Type 3 submergence transport vehicle


The Type 3 submergence transport vehicle was a class of transport submarines built for the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War. The IJA planned to build over 400 boats, however only 38 boats were completed until the end of war. The IJA called them Maru Yu.

Construction

In 1943 the IJA decided to build a transport submarine for themselves, because the IJA was soundly beaten in the Solomon Islands campaign and needed a way to supply the isolated garrisons on the Pacific islands.

Boats in classes

''Yu I'' type

The class consists of four unofficial subclasses resulting from manufacturing differences among the contracted builders. The manufacturer may be discerned by the appearance of the sail.

''Yu 1''-class

Basic model of Yu I type. First boat Yu 1 was prototype of the Yu I type boats. The Hitachi-Kasado Factory built all of the Yu 1-class boats. Their sail was closed.
The Japan Steel Works-Kaita Factory built all of the Yu 1001-class boats. They were equipped with an open-top sail.
The Andō Iron Works-Tsukishima Factory build all of the Yu 2001-class boats. First boat was the second prototype of the Yu I type boats. They fitted a deck house root to the sail for improved crew comfort.
The Chōsen Machinery-Jinsen Factory build all of the Yu 3001-class boats.
Improved model of the Yu I type. Yu II was built by Kampon technical guidance. The IJN used the Ha-101-class submarine drawings and designed this.