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| Izumo-Class Warships and Akizuki-Class |
International Military - The Japanese Navy (JMSDF) apparently relies heavily on Izumo class ships. Because of the reliability of the Izumo class, the JMSDF will be projected as a Japanese aircraft carrier. Quoted from navalnews.com, the Izumo class was previously labeled the destroyer helicopter class.
With the helicopter destroyer class label, the Izumo class was changed to an aircraft carrier class. From changing it as an aircraft carrier class, the Izumo class will operate the F-35B. For this reason, the role of the Izumo class will be much bigger than before.
And this type of warship is known to escort the movement of the Izumo class when carrying out a mission. "The Akizuki class is intended to escort the Hyuga class and Izumo class destroyers," wrote seaforces.org.
It was also clarified that the Akizuki class was also intended to escort other ships. “And protect other Aegis guided warships such as the Congo class and Atago class of the JMSDF,” added seaforces.org.
With these explanations, the Akizuki class acts as a escort ship. In addition, please note that the Akizuki class is a destroyer class. This means that the Akizuki-class destroyers are tasked with escorting only a few important JMSDF ships. As a result, the current role of the Akizuki class plays an important role for several warship movements.
Plus, the Akizuki class carries some of the best defensive class weapons. Such as air defense weapons, anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface weapons are in the Akizuki class.
Quoted from naval-technology.com, for the Akizuki-class RIM-162 ESSM air defense weapon. From the existence of the RIM-162 ESSM, the role of the Akizuki class is useful in both defensive and offensive operations. For that reason, it is only natural that the Akizuki class is intended to escort JMSDF warships.
It is explained in the information that the Akizuki class is capable of 32 missiles that are accommodated in the VLS. The 32 missiles housed in the Akizuki-class VLS can be loaded with the RIM-162 ESSM. In addition to the RIM-162 ESSM, the Akizuki class VLS cell can be loaded with 2 types of ASROC weapons. Like the RUM-139 VL-ASROC and Type 07 VL-ASROC in the Mk41 Akizuki class.
Furthermore, in the Akizuki class there is the Mk45 as the main cannon. It is known that the main gun of the Akizuki class is capable of firing at a speed of 16 to 20 rounds per minute. As a result, the main gun of the Akizuki class has an effective range of up to 24.1 km. For that the Akizuki class can carry out surface combat and limited air defense. As a result, the Akizuki class is equipped with two 20mm Phalanx Block1B CIWS.
From the existence of these weapons, it is clear that the Akizuki class is capable of carrying out various types of missions. Further in the class Akizuki is equipped with two 324mm triple torpedo tubes. The HOS-303 torpedo in the Akizuki class is capable of firing 6 torpedoes. As a result, the Akizuki class also has an anti-torpedo system to counter incoming torpedoes.
In addition, the Akizuki class also has domestically made anti-ship missiles. It is known that the Akizuki class anti-ship missile is the Type 90 which has advanced qualities. To that end, the Akizuki class is equipped with an advanced technology command system (ATECS).
As a result, the locally developed Akizuki class has ATECS including a phased array radar. While the Akizuki class has a high-speed data processing system. With this technology, the Akizuki class has a ship combat system.
The Akizuki class is also known as the Japanese Aegis variant which has qualified quality. For this reason, the Akizuki class has a system that integrates units and subsystems. Like the display and control of the UYQ-70 in the Akizuki class.
The Akizuki class also receives and processes information from various weapon systems. Including the 3-FCS-3 fire control system, the anti-submarine system is in the Akizuki class. And the EWCS electronic warfare control system is also in the Akizuki class.
The class Akizuki was designed to actually have stealth abilities. The Akizuki class design incorporates a low radar cross sectional pylon. As a result the Akizuki class has increased stealth abilities. From the claim of stealth ability, it is clear that the Akizuki class is currently still on active duty. And the Japanese Navy is also very dependent on the Akizuki class warships.