Technological Developments in WW2 - Pacific Theatre

These flashcards cover key technological developments and weapons used during World War II in the Pacific Theatre, highlighting their impact on the war's outcome.

Aircraft Carriers

The premier naval weapon of WW2, enabling forces to project power far beyond traditional fleet ranges.

Battle of Midway

A key turning point in the Pacific War that proved carrier warfare had superseded battleship supremacy.

Fletcher-class Destroyers

Versatile naval vessels characterized by speed, firepower, and anti-submarine capabilities, becoming the backbone of the US fleet.

Combat Information Center (CIC)

A technological leap for American vessels, integrating radar data with communications and tactical displays for improved battle coordination.

Yamato-class Battleships

Massive Japanese battleships, the largest ever built, with significant firepower but outdated naval philosophy.

Long Lance Torpedoes

Japan's oxygen-powered torpedoes that outperformed Allied equivalents with superior range, speed, and explosive power.

I-400 Class Submarines

Japanese submarines capable of carrying three aircraft, although they arrived too late to affect the war's outcome.

Higgins Boat

An amphibious landing craft credited by General Eisenhower as crucial to Allied victory during the Pacific campaign.

Island-hopping Strategy

The American military approach to secure strategic locations within bomber range of Japan by bypassing heavily fortified islands.

Type 97 Chi-Ha Medium Tank

Japan's key armoured vehicle during the war, lighter than American tanks and well-suited for island conditions.

M4 Sherman Tank

An American tank that proved adaptable to Pacific conditions with specialized designs, including variants equipped for flamethrower use.

Arisaka Type 99 Rifle

A technologically advanced Japanese infantry rifle with features suited for tropical combat conditions.

M1 Garand Semi-automatic Rifle

An American infantry rifle acclaimed by General Patton for its greater firepower compared to older bolt-action rifles.

Backpack Radio

A communication device that allowed American forces unprecedented battlefield communication capability.

Mitsubishi A6M Zero

A Japanese aircraft that dominated early aerial combat due to its exceptional range and manoeuvrability.

F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair

US fighters specifically designed to counter the Zero with superior firepower and defensive capabilities.

B-29 Superfortress

An American bomber capable of delivering devastating payloads from high altitudes beyond Japanese defenses.

Norden Bombsight

A revolutionary technology that significantly improved bombing accuracy of American bombers.

Atomic Bombs

Nuclear weapons deployed against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, fundamentally altering the war's outcome and preventing a conventional invasion.