The Ship Model Forum

The original plan considered a design similar to the American LCS concept, but finaly it looks like ATLA decided on a more conservative plan. MHI has been working (with its own funds) on the 30FF concept since 2015: A 3000 tons frigate capable of speeds in excess of 40 knots. However the latest ATLA CGI looks quite different compared to the 30FF design. The three main factors driving the 30DX design appear to be affordability, miniaturization/automation and multi-mission capabilities.

The 30DX will follow the latest Asahi-class of Destroyers. It will be quite smaller and some of its mission set include mine warfare. 30DX is expected to replace both the Asagiri-class destroyer (8 units built in the 1980ies) and the Abukuma-class destroyer escort (6 corvettes built in the late 1980ies/early 1990ies).

According the ATLA, the 30DX is set to have a standard displacement of approximately 3,900 tons, a length of 130 meters and width of 16 meters. The top speed is set to be in excess of 30 knots. The propulsion system will be in CODAG arrangement with 1x Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine and 2x MAN diesel engines.

Rolls-Royce MT30 Gas Turbine to Power Japan’s New 30FFM Frigate

Posted On Tuesday, 29 May 2018 09:45

Rolls-Royce has been selected to supply its MT30 gas turbine to power the 30FFM, a new class of frigates for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). The selection means Japan is the fifth nation to select the MT30 for a major naval ship building programme.

Sam Cameron, Rolls-Royce, Senior Vice President – Defence, said: “Japan’s selection of the MT30 is very significant and means that the three largest users of marine gas turbines, have all endorsed the capabilities of the MT30 and selected it to power significant future programmes.

“The MT30 is the world’s most power dense marine gas turbine in service today, a key feature for naval ships where high power in minimum space, whilst meeting the operational power demands of the future, is essential. The increased demand for power by the world’s navies is a clear trend and for Japan we will deliver a power rating in excess of 40 megawatts, the highest so far for this gas turbine unrestricted by global climate conditions.

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JMSDF launches 30DX-class frigate “Kumano”
By
Dorian Archus
-
November 19, 2020


Photo Courtesy: JMSDF

The naming and launching ceremony for the frigate “KUMANO” was held at Tamano Works, Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co.,Ltd, JMSDF announced. The ship is planned to be commissioned in 2022.
Kumano is the 2nd ship of the class though first one has not been launched yet. Totally 22 30DX frigate will be built until 2032. In accordance with an agreement signed this month between Japan and Indonesia, Japan will export 4 destroyers to Indonesia, and 4 30DX frigates will be built in Indonesian shipyards. Rest of the package will be built in Japan.

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Are the 30DX and the 30FFM the same class?

Japan hopes to export Mogami-class frigate to Indonesia
Posted on April 3, 2021

Japan and Indonesia recently signed a defense equipment and technology transfer agreement during a Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministerial Meeting (2 plus 2) in Tokyo on Mar. 30. Media reports from Japan says this will pave the way for Japan to export the Mogami-class frigate to Indonesia.

JS Kumano(FFM-2) left front view at Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Tamano Shipyard November 19, 2020 03
Hunini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons


The Mogami-class is a new frigate that Japan is building to replace its Asagiri-class destroyers and Abukuma-class destroyer escorts.