The land-based units had larger numbers of aircraft, and could number from approximately 24 to a 100 or more aircraft. It could also be either homogeneous or composed of different types of aircraft. In terms of the flight element, it was generally composed of 18 to 27 aircraft and took the name of the carrier or air station where it was originally formed. A kōkūtai in the broadest terms could comprise a flight and base element of either a carrier or land-based air group. ![]() Kōkūtai (air group) was equivalent to a group or wing. While the land-based kōku sentai consisted of 3 kokutais. The first kōku sentai, in December 1941, consisted of all aircraft aboard the carriers Akagi and Kaga. A kōku sentai was equivalent to a carrier division and contained all carrier aircraft within the division. Kōkū sentai contained anywhere from a handful to 80 or 90 aircraft, and were dependent on both the mission and type of aircraft carrier or air station that they were located on. Kōku Sentai (air flotillas) consisted of two or more Kōkūtai, they were commanded by Rear Admirals. IJN also maintained a land-based system of naval air fleets and area air fleets called homen kantai containing mostly twin-engine bombers and seaplanes. ![]() The most notable kōkū kantai was the First Air Fleet containing Japan's six fleet carriers and was responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbor. Kōkū Kantai (air fleet) contained one or more kōkū sentai. Main article: List of Air Fleets of the Imperial Japanese Navy
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