Bulbous Bow – Japan’s Super Battleship “Yamato”
During the second world war, almost all of the participating countries had plans for their own super class battleships. These are ships that for whatever reason – usually more pressing wartime programs – were designed but never built, although most were laid down. The intended superclass ships were the Montana class (U.S.), Lion class (UK), ‘H’ class (Germany), and Sovyetskiy Soyuz class (USSR). However, none of these ships with the possible expception of the Montana class, would have been been a match with Yamato and Musashi even if they were built. While others were planning their superclass ships, the Japanese already had built theirs. However, even further plans for the Super Yamato Class were still done. Warships number 798 and 799 were to be the first Super Yamato class battleships. These were designed in 1941 with construction to begin the following year, with completion estimated for 1946. These ships were also referred to as design A-150. The orders were never placed, so any specifications are rudimentary at best.