Kido Butai Carrier Units Tail Markings

[Witold K.]

Hi everybody
I'm looking for explnation of relation between number of aircraft in Japanese Navy carrier unit and their tail markings. For instance: carrier fighter unit consisting of 21 aircraft should have tail markings from 101 to 121, however there are aircraft with markings like 131, 145 150, 154, 155 etc.
B rgds

[edwest2]

I hope the following is helpful.


http://pacific.valka.cz/planes/ijnaf_marking.htm

[Witold K.]

Thank You fot answer, but as a matter of fact it's not my point. Every IJN carrier aircraft unit was divided by smaller subunits like chutais and shotais. Every shotai had its number. Now, was tail numerical marking associated with shotai number? Was shotai number related to carrier unit or its position in Carrier Division?
B rgds

[Buckeye30]

Witold if you havn't already I would recommend you post it on this very good site.
"www.j-aircraft.com"
As far as I know plane numbers were allocated arbitrarily by the sub-units in multiples of 3 eg. 18,21,27 etc. Large carriers early in war could have 18 Zekes, 21 Vals, 21 Kates with assigned blocks.
Perhaps you will let us know how you do.


Nick

[Witold K.]

Thank You for this tip. J've visited that site many times, however never posted any message. I think it's good idea.
Many thanks.