” anti aircraft guns and 2x2-53.2cm/21” torpedo tubes.