Hyūga-class helicopter destroyer
| Hyuga class helicopter destroyer | |
|---|---|
| |
| General characteristics | |
| Displacement: | 13,500 tons standard; 18,000 tons full load |
| Length: | 197 m |
| Beam: | 33 m |
| Draft: | 7 m |
| Propulsion: | COGAG, two shafts, 100,000 hp, |
| Speed: | 30+ knots (56 km/h) |
| Crew Complement: | 347 (Hyuga) 371 (18DDH) |
| Armament: | |
| Aircraft: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
The Hyūga-class helicopter destroyers are a new type of small aircraft carrier (though called helicopter destroyers (DDH)for political reasons) being built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). They are planned to replace the 7,000-ton Haruna-class destroyers currently in use. The new ships will be the largest combatant ship operated by Japan since the Imperial Japanese Navy was superseded by the JMSDF.
In design, the Hyuga class vessel resembles a small aircraft carrier or amphibious assault ship such as the Italian Navy's 13,850-ton Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Spanish Navy's 17,000-ton Principe de Asturias or the Royal Navy's 21,000-ton Invincible-class carriers.
The class' code-name (16DDH) derives from the Japanese calendar, specifically the 16th year of the Heisei reign (2004), when the provisional title was given.
Design and specifications
The Hyūga class has a through-deck design to maximise potential space for launching and retrieving its helicopter complement. As a result it resembles a light aircraft carrier. However, it will not be fitted with a ski-jump or other equipment necessary to operate fixed-wing aircraft.
The ships' primary mission will be anti-submarine warfare, using the helicopters on board. They will also have a command-and-control function, serving as flagships for the MSDF.
The ships will be able to carry up to eleven helicopters, relying on a 16-cell VLS carrying the ESSM SAM, along with the Phalanx CIWS, for self-defence. They are also equipped the FCS-3 phased-array radar system.
Ships in the class
Construction of the first ship (Hyūga) was started in 2006. She was launched on 23 August 2007. At least one more ship in the class is planned.
| Pennant no. | Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Homeport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DDH-181 | Hyūga (16DDH) | 11 May 2006 | 23 August 2007 | March 2009 | ???? |
| DDH-??? | ????? (18DDH) | 2008 | 2009 | March 2011 | ???? |
Name
The lead ship was named after the Ise-class battleship Hyūga of the Imperial Japanese Navy, which was commissioned in 1918, and subsequently served in World War II. Following the Battle of Midway, the Hyuga was converted into a hybrid battleship/aircraft carrier in 1943. Its after gun turrets and barbettes were replaced by a small flight deck and hanger deck that could launch a squadron of Yokosuka D4Y dive-bombers and Aichi E16A seaplanes.
External links
- Globalsecurity.org
- Color Image (Ships of the World No.650 )
- "Japan’s New Ship: Destroyer or Carrier?" by Wendell Minnick Defense News (09/03/07)
- "After 40 Years, Japan Achieves Warship Dream" by Yu Yong-weon; Chosun Ilbo, South Korea (08/26/07)
- "Japan's Secret Aircraft Carriers" by Harold C. Hutchison. Strategy Page (08/25/07)
- Photos
Template:Current and future combatant ship classes of the JMSDF