Battlestations: Midway/Empire of Japan

The Empire of Japan represents the Axis in the Pacific, and are facing off against the United States. The Japanese have swift, powerful warships with an emphasis on torpedoes, and their air force specializes in lightly-armed but quick aircraft.

Imperial Japanese Navy
Interestingly, some of the warships are mis-classified. The Hatsushimo, for instance, was in fact a Hatsuharu-class, not a Minekaze-class, destroyer. It can be assumed that the game designers were running low on space and therefore had to resort to mis-classifying the ships and save ship models.

Additionally, due to the lack of the battlecruiser class, battlecruisers like the Kongō are simply battleships.

The Japanese typically follow abstract naming conventions when naming their ships. Destroyers, for instance, are often named after wind ("Kawakaze" means "river wind") while battlecruisers (including those remodeled into carriers) were named after mountains ("Akagi" and "Kongō" being examples) and carriers were named after flying creatures ("Hiryū" means "flying dragon"). Patrol boats were typically named after birds, but in-game they are merely numbered like their U.S counterparts ("Gyoraitei No. 4")

These names didn't really mean a lot to the Japanese - the Japanese perceive the "Hiryū" to "flying dragon" the same way Americans perceive "Philadelphia" as "the city of brotherly love".

Playable Warships
These warships are playable either online or in the game's challenge missions. None of the Japanese units are playable in the single player campaign, since it takes the perspective of the U.S in the war for the Pacific.

Gyoraitei Patrol Boat

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 13mm/76 machine gun, 5"/50 dual-purpose gun
 * Artillery: 5"/50 dual-purpose gun
 * Torpedoes: Torpedo tubes x2
 * Depth Charges: Depth Charge Rack
 * Class: PT (Patrol/Torpedo Boat)
 * Speed: 50 knots
 * Strong Against: Dive Bombers, Carpet Bombers, Submarines
 * Weak Against: Warships, machine guns, anti-aircraft fire
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Elco PT Boat

The Gyoraitei controls similarly to the Elco, and those with Elco experience will have few problems handling a Gyoraitei. Both have a single depth charge rack and both are too shallow to be struck with torpedoes, making both types of PT boats highly effective against enemy submarines. Both are also easily sunk with machine gun fire.

Power-wise, the two are roughly comparable. The Elco lacks the massive cannon the Gyoraitei has, making the Gyoraitei effective at longer ranges. The Gyoraitei's cannon is also a flak gun, which allows it to strike at high-flying dive bombers, whereas the Elco only sports machine guns, which lack the power and range to strike high.

The Elco, however, sports two more torpedo tubes than the Gyoraitei, making the Elco superior in attacking warships at closer ranges. The Gyoraitei's cannon is difficult to aim, especially against fast-moving surface targets, especially Elcos. This means that a typical battle between a Gyoraitei and an Elco tends to favour the Elco. The Gyoraitei's slow loading time for its cannon and single machine gun also detriments it against the Elco's fast-firing triple machine guns.

Official Description: ''The Japanese have a variety of small coastal vessels that provide a similar role to the U.S. Elco PT boat. The Japanese versions are not as fast or manoeuvrable as the Elco, but they do mount a 5" dual-purpose main gun that packs a punch against both air and surface targets. In addition they also mount machine guns, depth charges, and torpedoes, meaning they can pose a threat to any target.''

Minekaze-Class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 13mm/76 machine gun x4
 * Artillery: 4.5"/45 cannon x4
 * Torpedoes: Torpedo tubes x6
 * Depth Charges: Depth Charge Rack
 * Class: DD (Destroyer)
 * Speed: 40 knots
 * Strong Against: Submarines, Patrol Boats
 * Weak Against: Cruisers, Battleships, Aircraft
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Clemson-class

You'll first encounter the Minekaze-class in Defence of the Phillipines, but it will mostly be preoccupied shelling your land bases instead of focusing on you. The first time you actually fight one is in the next mission, Running the Palawan Passage, during which the USS Kane engages the Hatsushimo. Although the Hatsushimo isn't much of a threat to you, in the hands of another player the two warships are quite even.

The Minekaze-class is similar to the Clemson in practically every respect. Both warships are aged and venerable, and as a result do not sport much anti-aircraft armament. As destroyers, both support massive sonar suites, and both are more than capable of sending an enemy submarine to the bottom.

Notable warships of this class include the Harusame, Hatsushimo, Hayate, Natsugumo, Kasumi, and the Kawakaze.

Official Description: ''These ships were among the first to be completely designed and built by the Japanese, who had previously been using foreign designs and manufacturers, Entering the IJN as "first-class destroyers", the Minekaze-class are considerably outdated now and have many shortcomings, including the small number of guns they carry (which are open-mounted and have no armour protection) and very light AA armament. However, they do mount triple torpedo launchers, making them a dangerous proposition for any large ship.''

Fubuki-class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 13mm/76 machine gun x2, 25mm/60 machine gun x6, 5"30 dual-purpose gun
 * Artillery: 5"30 dual-purpose gun
 * Torpedoes: Torpedo tubes x6
 * Depth Charges: Depth Charge Rack x2
 * Class: DD (Destroyer)
 * Speed: 40 knots
 * Strong Against: Aircraft, Submarines, Destroyers
 * Weak Against: Larger Warships
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Fletcher-class

The Fubuki-class is similar in many respects to the Fletcher-class. Its dual-purpose guns can easily switch between heavier shells for engaging enemy warships to lighter, air-bursting flak shells for engaging high-flying enemy aircraft, making it a jack-of-all-trades.

Its main weakness are its firing arcs - there are very few cannons able to strike from the bow of the ship. When commanding a Fubuki-class, therefore, always try and make for broadside attacks and bring down the most cannons on an enemy where possible. Like all destroyers, it is quite strong in an anti-submarine role.

Notable ships of this class include the Akebono, Akigumo, Amagiri, Arashi, Hamakaze, and the Natsushio.

Official Description: ''The Fubuki-class was the first modern destroyer design. Entering service in 1928, her twin 5" mounts located in enclosed turrets and her triple torpedo launchers gave her firepower far greater firepower than any other ship of her size at the time. Since then, other destroyer designs have appeared that can match the Fubuki-class, most notably the American Fletcher-class. Nevertheless, these are still versatile and useful ships, and their dual-purpose 5" guns give them a potent defence against attacking aircraft.''

Kuma-class
Looking at the armaments, the Kuma-class is obviously more suited for ship-to-ship combat than ship-to-air battles. They're more like the Fubuki-class than you would think. Basically it doesn't have issues going against destroyers but it has issues against other cruisers, particularly heavy cruisers.
 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 13mm/76 machine gun x4
 * Artillery: 5.5"/50 cannon x7
 * Torpedoes: Torpedo tubes x6
 * Class: CL (Light Cruiser)
 * Speed: 30 knots
 * Strong Against: Smaller Ships, Light Cruisers
 * Weak Against: Heavy Cruisers, Bigger Ships, Aircraft
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Atlanta-class

Having the range advantage over destroyers, it can easily engage destroyers from a standoff range, but against larger ships its guns lack penetrating power. As a result it has to try and get in close against larger warships in order to fire a spread of torpedoes.

Notable vessels of this class include the Kiso, Kitikami, Nagara, Naka, and the Kako.

Official Description: ''These light cruisers are rather old now, having joined the IJN in the early 1920s. They are somewhat obsolete, and this is especially noticable in the small number of AA guns they carry, which makes them particularly vulernable to air attack. Nevertheless, the 5.5" guns they carry fire a heavier shell than the U.S. 5" guns, which gives them an edge when battling other light cruisers or destroyers. They also carry a good number of torpedo launchers for engaging larger ships.''

Mogami Class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 5"/40 flak cannons x8, 13mm/76 machine guns x2, 25mm/60 machine guns x12
 * Artillery: 8"/50 cannon x10
 * Torpedoes: Torpedo tubes x12
 * Class: CA (Heavy Cruiser)
 * Speed: 28 knots
 * Strong Against: All Targets
 * Weak Against: Battleships, Submarines
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Northampton-class

The Mogami-class sports a powerful weapons arrangement that makes them a threat to all targets, but its lack of wide sonar coverage, coupled with lack of depth charges, makes this warship quite vulnerable to submarine attacks. A jack-of-all-trades, the Mogami-class has no primary weaknesses, although it is far from invincible.

The Northampton-class' weapons are slightly better than the Mogami's, but one advantage the Mogami has is not only more barrels to fire from (which equals more shells) but also more turrets to fire from - and more turrets to disable for an enemy. The Northampton only has three triple-barreled turrets, so only three must go offline in order for the enemy to attack without fear of retaliation.

The Mogami, unlike the USN cruisers, sport torpedoes. This gives it an edge against larger targets while using its already powerful cannons to aid it in this endeavour. If it can get close to an enemy battleship, it can seriously wreak havoc.

Notable warships of this class include its pathfinder - the Mogami - as well as the Kumano and the Mikuma.

Official Description: ''These heavy cruisers were built in the mid-1930s and were in gross violation of the London Naval Treaty, which specified maximum tonnage of 10,000 for any new heavy cruisers. They have recently been refitted with 8" guns, giving them a hefty broadside that is a threat to any ship smaller than a battleship. They also mount a respectable AA battery and two torpedo launchers on each side, making them versatile and powerful warships.''

Takao Class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 5"/40 flak cannons x8, 13mm/76 machine guns x2, 25mm/60 machine guns x12
 * Artillery: 8"/50 cannon x10
 * Torpedoes: Torpedo tubes x12
 * Class: CA (Heavy Cruiser)
 * Speed: 28 knots
 * Strong Against: Smaller ships, Aircraft
 * Weak Against: Battleships, Submarines
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Northampton-class

These ships are pretty much identical in all respects to the Mogami-class, down to the armament, and as such have the same strengths and weaknesses.

Official Description: ''These heavy cruisers came into service in the early 1930s but are still excellent examples of this type of ship. Mounting ten 8" guns, they are more heavily armed than comparable US or British heavy cruisers. They also have a large number of torpedo launchers, which gives them the firepower to take down any adversary.''

Tone Class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 5"/40 flak cannon x8, 13mm/76 machine gun x4, 25mm/60 machine gun x6
 * Artillery: 8"/50 cannon x8
 * Torpedoes: Torpedo tubes x12
 * Class: CA (Heavy Cruiser)
 * Speed: 28 knots
 * Strong Against: Ships in front of it
 * Weak Against: Battleships, Submarines, ships behind it
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: None

Generally it isn't as powerful as a Mogami or a Takao class, but you'll recognize it instantly if you're captaining one. The Tone-class is the only warship in the game that has no aft turrets. While odd in this sense, it can still lay down a lot of shells in a considerable amount of time, but still not near that of the Takao or Mogami's. As a result of this odd sense of weapons, it has no allied equivalent - the closest being the De Ruyter class.

The Tone still has a respectable armament and should not be considered an easy target, but only if you approach it from the front. Attacking from behind is your best bet against the Tone. In this sense, it exemplifies the Japanese sense of honour - retreat is rarely an option.

Notable warships of this class include its pathfinder - the Tone, as well as the Nachi, the Chikuma, and the Suzuya.

Official Description: The Tone class is very unusual among heavy cruiser designs - all eight of the 8" guns are mounted in turrets at the ship's front. Although this gives it a powerful salvo when attacking head-on or (especially) broadside, it does mean they have no weaponry covering their rear, which gives the enemy the opportunity to sit in this blind spot and attack unchallenged. Nevertheless, they possess good antiaircraft capabilities, and, like all Japanese heavy cruisers, carry a sizable amount of torpedoes.

Fusō class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 5"/40 flak cannons x8, 13mm/76 machine guns x6, 25mm/60 machine guns x6
 * Artillery: 14"/45 cannon x12, 5.5"/50 cannon x16
 * Class: BB (Battleship)
 * Speed: 20 knots
 * Strong Against: All Targets
 * Weak Against: Battleships, Submarines, Aircraft
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: New York-class

The Fusō is a powerful warship, but it has generally thin armour and, like all battleships, is vulnerable particularly to submarines. For those wanting some action with a battleship, the Ship Challenge mission Strike on the Monster puts you in command of a Fusō-class. All the battleships at this point are about evenly matched, but the Fusō in particular can have issues against other battleships.

The Fusō has twin turrets pointing fore and a few pointing aft, but two of the guns are located in between the Fusō's towers, meaning that - like torpedoes on destroyers - have firing arcs only to port and starboard. Broadside engagements, therefore, are always favourable when captaining a Fusō-class. Conversely, you may want to turn and face a squadron of enemy planes directly to to avoid a torpedo hit. The Fusō is also quite lacking in anti-aircraft armament.

Against smaller ships, your biggest advantage is your range, which you can use to slaughter most warships before they can get a bead on you.

Notable warships of this class include its pathfinder - the Fusō - and her sister ship, the Yamashiro.

Official Description: "Fuso" ''is an archaic name for Japan, and these venerable battleships were the first IJN vessels to be built completely with Japanese technology and armament. Laid down in 1912, they are somewhat outdated now but have been modified with improved armour and engines. They are very well armed, carrying twelve 14" guns alongside a very large battery of secondary 5" guns in casemates along either side, making them a powerful adversary for any opponent. However, despite modernization, their armour is still relatively thin, making engaging other battleships a risky proposition. Their AA armament is also quite light, leaving them vulnerable to air attacks.''

Kongō class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 5"/40 flak cannons x8, 13mm/76 machine guns x4, 25mm/60 machine guns x6
 * Artillery: 14"/45 cannon x8, 5.5"/50 cannon x14
 * Class: BB (Battleship)
 * Speed: 20 knots
 * Strong Against: All Targets
 * Weak Against: Battleships, Submarines, Aircraft
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Renown-class

The Kongō class is comparable to the Fuso-class, but it has fewer weapons. This still, however, doesn't make it a sitting target - you'll learn to despise the Kongō -class in Rendesvous in the Java Sea. There are little to no discrepencies from the Fuso to the Kongō, so all the typical advantages apply.

Compared to other battleships, it has more smaller guns than the New York class, meaning it can put up a better fight at closer range against smaller ships. The Renown, however, outclasses it considerably, not only sporting more guns, but also sporting dual-purpose weapons, giving the Renown a better anti-aircraft suite than the Kongō. It really is difficult to say which battleship is better.

Notable warships of this class include the pathfinder Kongō, the Hiei, and the infamous Haruna, which appears in the Rendesvous in the Java Sea level.

Official Description: ''Designed by Britain's Sir George Thurston and entered into service during World War I, these were the first modern battle cruisers in the Imperial Navy. They are well armed, with large main and secondary batteries, and have recently received upgrades to their armour and engines. However, they are still not a match for modern battleships, though smaller surface ships have much to fear from them.''

Yamato class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 5"/40 flak cannons x12, 25mm/60 machine guns x24
 * Artillery: 18.1"45 cannon x9
 * Class: BB (Battleship)
 * Speed: 20 knots
 * Strong Against: Everything
 * Weak Against: Submarines
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Iowa-class

Sometimes erroneously called the "Yamamoto", the Yamato is the biggest, baddest, most heavily armed and armoured warship ever built. Not even its counterpart, the Iowa, has the massive 18"/45 cannons the Yamato has. Interestingly enough, the Yamato and the Iowa take the existing trend of U.S and Japanese warships and turn it around - the Japanese warships are designed for speed but lack power, and the Yamato is designed for power and not speed. If you're wondering how this massive leviathan was sunk, it was sunk by a massive air raid. Learning a bit from history, whenever the Yamato is in the fleet, always keep it covered. It's tough, but not invincible, especially from air attack and submarines. Unless it's another battleship, don't worry too much about enemy ships.

Fortunately for the U.S and U.S. players out there, there were only two warships of this class built: the pathfinder Yamato, and her sister ship, the Musashi. link title

Akagi class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 5"/40 flak cannons x12, 25mm/60 machine guns x18
 * Class: CV (Aircraft Carrier)
 * Speed: 20 knots
 * Strong Against: Aircraft, PT boats
 * Weak Against: Everything else
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Lexington class

There were only two carriers of the Akagi class. This is because they were originally built as battlecruisers, but were changed around. Like all carriers, sending this warship into direct combat is just asking for it to be sunk. It has absolutely no artillery armament, so it can't even return fire against an enemy destroyer. Its main weapon is, obviously, its wing of aircraft.

The only two carriers of the Akagi class were the Akagi herself and the Kaga. The names are different from ships originally built as carriers (see the Soryu class below) since they were, as mentioned earlier, originally to be battlecruisers.

Official Description: The Akagi and the Kaga ''were the first large carriers to join the Imperial Fleet and have had long and distinguished careers. Originally built as battlecruisers, they were remodeled as carriers in the aftermath of the Treaty of Washington, which explains their unusual appearance. Both of these carriers served with great distinction in the Chinese campaign and together are known as Carrier Division 1. The Akagi is currently the flagship of Vice Admiral Nagumo's Carrier Striking Force.''

Sōryū class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 5"/40 flak cannons x12, 25mm/60 machine guns x18
 * Class: CV (Aircraft Carrier)
 * Speed: 20 knots
 * Strong Against: Aircraft, PT boats
 * Weak Against: Everything else
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Yorktown class

Pretty much identical to the Akagi, the Sōryū has similar armaments and tactics. This carrier's profile is a little smaller than the Akagi's, so it stands a somewhat easier chance when attacked head-on, but really - putting a carrier into direct combat is worse than washing a computer with a garden hose.

Notable warships of this class include the pathfinder Sōryū, Hiryū, Shōkaku, Zuikaku, and the Zuihō.

Type B class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 7.7mm Machine Gun
 * Artillery: 4"45 cannon
 * Torpedoes: Torpedo Tubes x4 (fore) Torpedo Tubes x2 (aft)
 * Class: SS (Submarine)
 * Speed: 30 knots surfaced, 25 knots submerged
 * Strong Against: Cruisers, Battleships, Aircraft Carriers
 * Weak Against: Destroyers, Recon planes, depth charge-equipped dive bombers, PT Boats
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Narwhal-class

Identical to the Narwhal-class in all respects, the Type B is a powerful if extremely slow warship. Her four frontal torpedo tubes allow her to easily send any warship lacking depth charges to the bottom. The only exception are PT boats, which are too shallow for torpedoes to connect. Use typical submarine tactics when commanding the Type B.

Official Description: ''The Type B is the most numerous and modern submarine design in service with the IJN. Only coming into service in 1940, these are fast, long-ranged ships, and every bit the match for the U.S. Narwhal-class subs. Like all submarines, they are very vulnerable when on the surface, thanks to their lack of armour and firepower - but submerged, they are a danger to any ship.''

Type A Midget Submarine

 * Armaments:
 * Torpedoes: Torpedo Tubes x2 (fore)
 * Class: SS (Submarine)
 * Speed: 25 knots surfaced, 13 knots submerged
 * Strong Against: Cruisers, Battleships, Aircraft Carriers
 * Weak Against: Destroyers, Recon planes, depth charge-equipped dive bombers, PT Boats
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: None

The Type A, actually called the wp:Ko-hyoteki class submarine but mislabeled in the official description as the "Mato", is a really small sub with a tiny torpedo complement. As a result of its small size it can be fried with even a glancing hit. If surfaced, it can even be struck with machine gun fire. Chances are, when you get to use one against the enemy fleet, it'll launch its torpedoes then get sunk. Even if it survives, it only has a max load of 4 torpedoes, so always make all these torpedoes count. Fortunately, these subs are quite expendable.

Official Description: ''The Type A minisub is a top-secret Japanese weapon. Codenamed the "Mato" ("Kato" in the official strategy guide) and built in 1938, its small size allows it to creep into enemy harbours and attack ships at anchor - something that would be difficult or impossible for a normal-sized submarine due to the shallow waters of most harbours. Armed with two torpedoes and manned by a two-man crew, this craft is potentially devastating in its dedicated role, but useless for any other kind of task.''

Non-playable ships
These vessels are never controllable by the player. As a result, this guide takes an emphasis on destroying these targets rather than knowing how to captain them.

Daihatsu

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 7.7mm machine gun
 * Class: LCP (Personnel Landing Craft)
 * Speed: 25 knots
 * Strong Against: Nothing
 * Weak Against: Everything
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: Higgins LCP

Always use machine guns when attempting to destroy these small ships. They are fast and light, and so planes or PT boats are the best way to go. Those who cannot destroy a Daihatsu should definitely go back to the tutorials.

Official Description: ''These flat-bottomed barges are similar in function to the Higgins boats used by the U.S Marine Corps and are used by the Japanese in amphibious assaults to land troops on enemy-held shores. They are light, fragile caft and are easily destroyed; however, their small size means that they are best targeted with machine gun fire. They carry a single machine gun, giving them only very rudimentary defence.''

SB Boat Second Class

 * Armaments:
 * AA Weapons: 7.7mm machine gun x4
 * Artillery: 5"/50 cannon x2
 * Class: LST (Vehicle Landing Ship)
 * Speed: 16 knots
 * Strong Against: Machine guns
 * Weak Against: Everything else
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: LST Mark 2

These ships are designed to land armoured units. They're themselves armoured enough to resist machine gun fire, so you'll have to employ torpedoes or cannon fire to sink them. PT boats are your best bet - due to their small size, they can be difficult to hit with ship-launched torpedoes or artillery. With PT boats you can get in close and torpedo them at point-blank range. Fortunately all you need is one torpedo to send these large, slow targets down.

Official Description: ''The Japanese military has never been shy about copying good ideas from elsewhere, and the SB boat is a prime example of this. Observing the efficacy of American LSTs at landing heavy material in amphibious assaults, the IJN rushed into producing their own design, with laterally opening bow doors. The SB mounts twin 5" guns on forward pivots, along with machine guns for defence, but it is far from being a combat vessel.''

Japanese Naval Air Service
The Naval Air Service doesn't have many planes, but the ones it does have are versatile and powerful, if lightly armoured.

Playable aircraft
Like the above ships, you'll only play as these either online or on the challenge missions. You will never play them in the single player campaign.

A6M Zero

 * Armament:
 * 7.7mm machine guns x2, 20mm autocannon x2 (for game purposes, 4 alternating fire machine guns)
 * 100kg bomb x1 (optional)
 * Role: Fighter
 * Land-based: Yes
 * Carrier-based: Yes
 * Strong Against: Aircraft, PT Boats
 * Weak Against: Ships
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: F4F Wildcat

The best fighter in the Second World War, it would later become hopelessly outdated with the creation of new USAF aircraft. Far superior to the F4F, the A6M is more than capable of out-turning enemy aircraft. That doesn't mean, however, that you're invincible. Aircraft have thin armour as it is, and Zeroes are no exception. They'll drop like flies in the vicinity of anti-aircraft, especially against warships, at which they have no defence. They are best deployed against enemy fighters. Don't bother with the bombs - Vals do a better job.

Official Description: ''Known to the Imperial Japanese Navy as the "Type 0 Carrier Fighter", this is one of the finest planes currently serving in any air force. Capable of higher speeds than any comparable American ploane and more manoeuvrable, it also boasts a hugely powerful armament of two 7.7mm machine guns and two 20mm cannons that fire explosive shells, giving it the power to shred any enemy in seconds. It has been in service since 1940 and is known to the allies by the codename "Zeke".''

Ki-43 Oscar

 * Armament:
 * 12.7mm machine guns x2
 * 100kg bomb x1 (optional)
 * Role: Fighter
 * Land-based: Yes
 * Carrier-based: No
 * Strong Against: Aircraft, PT Boats
 * Weak Against: Ships
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: F2A Buffalo

Comparable to both the Warhawk and the Buffalo, the Buffalo makes more appearances than the Warhawk, giving it the official Allied equivalent of this aircraft. This plane is actually not half-bad, with manoeuvrability and performance about the same as the Zero. Its main advantage is its twin nose-mounted guns, which makes them far easier to aim than the Zero's wing-mounted weapons.

The price is that they're easier to hit, being bigger targets - regardless, you'll have issues against them in the early levels, where Ki-43s are the ones harassing you and your PT boat.

Official Description: ''Where the Zero serves the Japanese Navy in the fighter role, the "Oscar" serves the Japanese Army. Known as the "Hayabusa" or "Peregrine falcon" to its pilots, it is a modern fighter aircraft that entered production in 1941. Although slightly slower than the Zero, it has a longer range, faster cruising speed, and a igher ceiling, making it better suited for land-based operation. Its only shortcoming is its offensive armament, which only consists of two machine guns. It is considerably undergunned compared to other fighters.''

D3A Val

 * Armament:
 * 7.7mm machine gun x2
 * 500kg bomb x1
 * Role: Dive Bomber
 * Land-based: Yes
 * Carrier-based: Yes
 * Strong Against: Ground targets, warships
 * Weak Against: Flak cannons, fighters
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: SBD Dauntless

This dive bomber is comparable to the Dauntless, but it features a lighter bomb load. Its most redeeming factor is its manoeuvrability, which is pretty good for a dive bomber. Like the Oscar, it sports nose-mounted guns, making aiming a breeze with this plane. Like all bombers, it comes with a tail gunner which helps a little bit. The tail guns are most effective in groups, so always try to send these planes in groups of three or more.

Official Description: This carrier-based dive bomber is known by the codename "Val" to the allies, while the Japanese Navy terms it the Navy Type 99 Carrier Bomber Model 11". In service since 1939, it is instantly recognizable by its fixed landing gear - because it travels at lower speeds than fighter planes, a retractable gear is not necessary. It is a highly manoeuvrable and stable airplane indeed, it is so agile that it can serve as a dogfighter if necessary. It is very popular with the pilots of the Kido Butai, and in training they have achieved dive bombing accuracy statistics exceeding 80 percent.

D4Y Judy

 * Armament:
 * 12.7mm machine guns x2
 * 500kg bomb x1, depth charge x2
 * Role: Dive Bomber/Anti-submarine warfare
 * Land-based: Yes
 * Carrier-based: Yes
 * Strong Against: Ground targets, warships, submarines
 * Weak Against: Flak cannons, fighters
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: SBD Dauntless

An upgraded version of the Val, the Judy can also double as an anti-submarine patrol plane, unlike its predecessor. Like all Japanese aircraft though, while it can dish out damage, it certainly can't take it.

Official Description: ''This carrier-borne dive bomber is scheduled to be introduced in 1942, to replace the "Val" on IJN Carriers. Prototyped in 1938, the "Suisei", or "Comet", as it is known to the Japanese, is a very advanced design indeed. Its speed is comparable to that of the "Zero" fighter while its bomb-bay and retractable landing gear both make for excellent aerodynamics. Normal armament is a single 500kg bomb, though depth charges can also be carried for anti-submarine work.''

B5N Kate

 * Armament:
 * 12.7mm machine guns x2
 * Aerial Torpedo x1, 500kg bomb x1
 * Role: Torpedo Bomber
 * Land-based: Yes
 * Carrier-based: Yes
 * Strong Against: Ships, Ground targets
 * Weak Against: Aircraft
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: TBF/D Avenger

The Allies have more types of torpedo bombers than the Japanese do, but that's okay - the Kate is a fine aircraft. It isn't the best in a dogfight, partly to its lack of mobility, partly due to its wing-mounted guns, which make it hard to aim. Expect to see a lot of these - especially at Pearl Harbour. Follow typical dive bombing tactics when flying a Kate. The rear-gunner helps, but like the D4Y's and the D3A's, the tail gunners are only useful in groups.

Although you can use it as a bomber, stick with torpedoes - equip those bombs on Vals instead. Kates are the only Japanese torpedo bomber (other torpedo bombers are converted level bombers - see below) so use them for what they're best at.

Official Description: ''Known to the Japanese as the "Type 97 Carrier Attack Bomber", this plane has been in service with the Imperial Japanese Navy as a torpedo bomber since 1939. Like the British Swordfish and the American Devastator, it is now considered obsolete and is due to be replaced by the B6N. It has seen combat in the Sino-Japanese War, where it was somewhat slow and poorly protected. Asd a result, it has received an engine modification. It is primarily used as a torpedo bomber but can also be equipped with a bomb load.''

G3M Nell

 * Armament:
 * 7.7mm machine guns x3
 * 250kg bombs x6 or aerial torpedo x1
 * Role: Medium Bomber
 * Land-based: Yes
 * Carrier-based: No
 * Strong Against: Ground targets, warships
 * Weak Against: Anti-aircraft fire, fighters
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: B-25 Mitchell

This bomber isn't bad, but there are obviously better ones out there. It's quite reasonably well-armed and, when launched in massive groups, can put the pressure on just about anything. It also doubles as a torpedo bomber, but given its massive size, it is much too easy to hit. You'll learn to appreciate Kates when you play Attack on Force Z. You'll also learn to appreciate the bomber's gunners in the same level.

Official Description: ''The first prototype for this twin-engine bomber flew in 1935, and it entered full production in 1936, making it a veritable pensioner in comparison to other modern bombers. Nevertheless, it is considered an excellent aircraft and is particularly notable for its long range: it was the first plane to perform a transoceanic attack when it was used to bomb mainland China during the Sino-Japanese War. Howeve, it carries little defencive armament and is vulnerable to fighter attack.''

G4M Betty

 * Armament:
 * 7.7mm machine guns x3, 20mm machine guns x2
 * 250kg bombs x8, aerial torpedo x1
 * Role: Fighter
 * Land-based: Yes
 * Carrier-based: No
 * Strong Against: Ground targets, warships
 * Weak Against: Anti-aircraft fire, fighters
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: B-17 Flying Fortress

Carries two additional bombs compared to the Nell, making the Betty indeed superior. Both, however, lack armour, and so both are easy prey for fighters. They also lack many weapons, so fighter escort is practically a must when it comes down to it.

Use the Betty over the Nell when it comes to bombing targets, since it is the one that has the bigger bomb load. Since both load one torpedo anyway, you are better off using the more expendable Nell for torpedo attacks when the situation demands it - but nothing beats a nice Kate in the air for a torpedo run.

Official Description: ''Known to the Allies by the callsign "Betty", this plane is nicknamed the "Hamaki", or "Cigar", to the Japanese servicemen, thanks to its cylindrical shape. It was commissioned in 1937, following the successful deployment of its predecessor, the Nell, in China. Very high specifications were set for the Betty in termsof top speed, altitude, and range. The result was an aircraft with very good performance. However, to achieve these specifications, it was necessary for the design team to make the plane very lightly armoured, making it very vulnerable to enemy fire.''

Non-Playable Aircraft
Unfortunately, the Japanese don't have access to their flying boats at all.

H6K Mavis

 * Armament:
 * 7.7mm machine guns x4
 * Aerial Torpedo x2, Depth Charge x2
 * Role: Recon Plane
 * Land-based: No
 * Carrier-based: No
 * Strong Against: Ships, Submarines
 * Weak Against: Everything else
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: None

Not at all comparable to the Catalina, the Mavis is big and slow, so it's a nice easy target for you to shoot down. Just evade its torpedoes and let your AA crew do the rest.

Official Description: ''This huge flying boat, with a wingspan 50% longer than the B-17 bomber, is considered an excellent transport and reconnaissance plane. Known to the Japanese as the "Type 97 Flying Boat", it can carry a payload of two torpedoes, a 2,205 lb bomb load, or 16 passengers. However, there are strong concerns over its suitability for frontline operations thanks to its very light armour and lack of self-sealing fuel tanks.''

H8K Emily

 * Armament:
 * 7.7mm machine guns x3, 20mm machine guns x3
 * Aerial Torpedo x2, Depth Charges x2
 * Role: Recon Plane
 * Land-based: No
 * Carrier-based: No
 * Strong Against: Ships, Submarines
 * Weak Against: Everything else
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: PBY Catalina

This flying boat is more akin to the Catalina than the Mavis is. Unfortunately you'll never fly an Emily. Taking these out are a no-brainer - just lodge a bunch of bullets into their massive hulls, preferably with fighter planes. Interestingly, if you kill one while it's still on the water, the plane will sink like a ship.

Official Description: ''This new flying boat design entered service as a replacement for the H6K Mavis. Designed to be faster, longer ranged, and better defended than its predecessor, the Emily is thought to be the finest flying boat in service with any country. It is useful in a variety of roles and can be armed with torpedoes to attack shipping or with depth charges to attack submarines.''

E13A Jake

 * Armament:
 * 7.7mm machine gun x1
 * 100kg bomb x1 (optional)
 * Role: Fighter
 * Land-based: No
 * Carrier-based: No
 * Strong Against: Nothing
 * Weak Against: Everything
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: None

There's nothing special to shooting the Jake out of the sky. Just shoot it like any other plane and it'll fall. Trust me.

Official Description: ''This three-seater floatplane came into service and made its combat debut over China in the autumn of 1941. They are ususally carried aboard cruisers or seaplane tenders, from which they are launched by a steam catapult. They are primarily used for reconnaissance, though they can play an antishipping role when armed with a 250kg bomb, which is effective against any small warship. They are easy meat for fighter planes, however, thanks to their slow speed, moor manoeuvrability, and very light defensive armament.''

F1M Pete

 * Armament:
 * 7.7mm machine guns x2
 * Role: Recon Plane
 * Land-based: No
 * Carrier-based: No
 * Strong Against: Nothing
 * Weak Against: Everything
 * Comparable Allied Equivalent: None

These planes are even worse than the Jakes. At least the Jakes carried bombs - these don't carry anything. A ship's anti-aircraft battery should manage these guys. Worst case scenario, send up a single Wildcat and watch how quickly it falls.

Official Description: ''Although designed in 1935, this two-seater biplane didn't enter service until 1941, making it one of the very few biplanes in active service with an country in WW2. Nevertheless, it is a remarkable able aircraft with a fine turn of speed for a biplane and exceptional manoeuvrability. Designed to be launched from a ship for a short-range observational role, it has also shown itself to be an adept dive bomber and has even served in the fighter capacity.''