Two advanced versions of the class were planned, but the final design differed so markedly from Fusō's that they became the Ise class.
When she was completed in 1915, Fusō was considered the first modern battleship of the Japanese Navy.
She outclassed her American counterparts of the New York class in firepower and speed, and was considered the "most powerfully armed battleship in the world".
Despite extensive modernization in the 1930s, both battleships were considered obsolescent by the commencement of World War II.
Following the loss of much of Japan's aircraft carrier fleet by 1943, a proposal was floated that would have converted both vessels into hybrid battleship-carriers.
Work was scheduled to commence in June 1943, but the plan was cancelled and the two Ise-class battleships were converted instead.
Two advanced versions of the class were planned, but the final design differed so markedly from Fusō's that they became the Ise class. When she was completed in 1915, Fusō was considered the first modern battleship of the Japanese Navy. She outclassed her American counterparts of the New York class in firepower and speed, and was considered the "most powerfully armed battleship in the world". Despite extensive modernization in the 1930s, both battleships were considered obsolescent by the commencement of World War II. Following the loss of much of Japan's aircraft carrier fleet by 1943, a proposal was floated that would have converted both vessels into hybrid battleship-carriers. Work was scheduled to commence in June 1943, but the plan was cancelled and the two Ise-class battleships were converted instead.
Fusō-class battleship