The Japanese Government's classification of the Hy?ga class as destroyers has been met with some criticism. As the ships are larger than any previous destroyers and have a full-length flight deck and relatively large air wing, they have been compared to light aircraft carriers.[1] Some media reports have labeled the ships aircraft carriers and it has been suggested that they represent an attempt by Japan to revive its naval aviation capabilities.[5] The ships are not currently capable of operating fixed-wing aircraft, however, as they are not fitted with a ski-jump and other equipment needed to operate aircraft other than helicopters.[6][7] Defense News in the US reported shortly after Hy?ga 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.[8] Jane's Fighting Ships has classified the Hy?ga class as helicopter carriers[9] and GlobalSecurity.org states that they are helicopter destroyersThe 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.[1] The Hy?ga may demonstrate Japan's capability to construct aircraft carriers in the future.[10]
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.[1]
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A CL. That flight deck design would not be necessary for purely helicopter operations. There is what could be seen as an angled flight deck (similar to Midway-class USN carriers), allowing space for aircraft to be spotted on the bow during flight operations. It would be a simple matter to add a ski jump ramp to the bow.
This is even a thinner disguise than the "through deck cruiser".
According to an article in Defense Technology International Hyuga will be armed with "Shin-ASROC" standoff ASW missiles and torpedo tubes. She lacks volume air-search (?) and area air defense capabilities (long range SAMs).
Sounds very much like launching aircraft at sea is these ships' main reason for being, and not just an auxiliary aid. So they are definitely carriers. Not yet attack or multirole carriers perhaps, but definitely carriers.
Assessing the impact of new area rug under modeling table.
Aircraft carriers are "power-projection" (a politically-correct term for "offensive") weapons. Does this portend a shift in Japanese foreign policy? If so, will they change their name from the Japanese Self-Defense Force to the Japanese Navy? One of the hallmarks of "political correctness" is calling things what they are not.
Lesforan wrote:Aircraft carriers are "power-projection" (a politically-correct term for "offensive") weapons.
Are carriers that carry ASW aircraft exclusively and designed to estalish ASW cover over maritime approaches surrounding an island nation still power projection, or excuse me, offensive weapons?
Lesforan wrote: Does this portend a shift in Japanese foreign policy?
The policy has been shifting in this direction ever since the end of the cold war, when American interest shifted. It is also inevitable that it would eventually shift in this direction anyway, no island nation with the world's second largest economy can perpetually settle for the world's 6th largest fleet.
Lesforan wrote: If so, will they change their name from the Japanese Self-Defense Force to the Japanese Navy?
No, form can confer moral advantages that substance can not.
Assessing the impact of new area rug under modeling table.
I'm glad the country that pioneered the carrier is finally going back to it's roots and building one. Just as long as those right winger nutters who started WWII don't get back in we shouldn't have to worry.
Nope, it is sqaushed and cramped, only one of the elevators looks big enough to take an F-35 (is it strong enough?) and unless they designed the Hanger to take the F-35, she can only carry 6-8 F-35s. then there is the fact that as she is (roughly) the same size as the Invincibles when first built, you are going to want a full length Runway and a ski jump. All-in-all converting to operate Fighters is not worth it. Why? As soon as Japan builds any Fixed wing Carrier, the Chinese will start a Carrier Arms race, so if Japan was going to start this arms race, it will build a proper Carrier (the JMSDF and Japans shipyards are well known for building quality ships to do the tasks they are given), not try and squeeze half a squadron of F-35 on to these Helicopter Carriers.
Ships on the Slipway
HMS Victorious R38
USS Pinckney DDG-91
SAS Drakensberg A-301 On the drawing board
HMS Dumbarton Castle P265
HMS Albion L14
VT Sergey Osipov
At the very least this ship could operate a half-dozen VSTOL jets--be they F-35Bs, or new build Harriers. This would put the ships squarely in the category of the Invincibles, Principe de Asturias and other Italian and Thai vessels. Such a ship is very good as the centerpiece of a small task group and would be well equipped to defend that force against most current threats with a CAP and ASW helicopters. Hyuga would also be effective operating with the recent air capable "LSTs" in support of amphibious operations (humanitarian, or war).
Whether on its own, or as part of coalition operations, the JMSDF is becoming a significant tool of Japanese foreign policy. I wonder what the next development will be? Perhaps new long-range SSKs to help protect the fleet in distant theaters?
In order to comprehend the meaning of this ship`s life, one must comprehend the world into which it was born....for this is what compelled its conception.
In order to comprehend the meaning of this ship`s life, one must comprehend the world into which it was born....for this is what compelled its conception.
... and nine aircraft carriers were given to the race of Man, who desire power above all else. But they were all deceived, for another carrier was forged...
If all else fails, a complete pig-headed refusal to see facts in the face will see us through. - General Melchett
