Posted on 07/27/2017 8:28:24 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Based on Japanese ship spotters pictures, the Asahi destroyer (25DD-class), the latest surface combatant designed for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), started sea trials.
19DD Asahi Destroyer 25DD class JMSDF Japan 125DD-class ASW Destroyer Asahi (hull number 119) during its first sea trials off MHI Nagasaki shipyard. Picture via ship spotter colleague @tamotaro
The images and video show the new first-of-class vessel during its initial sea trials which reportedly started July 6th and ended July 26th off Nagasaki in Southern Japan. The two vessels of the 25DD-class are built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) in the Nagasaki shipyard.
The Asahi-class is an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) class of destroyers based on the existing Akizuki-class (19DD) of destroyers which is more focused on AAW. The vessel displaces over 5,000 tons for a length of 151 meters, a width of 18.3 meters and a draft of 5.4 meters.
The Asahi-class is uniquely fitted with a COGLAG (combined gas turbine electric and gas turbine) propulsion system, a first for a JMSDF surface combatant. The benefit of the COGLAG configuration is is that it provides sufficient power at greater efficiency for current and future weapon systems.
Another key feature that makes the Asahi-class unique: its sensor suite. To our knowledge, Asahi is Japan's (and incidentally, also the world's) first warship to be fitted with an operational GaN-AESA (gallium nitride - active electronically scanned array) Multifunction Radar. Asahi's radar is based on the FCS-3A AESA radar system but uses GaN technology for improved performances. FCS-3A comes with 4x C-band and 4x X-band arrays (two forward and two aft for each). The sonar suite consists in the OQQ-24 hull mounted sonar and OQR-4 variable depth sonar.
In terms of weapon systems, the Asahi-class is fitted with 32x Mk41 VLS cells forward for ESSM SAM and Type 07 VL-ASROC, 8x Type 90 anti-ship missile launchers and 2x triple torpedo launchers.
Future weapon systems "may" include the XSSM anti-ship missile, the XRIM-4 surface to air missile (in development in Japan to replace ESSM, it features an AESA seeker), a long range naval gun ammunition currently under research and the new Type 12 light weight torpedo (project G-RX 5).
Side by side comparison: 25DD-class ASW Destroyer Asahi (hull number 119) left, and 19DD-class AAW Destroyer Akizuki (hull number 115). Note the FCS-3A radar arrays (likely the C and X bands) have inverted positions. Picture via ship spotter colleague @tamotaro
From a shipbuilding perspective, the 25DD-class was designed with a focus on reducing acquisition cost while ensuring future developability and growth. For this reason, the hull form and vessel design is similar to 19DD-class.
Commissioning of Asahi with the JMSDF is expected for March 2018. It should be home ported at Sasebo naval base and be affiliated to the Escort Flotilla 2 / Escort Squadron 2 of the JMSDF. The second vessel of the class is set to be launched in October this year.
Following the two Asahi-class (25DD) destroyers, Japan is set to built the 33DD destroyers designed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The lead ship of 33DD will be budgeted in FY2021 and launched in 2024. It is set to be slightly heavier than 25DD with an integrated mast and feature a CFRP hull.
Thank you to the following sources: @tamotaro @sdkfz1224 and "Ambassador"
I thought they were working on Space Battleship Yamato...
She’s a pretty ship.
L
High profile? I always love the WW II Fletcher Class ones. My uncle served on one in the Atlantic. When I hear the word destroyer, its the ship that my mind pictures.
Did you know that on ship in the class is now a tourist site in Boston? It's the Cassin Young, docked near USS Constitution. You can go aboard and get a great feel for what life was like on her.
I must have visited 20 years ago, but it was thrilling to experience the narrow hatches and steep ladders of shipboard life.
Looks quite top heavy.
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