Sunken I-400 Submarine’s Airplane Hangar

Tuesday, May 05, 2015 at 06:29 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Divers recently discovered the missing aircraft hangar of a sunken I-400 submarine off the coast of O'ahu.
This marks the first time researchers have viewed the hangar, which was separated from the main submarine wreckage by explosive forces when the United States intentionally sank the vessel after World War II.
The I-400 was a large, unique submarine capable of housing three Aichi M6A Seiran attack seaplanes, which could be prepared for launch within 45 minutes.

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See the wreckage of a sunken I-400 submarine’s missing aircraft hangar that was recently found by divers off the coast of O’ahu.

Sunken I-400 Submarine Hangar — While the main wreckage of the sunken submarine was found a few years ago, the recent dive constituted the first time researchers ever viewed the hangar, which was separated from the other wreckage by explosive forces when the United States intentionally sank the submarine after World War II. (Photo: NOAA)

Sunken I-400 Submarine Hangar — In this image U.S. Navy servicemen can be seen studying the I-400’s hangar.

Sunken I-400 Submarine Hangar — The I-400’s cylindrical hangar was large enough to house three Aichi M6A Seiran attack seaplanes. The planes, which were folded inside the hangar, could be prepared for launch within just 45 minutes.

Sunken I-400 Submarine Hangar — Three I-400s were built toward the end of the war, and the submarines were substantially larger than any other existing sub at the time.

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