Hyūga class helicopter destroyer

The "Hyūga"-class helicopter destroyers are a type of helicopter carrier (though called helicopter destroyers (DDH) for constitutional reasons) being built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).] "Defense News" in the US reported shortly after Hyūga was launched that a Japanese defense analyst with close ties to the Tokyo government suggested the new warship will engage in operations beyond those involving simple helicopters, and may be outfitted with more advanced fighters in the future. [Minnick, Wendell. [http://warships1discussionboards.yuku.com/topic/4621 "Japan's New Ship: Destroyer or Carrier?'] [http://search.defensenews.com/sp?skin=&aff=1120&keywords=hyuga "Defense News" (Springfield, Virginia).] June 30, 2008. p. 13.] "Jane's Fighting Ships" has classified the "Hyūga" class as helicopter carriers [cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jfs/jfs_5730.html|title=Hyuga class (CVHG) (Japan), Helicopter Destroyers|date=2008-03-14|work=Jane's Fighting Ships (online extract)|publisher=Jane's Information Group|accessdate=2008-07-13] and GlobalSecurity.org states that they are helicopter destroyers.

The ships' primary mission will be anti-submarine warfare, using the helicopters on board.

The vessels of this class will also have a command-and-control function, serving as flagships for the MSDF. The "Hyūga" may demonstrate Japan's capability to construct aircraft carriers in the future. [Minnick, p. 13.]

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 with the ATECS command system and FCS-3 phased-array radar system.

hips 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, which was laid down in 2008.

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 aft gun turrets and barbettes were replaced by a small flight deck and hangar deck that could launch a squadron of Yokosuka D4Y dive-bombers and Aichi E16A seaplanes.

Notes

References

*
*

ee also

* Constitution of Japan, Article 9, 1947
* Classification terms, historic consequences:
** Washington Naval Treaty, 1922
** London Naval Treaty, 1930
** Second London Naval Treaty, 1936

External links

* Polmar, Norman. [http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003686.html "Japan Launches Carrier...Sorta,"] [http://www.defensetech.org/about.html DefenseTech.org (blog).] August 28, 2007.
* [http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?p=2738224 "Japan Hyuga class helicopter carrier,"] [http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/faq.php Military Photos.net (blog)] .
* [http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/showthread.php?t=14606 "Japanese Aircraft Carrier Hyuga,"] [http://www.shipsnostalgia.com/ Ships Nosatlgia.com (blog)] .
* [http://www.ships-net.co.jp/detl/200511/069-074.html Color Image (Ships of the World No.650 )]
* [http://www.geocities.jp/dumbo_seal/dumbosseal_002.htm Photos]