_left_front_view_at_Port_of_Kobe_July_9,_2017_01.jpg) Akitsushima in
Kobe on 9 July 2017
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Japan | |
| Name |
|
| Namesake | Classical name of Japan |
| Builder | IHI, Tokyo |
| Laid down | 10 May 2011 |
| Launched | 4 July 2012 |
| Commissioned | 28 November 2013 |
| Homeport | Yokohama |
| Identification |
|
| Status | Active |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Akitsushima-class patrol vessel |
| Tonnage | 6,500 GT |
| Displacement | 9,300 tons (full load) |
| Length | 150.0 m (492 ft 2 in) |
| Beam | 16.5 m (54 ft 2 in) |
| Draft | 9.0 m (29 ft 6 in) |
| Propulsion |
|
| Speed | 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph) |
| Range | 20,000 nmi (37,000 km; 23,000 mi) |
| Armament |
|
| Aircraft carried | 2 × EC225LP helicopters |
Akitsushima (PLH-32) is a Akitsushima-class patrol vessel currently operated by the Japanese Coast Guard.
Design
This vessel is an enlarged and updated version of the earlier Shikishima. [1] Aviation facilities have also been enhanced: whereas Shikishima is carrying Eurocopter AS332 helicopters, this vessel is able to carry the larger EC225LP Super Puma. [1]
Weapons have also been updated and enhanced. [1] As for the large calibre autocanon, the vessel is equipped with two single-mounted Bofors L/70 40 mm guns, as opposed to the double-mounted Oerlikon L/90 35mm guns of the Shikishima. These autocanons are the same as those carried by the Aso-class and Hida-class, and are capable of precision firing with an optical director. [2] The JM61 20 mm guns are also upgraded to the production version as the other vessels, while the Shikishima is equipped with the earlier prototypes. [2]
Construction and career
Akitsushima was laid down on 10 May 2011 and launched on 4 July 2012 by IHI, Tokyo. She was commissioned on 28 November 2013. [3]
In 2015, during the Emperor's and Empress's visit ( 行幸啓, Gyōkōkei) to Palau, Akitsushima was used as an accommodation ship. Slopes and handrails were set up so that both elderly Majesties could get on board comfortably. [4]
Gallery
-
Akitsushima in Yokohama on 4 June 2015 -
Akitsushima in Yokohama on 15 August 2015 -
Akitsushima''s patrol boat on 1 October 2015 -
Akitsushima in Yokohama on 18 December 2016 -
Akitsushima in Kobe on 9 July 2017 -
Akitsushima in Kobe on 9 July 2017 -
Akitsushima in Kobe on 9 July 2017 -
Akitsushima in Kobe on 9 July 2017
%27s_patrol_boat.jpg)
_bridge_left_front_view_at_Port_of_Kobe_July_9,_2017.jpg)
_left_rear_view_at_Port_of_Kobe_July_9,_2017.jpg)
_rear_mast_left_front_view_at_Port_of_Kobe_July_9,_2017.jpg)
_helicopter_deck_left_rear_view_at_Port_of_Kobe_July_9,_2017.jpg)
References
- ^ a b c Kaijin-sha 2014.
- ^ a b Nakanomyo 2015.
- ^ "Large Patrol Vessel Akitsushima (PLH-32) Enters Japan's Coast Guard Service". www.navyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2021-05-04.
- ^ Manabe Mitsuyuki; Koseki Toshiki (2015-04-01). "Accommodation "Akitsushima" To the details to be tailored to both Majesties". Mainichi Shimbun. Archived from the original on 2015-04-04.
Bibliography
- Kaijin-sha, ed. (July 2014). "New Type Ships of Japan Coast Guard". Ships of the World (in Japanese) (800). Kaijin-sha: 144–147. NAID 40020105615.
- Nakanomyo, Masami (November 2015). "History of shipboard guns on JCG's patrol vessels". Ships of the World (in Japanese) (825). Kaijin-sha: 168–173. NAID 40020597434.