Posted on 05/27/2007 10:19:05 PM PDT by Jeff Head
On Friday, May 25th, 2007, the Republic of South Korea reached a major milestone in its military and defense progress.
The first Korean Destroyer Experimental III vessel (KDX-3) was launched on that date. The new vessel, named the Sejong the Great, DDG 991, is a full AEGIS capable vessel employing the same AN/SPY-1D system as the US Navy Areligh Burke class destroyers, and also utilizing the same AN/SQQ-89 submarine warfare suite.
But the vessels are also much more heavily armed than their American counterparts, with an 80 cell VLS grouping forward dedicated to SM-2 missiles, and a 48 cell VLS grouping aft carrying 32 land attack cruise missiles and 16 ASROC anti-submarine missiles. In addition, the vessel carries 16 anti-shipping missiles very similar to harpoon missiles, a rolling air frame (RAM) missile launcher with 21 short range anti-missile and anti-air missiles, and a 30mm Goalkeeper CIWS for more close in protection. Finally, the vessel carries 32 light weight topredoes and carries two anti-submarine helicopters in its hangars.
These vessels, when upgraded with TBM capabilities will allow the South Korean government to protect their interests and people against attack by rogue states, and help maitain the balance of power in the Western Pacific. The South Koreans have firm plans to build two more of these vessels, with a potential for three more, which would total six vessels in all.
Pictures of the launch and the dignitaries attending follow (click on each pic for a larger pciture)
First Lady of Korea christens the ship, while Naval envoys from the Unitest States, the United Kingdon, and Japan (and others) attend.
For detailed information about the Sejong Class DDGs (or other AEGIS or AEGIS-like vessels), please refer to the following site:
Republic of Korea Sejong the great CLASS AEGIS DDG
FYI, latest news and pics on Republic of Korea AEGIS vessel.
BTTT
Meanwhile, in the Pacific Theater...
I’m no expert, but that sure seems like a heck of a lot of armament for a ship that size.
I'm grinning from ear to ear as I read how this ship literally bristles with weaponry!!
A total of 80 med-long range defensive missiles (SM-2), 32 land attack cruise missiles, 16 asrocs, 16 anti-shipping missiles, 32 light torpedoes :-) :-) :-) :-)
In ideal conditions this one ship can really wreak havoc among the oceans of commies!!
Btw what is the comparative layout armament for the US destroyers?
Nice! I’m guessing they have room for more weapons because the intended mission is more regional defense of South Korea than the global missions of US ships (more missiles, less fuel tankage). But that’s just a guess.
i was thinking exactly the same thing...must be only room for 1 person with all that gear...it looks like arnie in the film commando...
Total of 6 to be built probably means they plan to have one each stationed at all times on either side of the peninsula, using the usual ratio of 1/3 in port, 1/3 out training, 1/3 on station.
You’re right. She’s a beauty.
Two thoughts:
I bet they didn’t spend a billion and a half dollars building it.
And I consider anything with a 10,000 ton displacement a cruiser.
Am I skipping over it, or does the list leave out the 5 inch gun?
Exactly right. You don't get something for nothing. Especially true in ship design. US ships are built with a balance of firepower, survivability and range. Your probably right that they sacrificed fuel capacity for firepower. Not a bad choice given their requirements. I'd feel better if we provided our Cost Guard similarly.
New South Korean boat in the water
Yep.
It's a good guess. US destroyers are designed to be deployed at long distances for extended durations. This means a lot of storage for food, fuel, spare parts, repair facilities, etc. A ship that doesn't need to be out at sea for more than a few days at a time, and not more than a day's sail from port, can use most of that freed up space for weapons, sensors, and electronics
DDG-51 ARLEIGH BURKE-class has two VLS (90 missiles, Standard anti-air, and Tomahawk ground-attack), 8 Harpoon anti-ship, 6 torpedo launchers, a 5-inch gun and a pair of CIWS
You can see the 5 inch gun in the upper left picture (click for bigger pic)
Any indication of range and endurance?
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