subbrief
patreon
Izumo-class Sub Brief
🕑 Added 2024-09-17 11:48:31 +0000 UTCThe Izumo-class warships are a class of helicopter destroyers operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). These vessels are among the largest and most capable ships in the JMSDF fleet, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and maritime patrol missions. With advancements in technology and evolving defense strategies, the Izumo-class has undergone significant upgrades to enhance its operational flexibility, including modifications to support fixed-wing aircraft operations.
Class Name: Izumo-class Ship Type: Helicopter Destroyer (Helicopter Carrier)
Number of Ships: 2 (JS Izumo (DDH-183) and JS Kaga (DDH-184))
Builder: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Nagasaki Shipyard
Commissioned: JS Izumo: March 25, 2015 JS Kaga: March 19, 2017
Displacement: Approximately 27,000 tons (full load)
Length: 248 meters (814 feet)
Beam: 42 meters (138 feet)
Draft: 9.5 meters (31 feet)
Propulsion System: Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) with four gas turbines Total Power Output: Approximately 74,000 shaft horsepower (shp) Maximum
Speed: Over 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph) Range: Approximately 8,000 nautical miles at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
Aircraft Facilities Flight Deck and Hangar Flight Deck
Length: Approximately 200 meters (656 feet)
Width: 38 meters (125 feet)
Hangar Capacity: Capable of housing up to 14 helicopters, facilitating rapid deployment and recovery operations.
Aircraft Capacity and Types Primary Aircraft: SH-60J Seahawk helicopters (ASW, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue) UH-60J helicopters
Future Aircraft Integration: Potential for fixed-wing aircraft operations, including the F-35B Lightning II, following extensive modifications to the flight deck and support systems.
Defensive Systems
Sea Sparrow Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) System: Integrated for short to medium-range air defense.
Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS): For point-defense against incoming missiles and aircraft.
Radar and Sensor Systems Air Search Radar: Advanced 3D air search radar systems for comprehensive situational awareness.
Surface Search Radar: Enhanced capabilities for detecting and tracking surface contacts. Sonar Systems: Integrated hull-mounted sonar for effective submarine detection.
Electronic Support Measures (ESM): For electronic intelligence and threat detection. Electronic Countermeasures (ECM): To disrupt or deceive enemy sensors and communications.
Primary Roles Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Equipped with advanced sonar systems and ASW helicopters to detect and neutralize submarine threats.
Maritime Patrol: Long-range patrol capabilities for monitoring vast ocean areas.
Amphibious Support: Capable of supporting amphibious operations with embarked helicopters and potential future integration of fixed-wing aircraft.
Command and Control: Functions as a command ship for fleet operations, providing centralized control and coordination.
Conversion for Fixed-Wing Aircraft In response to evolving defense needs and regional security dynamics, the Izumo-class warships have undergone significant modifications to support the operation of fixed-wing aircraft, notably the F-35B Lightning II.
These upgrades include: Flight Deck Reinforcement: Strengthened to handle the weight and stress of fixed-wing aircraft operations.
Enhanced Fuel Storage and Maintenance Facilities: To support the refueling and maintenance needs of fixed-wing aircraft.
Integration of Advanced Arresting Gear Systems: For safe landings and recoveries of aircraft.
Technological Enhancements Advanced Communication Systems: Improved interoperability with other JMSDF vessels and allied forces.
Upgraded Defensive Systems: Enhanced missile defense and electronic warfare capabilities to counter modern threats.
Automation and Crew Efficiency: Implementation of automated systems to reduce crew workload and improve operational efficiency.
Comparisons and Significance The Izumo-class warships are comparable to other modern helicopter carriers and light aircraft carriers, such as the United States Navy’s USS Wasp (LHD-1) and USS America (LHA-6) classes. However, the Izumo-class stands out due to its size, advanced ASW capabilities, and recent modifications for fixed-wing aircraft operations, positioning it as a versatile and formidable asset within the JMSDF.
Comments
Paul Jeffery
Very pleased to see this cast. About 10 years various commentators were assessing the likelihood of converting Australia's 2LHDs to F35B light carriers . I wrote to Canberra screaming 'don't do it , it will be another DoD money pit . I suggesting building the Japanese vessels from scratch . Of course nothing happened either way.
