HMS Tapanuo

HMS Tapanuo is a Darpar-class aircraft carrier built for the Falleen Imperial Navy during the 520's (AER). Originally designated as a battlecruiser, she was converted into one of the Navy's first modern aircraft carriers. The ship entered service in 528AER and was assigned to the Far Eastern Command's 2nd Fleet, of which it is it's capital ship and commanded by Commander Philip de Villeneuve. It saw service in the east during World War II. 
== Design and construction ==
Tapanuo was originally authorised in 516AER as a Four-class battlecruiser, but construction was placed on hold. In 522AER, when she was 28 percent complete, she was ordered to be converted to an aircraft carrier. Her displacement was reduced by a total of 4000 long tons, achieved mainly by the elimination of her main armament of eight 16-inch guns in four twin gun turrets. The main armor belt was retained, although it was reduced in height to save weight. The hull generally remained unaltered, as did the torpedo protection system. The ship has an overall length of 888 feet (270.7 m), a beam of 106 feet (32.3 m), and a draft of 30 feet 5 inches (9.3 m) at deep load. Tapanuo had a standard displacement of 36,000 long tons and 43,055 long tons at deeep load. Tapanuo was launched on 7 April 525AER and commissioned on 16 November 527AER. The ship has a crew of 100 officers and 1840 enlisted men, and an aviation group totalling 141 officers and 710 enlisted men. Currently, the crew totals 3,373 including her aviation group. The ship's flight deck is 866 feet 2 inches (264.01 m) long and has a maximum width of 105 feet 11 inches (32.28 m). Her flight deck was widened forward and extended 16 feet (4.9 m) aft during her refit in mid-1941.
== Service history ==
During the war with Shiha, Tapanuo took part in Operation Serpent 540AER alongside it's naval and aerial contingents of the 2nd Fleet. The battle, which resulted in Falleen defeat, saw the severe damaging of Tapanuo by Shihan bomber raids. After being repaired and re-introduced into the Second Fleet, Tapanuo saw service in a variet of operations including the Second Landing at Haalsia near the end of the war in 545AER.
Since the end of World War II, Tapanuo has remained in service of the 2nd Fleet and stationed at Silkeborg Naval Base, Haalsia.
Category:The Imperial Military
Category:Colonies and Possessions