Posted on 10/12/2017 10:41:24 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Nagasaki shipyard held the launch ceremony for the second (and last) 25DD/Asahi-class ASW Destroyer. The vessel, named "Shiranui" (hull number DD-120) will join first ship of the class "Asahi" in Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) service. Asahi started sea trials in July 2017.
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.
Shiranui Destroyer DD25 Asahi class JMSDF Japan 225DD-class ASW Destroyer Shiranui (hull number 120) was launched during a ceremony at MHI Nagasaki shipyard. Picture via ship spotter colleague @tamotaro
The Asahi-class is uniquely fitted with a COGLAG (combined gas turbine electric and gas turbine) propulsion system, with two GE LM2500IEC turbine engines connected to two 2.5 MW/3,400 hp electric motors. This is 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 first warship (and the world's second after the German F125 and its TRS-4D) 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).
Shiranui Destroyer DD25 Asahi class JMSDF Japan 325DD-class ASW Destroyer Shiranui (hull number 120) was launched during a ceremony at MHI Nagasaki shipyard. Picture via ship spotter colleague @toma_san
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 and @tam_san
Beautiful vessel..
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Japanese version of AEGIS, it looks like, and (I suspect) nothing to f*** with.
5,000 tons is a proper size for a Destroyer.
10,000 tons (Burke class Aegis DDG) is really a Cruiser.
The US would do well to build 50 of the 5,000 ton class in the next 5-8 years.
48 x VLS plus trimmed down Aegis tuned for anti-ship and anti-sub warfare.
Do you know what “Shiranui,” translates into English?
5.56mm
“nothing to f*** with”
The Japanese Navy could defeat the Chinese Navy unassisted.
And if past is prologue, it can talk to USN.
We need a whole bunch of ships like this; she's about 1000 tons heavier than the Perry class frigates.
Where’s the sonar dome?
Phosphorescent light.
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The perfect ally… strong, stable, free and friendly
Wikipedia says “Shirunai” == “Phosphorescent Light”.
IJN had a destroyer by that name, sunk in action by dive bombers from USS Enterprise. This Shirunai might some day be assigned to escort USS Enterprise in a joint fleet exercise (or a real battle).
“The perfect ally… strong, stable, free and friendly”
—
And efficient,VERY efficient.
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When it comes to Naval warfare, Japan is a formidable foe. The beat the Russian Navy in 1904, and during the early years of the war in the Pacific (WW2) it was all the American Navy could do to hold their own with them. As an island nation, they make it their business to have a good Navy. Its good to have them on our side in any kind of Naval engagement.
I have seen Japanese naval ships in San Diego. They visit San Diego in the summer. One day I saw a beautiful Japanese cruiser underway on San Diego Bay flying the rising sun flag. I wonder what Bull Halsey would have to say about that.
Thanks.
5.56mm
Phosphorescence/glowing
A handsome vessel. But, can she FIGHT?
Domo arigato.
8^)
5.56mm
Nope, but I remember Asahi beer.
Large tracts of ... land?
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