ORIGINAL: FatR
4)The RL project of Type 1 APD/LSI is replaced by the project based on the hull of Matsu DD class, to unify their production. These ships are signficantly smaller, benefit from being unified with a mass-produced DD class in most details, and so can be built in greater numbers. Expand the program to 35 APDs from 28, to reflect that. Endurance, durability, speed and so on - as Matsu class. Armament:
1x127/40 F
3x25mm RS
3x25mm LS
3x25mm R (in single mounts)
2xType 2 DC R
Type 13 Radar
Capacity: 300 troops/200 cargo.
So, still Dauntless fodder, but at least less eggs in every individual basker.
Actually, the T1 class was close to the Matsu class in size, anyway, a few metres shorter and about 0,85 m wider. Its hull construction was closer to the Tachibanas (avoid curved hull plating at any cost) and Kure built them in sections (building time 3-6 months). Also, the type had half the machinery of the Matsu/Tachibana class, being single-shaft, so the type you propose would certainly have much less load capacity and be rather more expensive than the RL design, two additional boilers and one additional turbine eating vital interior space. The major bottleneck in IJN shipbuilding must have been engines at that time (two Unryu CVs were equipped with DD engines because of that, possibly the sets that were earmarked for the cancelled Akizuki DDs), so I think your modification, needing 70 turbine sets instead of 28, would be rather counter-productive. Better stay with the RL design.
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