Aviation-Centric Combined Fleet

Chapter 11 - Maritime Escort Force

While the budget for battleships and heavy cruisers continued to be cut at the behest of Marshal Admiral Prince Fushimi, who was not only an aviation proponent but also the most powerful man in the Imperial Navy, the budget for aviation-related expenses seemed extravagant enough to suggest that there were no limits for those involved. However, increasing the frontline equipment such as bombers and fighters would further strengthen the impression that the Imperial Navy is steering towards air dominance in the eyes of foreign nations. Therefore, the production of aircraft deployed on the front lines was kept at a moderate level, and the Imperial Navy allocated a significant portion of its budget to less visible enhancements in capabilities, such as the development of new equipment and the training of personnel. Looking ahead to the new era of aviation, the Imperial Navy was actively progressing in the development of new air superiority fighters, local defense fighters, as well as attack and reconnaissance aircraft.

"Hmm, is that the Experimental Type 12 carrier fighter? That looks like a very fast plane."

"You're right, Your Highness. Until now, air superiority fighters like carrier-based fighters prioritized dogfighting capabilities. Following that, speed, endurance, and armament were considered with pilot protection being the last concern. However, the Experimental Type 12 carrier fighter prioritizes pilot protection above all else, with speed following closely. Dogfighting capabilities have a lower priority than armament, positioning it below endurance. In other words, it has a development policy completely opposite to the ones before. This reflects your strong emphasis on the idea that, while aircraft can be repaired and produced endlessly, skilled pilots cannot be easily replaced."

Normally, Vice Admiral Shigeyoshi Inoue would speak bluntly to his superiors, but when dealing with Prince Fushimi, his tone became considerably more polite. Additionally, having once asked the Marshal Admiral for the position of the Chief of the Aviation Bureau, even Inoue couldn't be too outspoken.

Inoue, as a senior officer in the Imperial Navy's aviation branch, also held a pilot's license. Learning from the experience, he had challenged piloting without regard for his age, as Prince Fushimi often preached that one wouldn't understand certain things without taking the control stick themselves. Indeed, the change in perspective with a change in position was true.

Above all, he realized that becoming proficient enough to fly freely in the sky required a long time and significant expense. Of course, being in the Navy, the expense wasn't much of a concern. Inoue keenly understood that the knowledge, skills, and accumulated experience required for pilots were incomparable to those of ordinary naval personnel. Moreover, excessive endurance could lead to pilot fatigue. While it might be bearable for large aircraft with in-flight movement, Inoue, having experienced the discomfort of long flights in small, cramped aircraft, understood the strain. Also, when fatigue is severe, sleepiness can strike even though the plane is in flight.

Furthermore, he came to the profound realization that rapid training of pilots was nearly impossible. Once skills were lost, they couldn't be easily replaced. In conclusion, pilots, as rare and valuable assets, needed to be prioritized in every aspect. Therefore, the Experimental Type 12 carrier fighter, unlike its predecessor, emphasized bulletproofing and speed, with a lowered prioritization of dogfighting capabilities. After all, if it's slow, one cannot pursue the enemy, and conversely, evading becomes almost impossible. The disadvantage of low speed despite high dogfighting capabilities is evident in the battles between biplanes and monoplanes.

In addition, Inoue had various observations, and he compiled them into the "New Armament Planning Theory." Advocating the enhancement of aviation readiness and the theory of dispensing with battleships, Inoue submitted it to Prince Fushimi. The Marshal Admiral was greatly pleased with the avant-garde and radical content advocating the naval aviation of the Navy, and as a result, he began to utilize Inoue even more than before.

On the other hand, Marshal Fushimi also thought of exploiting the New Armament Planning Theory. The theory emphasized the importance of aircraft and submarines along with the imperative to protect maritime traffic. Since the current Imperial Navy had almost no dedicated escort units, according to the New Armament Planning Theory, if one were to follow it, a new specialized department for protecting maritime traffic routes would need to be established. He decided to use this line of thinking. In other words, to the newly established department responsible for maritime escort, he would throw in all those who clung to the old battleship-centric doctrine, opposed the shift from battleships to air power, or were stubborn individuals unable to break free from traditional naval tactics and gradual intercept strategy.

"As a disposal ground for officers who still harbor nostalgia for big guns, this is the perfect organization."

With this thought, Prince Fushimi couldn't help but break into a wicked smile. Inoue, misunderstanding that this smile stemmed from satisfaction with the Experimental Type 12 carrier fighter, also unusually revealed a contented expression. After some time, the Imperial Navy would indeed establish an organization named the Maritime Escort Force.