Minegumo-class destroyer

Summary

The Minegumo-class destroyer is a destroyer class of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the successor of the Yamagumo class.

JS Minegumo (DD-116)
Class overview
NameMinegumo-class destroyer
Operators Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Preceded byTakatsuki-class destroyer
Succeeded byYamagumo-class destroyer
In commission1967–2000
Completed3
Retired3
General characteristics
TypeDestroyer
Displacement
  • 2,100 long tons (2,134 t) standard
  • (Murakumo : 2,150 long tons (2,185 t))
  • 2,750 long tons (2,794 t) full load
Length115 m (377 ft 4 in)
Beam11.8 m (38 ft 9 in)
Draft3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)
Complement210
Sensors and
processing systems
Electronic warfare
& decoys
NOLR-1B electronic warfare suite
Armament
Aircraft carried2 × QH-50D DASH anti-submarine drone helicopter (removed in 1979-82 and ASROC fitted)

This class derived from its predecessor Yamagumo class to be fitted with the QH-50D DASH, the new anti-submarine drone helicopter in return for the removal of the ASROC system. And similarly, it mainly tasked with Anti-submarine warfare. In 1969, after the production of the QH-50D ceased, this class was no longer built and construction of the Yamagumo-class resumed.

The JMSDF considered refitting Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System Mk.1 with the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite helicopter in return for the facility of DASH, but this plan was abandoned because of the problem of cost. Finally, the facility of DASH was removed in 1979-82, and Mk.16 GMLS for the ASROC system was fitted.

Murakumo was refitted in 1978 for use as a gun trials ship. Rear Mk.33 gun was removed and a new OTO Melara 76 mm gun was added.

Names edit

Pennant no. Name Shipbuilder Laid down Launched Commissioned Training Ship Conversion Decommissioned
DD-116
TV-3509
Minegumo Mitsui Shipbuilding, Tamano shipyard March 14, 1967 December 16, 1967 August 31, 1968 August 1, 1995 March 18, 1999
DD-117
TV-3510
Natsugumo Uraga Heavy Industries June 26, 1967 July 25, 1968 April 25, 1969 August 1, 1995 March 18, 1999
DD-118
TV-3511
Murakumo Maizuru Heavy Industries October 19, 1968 November 15, 1969 August 21, 1970 March 16, 1998 June 18, 2000

References edit

  • Eric Wertheim (2007). Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft, and Systems. Naval Institute Press. ISBN 978-1-59114-955-2.
  • The Maru Special, Ships of the JMSDF No.58 "Escort ship Yamagumo-class and Minegumo-class", Ushio Shobō (Japan), December 1981