Murasame-class destroyer (1994)

Destroyer class in the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Forces

The Murasame class destroyer (むらさめ型護衛艦) is a class of destroyers, serving with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). This is the first class of the second generation general purpose destroyers of the JMSDF.

Since FY1977, the JMSDF started construction of general purpose destroyers (汎用護衛艦) under the eight ships / eight helicopters concept. In this concept, each flotillas would be composed of one helicopter destroyer (DDH), five general purpose destroyers (DD), and two guided missile destroyers (DDG). By FY1986, construction of twenty first generation DDs (twelve and eight ) required for all four flotillas had been completed. In the original plan, it was supposed to shift to destroyer escorts for local District Forces afterwards. However, if the use of these first generation DDs was continued to the full extent of ships' life, the relative performance obsolescence was concerned. Thus the JMSDF decided to advance the construction of the new generation DDs. And this was the first class of the second generation DDs. Except for Kirisame, all ships of the class are named after Imperial Japanese Navy destroyers sunk in World War II.

The hull design was completely renovated from first generation DDs. In addition to increasing the size in order to reduce the underwater radiation noise, both superstructure and hull were inclined to reduce the radar cross section. There is however no angled tripod mainmast like the one of the American because of the heavy weather of the Sea of Japan in winter. The aft was designed like a "mini Oranda zaka" as with the to avoid interference between helicopters and mooring devices. The engine arrangement is COGAG as same as Asagiri class, but a pair of engines are updated to Spey SM1C. And the remaining one pair are replaced by LM2500, same as Kongō class.

The basic configuration of the equipment is the same as first generation DDs, but they are updated and enhanced throughout. Concepts of its combat system were partly based on those of Kongō class. Two large screen displays and OJ 663 consoles are introduced in its OYQ 9 combat direction system as Aegis Weapon System (AWS). And OYQ 103 ASW combat systems, based on OYQ 102 of Kongō class and indirectly AN/SQQ 89, present an integrated picture of the tactical situation by receiving, combining, and processing active and passive sensor data from the hull mounted array, towed array and sonobuoys. The advanced OPS 24 active electronically scanned array radar and OPS 28 surface search and target acquisition radar introduced into the fleet with the latter batch of the remain on board, and there are some new systems like the NOLQ 3 electronic warfare suite and OQS 5 bow mounted sonar. To enhance the low observability and combat readiness capability, vertical launching systems were adopted on its missile systems: Mk 41 for VL ASROC and Mk 48 for Sea Sparrow replace the traditional swivel octuple launchers. And the surface to surface missile system is alternated by the SSM 1B of Japanese make. Currently, ships of this class have been switching the point defense missile system from the traditional Sea Sparrow (RIM 7M) to the Evolved Sea Sparrow by FY2012. The aircraft facility is expanded to accommodate two shipboard helicopters. One Mitsubishi SH 60J/K is a basic load, and another can be accommodated in case of overseas operation.

Pennant no. Name Laid down Launched Commissioned Homeport DD 101 (Village Rain) 18 August 1993 23 August 1994 12 March 1996 Yokosuka DD 102 Harusame (Spring Rain) 11 August 1994 16 October 1995 24 March 1997 Sasebo DD 103 Yūdachi (Evening Downpour) 18 March 1996 19 August 1997 4 March 1999 Ominato DD 104 Kirisame (Drizzle) 3 April 1996 21 August 1997 18 March 1999 Headquarters: KureHome port: Sasebo DD 105 Inazuma (Sudden Lightning) 8 May 1997 9 September 1998 15 March 2000 Kure DD 106 Samidare (Poetic term for the Rainy Season) 11 September 1997 24 September 1998 21 March 2000 Kure DD 107 Ikazuchi (Ferocious Thunder) 25 February 1998 24 June 1999 14 March 2001 Yokosuka DD 108 Akebono (Light of Daybreak) 29 October 1999 25 September 2000 19 March 2002 Kure DD 109 Ariake (Daybreak) 18 May 1999 16 October 2000 6 March 2002 Sasebo