Hyuga class

   The Hyuga class helicopter carrier is named after the Imperial Japanese Navy Ise class battleship Hyuga. At least two ships of this class are planned. Construction of the first ship was started in 2006 and was commissioned in 2009. The second ship is expected to enter service in 2011. This class will provide the Maritime Self-Defense Force with greater force projection capability.

   The Hyuga class warships are the largest combatant ships, operated by JMSDF and built since the World War II. They will replace the Haruna class ASW destroyers. Primary mission for these new helicopter carriers is anti-submarine warfare.

   The Hyuga class ships are called as helicopter destroyers in Japan, for political reasons. It is against constitution to operate what is referred as offensive weapons and exceeds necessary level of self-defense. The helicopter destroyer classification is not correct, as these ships are significantly larger than destroyers, have a full-length flight deck and relatively large air wing.

   These ships resemble light aircraft carriers, such as the Royal Navy's Invincible class. There are two elevators and enclosed hangar. Japan claims that usual air wing will consists of three SH-60K for ASW and one MCH-101 for mine warfare. However ships can carry up to 11 Chinooks or quite a few more smaller helicopters.

   Currently these warships are not capable of operating fixed-wing aircraft, as they lack a ski-jump bow and other equipment. Nevertheless they needs only little modification and may be outfitted with V/STOL aircraft in the future.

   The Hyuga helicopter carrier is armed with a single 16-cell Mk.41 vertical launch system with a mix of ESSM surface-to-air missiles and ASROC anti-submarine missiles. Several missiles can be guided simultaneously to various incoming threats.

   Other weapons include two Phalanx CIWS for self-defense and two triple 324-mm torpedo tubes.

   Ships have enhanced command and control capabilities. They can serve as flagships of the JMSDF. The Hyuga class has no provision for amphibious assault, however it is clear that these ships could carry far more that 350 naval crew. Marine troop capabilities are not being published for political reasons.

   These helicopter carriers are powered by combined gas turbine and gas (COGAG) propulsion. It is fitted with four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, developing 25 000 hp each. These drive two shafts.