What-If IJN cruiser Oyodo (大淀) as a 1960s DDH in the JMSDF

[Mac]

I'm thinking about doing a what-if of the IJN Oyodo as a 1960s DDH in the JMSDF based on an old 1/700 Fujimi kit. In my scenario, she would have been modernized instead of scrapped in the post-war period.

She would retain the cruiser gun turrets forwards and would have a helicopter deck and hangar after in place of the catapult and seaplane gear. She would be a flagship of sorts for the Cold War-era JMSDF with an ASW focus. I'm trying to keep the modernization somewhat realistic (i.e., I'm trying not to load the ship to the point that she becomes topheavy).

Here's what I was thinking for the modernizations:

1. Main armament: 2 USN 6" cruiser turrets and associated fire control gear. I figure this would make more sense than retaining the IJN 155mm turrets.
2. Secondary gun armament: I'm debating whether she should have 1960s-era 5"/54 turrets or twin 3"/50 turrets and the number of each type of turret. I may throw in a couple of twin 40mm or 20mm mounts to deal with small surface threats.
3. ASW armament: ASROC launcher, but I'm not sure where to put it. I have a feeling the there would be too much blast from the 6" guns if it was forward, but I'm not sure where to put it amidships.
4. Airwing: 3-4 SH-3 Seakings.
5. Electronics: I would add 1960s-era radars, etc., but I'm not sure which ones.

Let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks.

Mac

[Atma]

Yes, I was thinking the same about the IJN Tone.
Even if Japan have won the war or didnt participate at all, I guess those two class of warships will had an active role in the post WWII IJN navy.

[Sr. Gopher]

I was thinking something similar for all of these, as well as the Nagato. However, it never got past the fantasy stage in my head. Not much knowledge of post-war technologies etc. But, I do know that the ship may have ended up carrying both the 5"/54 and 3"/50. As for radar, a system on a destroyer and systems similar to those on the Northampton would be desirable.

Good luck with your idea!

[GMG4RWF]

....ended up carrying both the 5"/54 and 3"/50.

The MK42 in place of the 10cm would be nice, but I just read that they didn't have below deck mag space. the 10cm mags were behind the main mag under the pagoda mast, & the shells had to be hand carried to ready service positions around the gun tubs, this would be more in line with the MK33s

[Seasick]

"Let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions. Thanks."
You asked for it: Keep what you want and throw out the rest.

The nice thing is that Japanese construction standards changed after WW2 to reflect a more American approach. So you can change whatever you want.

First instead of a Mk42 127mm/54, the JMSDF purchased the Mk16 127mm/54 surplus from the USN and used it quite effectively. The best USN 6" after WW2 was the Mk16 6"/47 semi-automatic. I suspect that if the JMSDF was willing to give up the DP mission and make it a purely anti-surface weapon they could improve the performance. During the 1950s the 3"/50 Mk27,33,34 was a must as an AAW weapon. (the link over at navweaps can show you pictures of all its many versions with and without a gun house.) The ASROC "pepper box" launcher came in versions with and without reloads. If your content with 8 rounds and manual reloads you can place it where it fits.

Air search radar: AN/SPS-6B A pair should do. One on the foremast, and one on the mainmast. For fire control a Mk37 from the ww2 era would sufice for anti surface and AAW you can replace the mk12 and mk29 radars on top of the Mk37 with the mk25 dish radar.

[GMG4RWF]

Mk16 6"/47 semi-automatic. I suspect that if the JMSDF was willing to give up the DP mission and make it a purely anti-surface weapon they could improve the performance.

Hmmm...I don't know if they would bother with replacing the 155s (& they look cool) but replacing them with Mk16 DPs would make sense, add AAW capability & the increased RoF compensates for the loss of tubes. Good Idea.

The ASROC "pepper box" launcher came in versions with and without reloads. If your content with 8 rounds and manual reloads you can place it where it fits.

If you want SH-3s, the hanger will need replaced anyway, so I recommend putting it where a bunch were...mid ships....right aft of the funnel & put the new helo hanger a little further aft (plenty of room with the catapult removed).