Ryujo Japanese Aircraft carrier of the Second World War.  Photographs and history of the Japanese aircraft carrier Ryujo.   The Ryujo  was laid down in 1929 was the design incorporated many improvements from the Akagi and Kaga designs.  Originally planned to have one hanger but the design was changed to incorporate two hangers to stow more aircraft then originally planned.  This increase in design weight made her top heavy increasing the chances of capsizing. A  ballast keel was fitted and two pairs of 5 inc guns were removed.  Further improvements were adopted after  many warships had been damaged in a heavy storm in 1935.  At the outbreak of war the Ryojo made up the 4th Carrier division  later in 1942 a second carrier was added to the division the Shoho. They took part in the actions around the Philippine Islands and the Battle of Midway. The Ryojo was sunk at the battle of the east Solomon Seas by aircraft from the USS Saratoga and USS Enterprise on the 24th of August 1942. 

Ryujo