Japan Plans a Secret Submarine Attack-- Part 1

From the Nov. 13, 2009, LA Times by Thomas H. Maugh II.

The Japanese submarine I-401 was discovered St. Patrick;s Day 2005 off Hawaii along with several mini subs and other wrecks.

Some Japanese submarines carried reconnaissance planes. The I-400 series had 2-3 Achii Seiran bombers, whose wings and tails could be folded, and were the stealth weapons of their time. These submarines could surface, launch their planes in 7-10 minutes and dive. A restored plane is on display at the Smithsonian Institute's Dulles Airport exhibit.

Near the end of the war there was a huge mission planned where the I-400s would attack Washington DC and New York City. After that, the Panama Canal was to be bombed before the US Fleet staging near Ulithi Atoll north of the Philippines where they were staging for the final attack on Japan.

However, Japan surrendered the day before the attack and it was called off.

More to Come. --GreGen