PJSA002 Hosho 1939

Performance

The Hosho, being the first CV you will play in the IJN line, features bi-plane and tri-plane aircraft. It has a hangar capacity of 24 aircraft, and with 3 squadrons of 4 active (1 fighter, 2 torpedo bomber), it is quite easy to run out of aircraft if you aren't careful with picking your engagements. Don't let the fact that it's a carrier fool you though, the Hosho has one of the best speed/turning/detection combination of any carrier in the game and can often outmaneuver enemy torpedoes and shells. With the addition of 4 secondary turrets too, the Hosho can prove deadly to a brazen destroyer captain.

Pros

• Multiple torpedo bomber squadrons
• Ability to have fighters and torpedo bombers (Doesn't appear for US until tier 8)
• Great maneuverability and detection for a carrier

Cons

• Fighters outmatched by US fighters
• Torpedo bomber spread is wider compared to the US counterpart
• Difficult fighting outside its own tier
• Can easily run out of aircraft

Early Research

As the Hosho is a carrier, the first step of survival is not being detected. Therefore, it is probably more important to get the aircraft upgrades before the hull upgrade (as the hull upgrade does not increase its aircraft capacity, only its HP, AA and maneuvering). In addition, because even its upgraded fighters are outmatched by the US carriers, getting the bomber upgrade is probably the most important of the two as you can maximize your damage output due to higher speeds and more survivability. Once you have the 2 aircraft upgrades you can get the hull upgrade, and then begin saving experience for the Zuiho.