18 March 2009 saw Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force commissioning the Hyuga Class Helicopter Destroyer (DDH) - the first of two built.
This event was significant in two ways - it was the first time in Japan's MSDF - or the Navy - that women were allowed to join the crew.
It was also the first time since the end of WW-2 that Japan had built a carrier for her JSDF navy, and they had to classify the vessel as a 'Helicopter Destroyer' so as to circumvent the Japanese Post-War Constitution that forbid Japan from building any aircraft carriers.
From these representation of the Hyuga, it is quite clear that this carrier can also operate with the US designed F35 VSTOL type aircrafts.
More information is availabe from the following write-up of the Hyuga Class Helicopter Destroyer
With the Post-WW2 "Right Wing" elements remaining at the helm of Japanese politics, Asia should be wary of Japan's military development.
Builders: | IHI Marine United |
Operators: | Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force |
Preceded by: | Haruna class |
Building: | 1 |
Planned: | 2 |
Active: | 1 |
Type: | Helicopter carrier |
Displacement: | 13,950 tons standard; 18,000 tons full load |
Length: | 197 m |
Beam: | 33 m |
Draft: | 7 m |
Propulsion: | COGAG, two shafts, 100,000 hp |
Speed: | 30+ knots (56 km/h) |
Complement: | 360 (Hyuga) 371 (18DDH) |
Sensors and processing systems: |
ATECS command system FCS-3 fire control and air search radar OPS-20 surface search radar OQS-XX bow mounted sonar |
Armament: | |
Aircraft carried: | Up to 11. Usual air wing is 3xSH-60K, 1xMCH-101 |
Aviation facilities: | Flight deck and enclosed hanger |
The japs badly needed something solid to defend themshelve especailly facing China, Russia & North Korea at their doorstep. The Russians are still holding 4 japanese island afte WWII. China is not going to be kind to Jap from what they have done in the war. Jap are not refleced well in the North Korea history.
Navy is the most important for the Jap to defend their coast line against inflitration & invasion.
Any one remembers this Hyuga? hehehe... It could carry aircraft as well...
Cost about S$1.5b each. I like the way Japan reconciles this to its constitution prohibiting offensive CVs. A flat top's a flat top.
Maybe SG should get one of these. If Japan says its not offensive, that should apply to RSN as well.
Mistrals cost less, larger, operate more aircraft and requires less crew (160).
An aircraft carrier is indeed attractive as it allows war to be fought away from our shores.
need to send in the RSN sub to sink that carrier, those damn nips are up to something funny again
Originally posted by Marco_Simone:
Any one remembers this Hyuga? hehehe... It could carry aircraft as well...
The WW-2 'Hyuga' was a unique Japanese creativity in a desparate period when she had suffered losses to her vast aircraft carrier fleet.
This class of Battleship-Carrier was unique only to the Japanese navy and besides the Hyuga - her sister ship in this Ise class of Battleship was also planned to be converted in similar ways.
They had the capacity to launch aircraft on a very short 70 meter that only allowed aircrafts to be launched with catapaults but with no ability for aircraft landings.
On 23 July 1945, the Japanese Battleship-Carrier 'Hyuga' was sunk by Hellcat planes from US carrier fleet comprising the Ticonderoga, Essex, Randolph, Monterery and Bataan; and battleships North Carolina and Alabama.
Originally posted by PedoBear:need to send in the RSN sub to sink that carrier, those damn nips are up to something funny again
While nationalism can bring a country together and help to instill the national resolve to strengthen their own independence, such Japanese ‘nationalism’ and ‘right wing rise in political awareness ’ must lead to concern amongst her Asian neighbors that had the suffering experience being subjected to Japan's brutal occupation.
The Japanese 'Right Wing' group is no different from the US neo-cons led by the likes of Dick Cheney and his Republican Cronies - all die hard red neck White Americans believing themselves to be invincibly right on the World Political Stage.
Since the end of WW2, a strong USA was able to put a lid over the rise in Japanese militancy.
However, can a financially weakened USA - in control of the world most technological advanced military - continue to put a lid over the militant ambitions from any Japanese right wing group ?
Each Asian nation must prepare themselves individually, and also act cohesively in confronting any rise in Japanese militancy.
Originally posted by Atobe:
While nationalism can bring a country together and help to instill the national resolve to strengthen their own independence, such Japanese ‘nationalism’ and ‘right wing rise in political awareness ’ must lead to concern amongst her Asian neighbors that had the suffering experience being subjected to Japan's brutal occupation.The Japanese 'Right Wing' group is no different from the US neo-cons led by the likes of Dick Cheney and his Republican Cronies - all die hard red neck White Americans believing themselves to be invincibly right on the World Political Stage.
Since the end of WW2, a strong USA was able to put a lid over the rise in Japanese militancy.
However, can a financially weakened USA - in control of the world most technological advanced military - continue to put a lid over the militant ambitions from any Japanese right wing group ?
Each Asian nation must prepare themselves individually, and also act cohesively in confronting any rise in Japanese militancy.
agreed, so we need to plan a preemptive strike to take out those carriers and also take out dick chebey if possible
You're kidding right?
In any case, the Japanese just demonstrated to the Chinese that they are capable of building up naval airpower if they want to. Ever considered this to be in response to China's quest for an aircraft carrier?
Also, this could also be a set piece move for those parties interested in acquiring the F-35Bs for Japan. If the Japanese Maritime Self Defence force were to acquire a series of these, it would mean more sales for the F-35, thus ensuring the program's survivability. I think its more than just a case of Japanese militancy at work. Lots of trans-national NGO fingerprints too.
While the world is remincing how the japs suffered under the 2 atomic bombs every year, no one mentioned what the japanese did to Chinese during WWII such as Unit 731, Rape of Nanking. Japan fought with China for 8 years causing millions of our chinese to be displaced. Families are seperated. Women and girls are raped. Babies are killed prematurely.
Millions of Chinese lead a life worse than death.
The atomic bombs were never dropped. It was just a staged attempt to sway public opinion for Japan to have an excuse to re-enter the global stage. Same line of thought with how certain segments of Japan feels about the nanking massacre.
Originally posted by weasel1962:The atomic bombs were never dropped. It was just a staged attempt to sway public opinion for Japan to have an excuse to re-enter the global stage. Same line of thought with how certain segments of Japan feels about the nanking massacre.
You're kidding right?
Originally posted by weasel1962:The atomic bombs were never dropped. It was just a staged attempt to sway public opinion for Japan to have an excuse to re-enter the global stage. Same line of thought with how certain segments of Japan feels about the nanking massacre.
Sad to say that the death of millions of Chinese is nothing compared to the death of thousands of Japanese during the atomic bomb attack.
Every year we remember those japanese who are killed in the atomic bomb attack. How about those people who are killed by Japaense? They are even more innocent. They suffered because they are born at the wrong place, wrong time.
On the other hand, the japanese know they had it coming to them when the tide of battle turn against them.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unit_731
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rape_of_nanking
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_occupation_of_Singapore
Originally posted by Shotgun:You're kidding right?
Are those people who deny the holocaust or incidents such as the nanking massacre kidding?
Originally posted by PedoBear:agreed, so we need to plan a preemptive strike to take out those carriers and also take out dick chebey if possible
Pre-emptive strike ?
Are you proposing the start of WW-3 ?
Asia should be wary of Japan's efforts at military reconstruction does not require us to make such war mongering pre-emptive strikes.
It will be sufficient for Asia to protest loudly in Japan's attempt to be so dishonest as to call their "helicopter carrier" under a disguised name "helicopter destroyer".
This first of two vessels will simply demonstrate to Asia that Japan has not lost its technology nor industrial ingenuity to turn civilian assets for military activities.
The two vessels were completed in approximately two years, and it will probably take it a little longer to construct a larger "helicopter destroyer" that is double the tonnage of the present accomplishment.
Asia should wake up to this Japanese deceit.
Originally posted by Shotgun:You're kidding right?
In any case, the Japanese just demonstrated to the Chinese that they are capable of building up naval airpower if they want to. Ever considered this to be in response to China's quest for an aircraft carrier?
Also, this could also be a set piece move for those parties interested in acquiring the F-35Bs for Japan. If the Japanese Maritime Self Defence force were to acquire a series of these, it would mean more sales for the F-35, thus ensuring the program's survivability. I think its more than just a case of Japanese militancy at work. Lots of trans-national NGO fingerprints too.
Is there any real benefit to the Japanese even if they can build up a naval airpower that rivals the USA ?
As matters stand, China has developed her military to a higher technological standard than before, even if it is not at par with other Western Powers.
Its aeronautical industry has produced the J-7 and J-10 planes that are far superior than the old MIGs in the Chinese PLA inventory.
Even if these newer aircrafts are no match to the advanced US F-22 or even the F-35, the vast numbers produced for the Chinese Air Force will overwhelm the limited number of aircrafts launched from any expeditionary force of aircraft carriers.
In the first place, even if the US industries push for a bigger market for the F-35, will the public opinion in the USA or the other Asian neighbors allow Japan to continue along this path ?
Will Japan's own citizens allow such a development after suffering the consequences of the Right Wing Japanese militancy that led to the atomic destruction of WW-2 ?
China's quest for an aircraft carrier is not to threaten Japan specifically, but as a tool to counter what they see as the unchallenged threat by the US carrier fleet that sail unopposed into the Chinese exclusive territorial economic zones that is recognised by all nations to be 200 nautical miles from the coast.
Recommended reading : ‘The Illusions of Power: Aircraft Carriers and US Military Strategy’
Originally posted by weasel1962:The atomic bombs were never dropped. It was just a staged attempt to sway public opinion for Japan to have an excuse to re-enter the global stage. Same line of thought with how certain segments of Japan feels about the nanking massacre.
Are you suggesting that the US and the Japanese collaborated to stage this event at Hiroshima on 6 August 1945 and Nagasaki on 9 August 1945 - to sway public opinion for Japan ?
How was this arrangement planned 64 years earlier to allow Japan to have an excuse to re-enter the global stage 64 years after the end of WW-2 with the capitulation of the right wing Japanese Militant Government ?
lol, I'm saying that if people can think the Nanjing Massacre and the Holocaust were staged events, in the same line of thought, the atomic bombs must have been staged too (and MJ was actually kidnapped by the same aliens that took Elvis and staged his death).
If one believes one, the same puny brains must logically believe the other(s).
Originally posted by Atobe:
Pre-emptive strike ?Are you proposing the start of WW-3 ?
Asia should be wary of Japan's efforts at military reconstruction does not require us to make such war mongering pre-emptive strikes.
It will be sufficient for Asia to protest loudly in Japan's attempt to be so dishonest as to call their "helicopter carrier" under a disguised name "helicopter destroyer".
This first of two vessels will simply demonstrate to Asia that Japan has not lost its technology nor industrial ingenuity to turn civilian assets for military activities.
The two vessels were completed in approximately two years, and it will probably take it a little longer to construct a larger "helicopter destroyer" that is double the tonnage of the present accomplishment.
Asia should wake up to this Japanese deceit.
we got subs, just sink those flat-tops and no one will be the wiser
Originally posted by Atobe:
Is there any real benefit to the Japanese even if they can build up a naval airpower that rivals the USA ?As matters stand, China has developed her military to a higher technological standard than before, even if it is not at par with other Western Powers.
Its aeronautical industry has produced the J-7 and J-10 planes that are far superior than the old MIGs in the Chinese PLA inventory.
Even if these newer aircrafts are no match to the advanced US F-22 or even the F-35, the vast numbers produced for the Chinese Air Force will overwhelm the limited number of aircrafts launched from any expeditionary force of aircraft carriers.
In the first place, even if the US industries push for a bigger market for the F-35, will the public opinion in the USA or the other Asian neighbors allow Japan to continue along this path ?
Will Japan's own citizens allow such a development after suffering the consequences of the Right Wing Japanese militancy that led to the atomic destruction of WW-2 ?
China's quest for an aircraft carrier is not to threaten Japan specifically, but as a tool to counter what they see as the unchallenged threat by the US carrier fleet that sail unopposed into the Chinese exclusive territorial economic zones that is recognised by all nations to be 200 nautical miles from the coast.
Recommended reading : ‘The Illusions of Power: Aircraft Carriers and US Military Strategy’
Let just assume logically that China doesn't need aircraft carriers to defend its sovereign airspace over mainland China. Hence, their carriers are gonna go out to sea to do their business elsewhere.
A few places spring into mind. Taiwan is one of them, but it seems like China's policies towards Taiwan is softening as well. Another place of a little more concern would be the Spratly islands. All of the parties claiming the islands are unlikely to be able to project airpower over the islands without some form of naval aviation. Without US carriers nearby, a Chinese carrier task force would dominate the area.
This does bring into mind the Vietnamese acquisition of submarines doesn't it?
Similarly, even if the Japanese Hyuuga was to come with a full compliment of F-35s, it would definitely not go knocking on the door of a state with a modern and competent air force. That is probably not going to be Singapore.
Again, if we assume that carriers aren't required to defend homeland airspace, those carriers would probably head over to either disputed areas, or states that do not have a modern and competent air force. In that, it would be the Senkaku Islands, or North Korea. As far as I can see, it doesn't seem like the Japanese would have any interest in South East Asia and there is little they can do with just a few VSTOL carriers without a power navy and sufficient troop strength.
Originally posted by weasel1962:lol, I'm saying that if people can think the Nanjing Massacre and the Holocaust were staged events, in the same line of thought, the atomic bombs must have been staged too (and MJ was actually kidnapped by the same aliens that took Elvis and staged his death).
If one believes one, the same puny brains must logically believe the other(s).
Unfortunately, you will be under estimating those radical believers with your own cynical belief that such radical position taken is due largely to their puny brains.
Do you seriously believe that the present controversial Iranian elected President Ahmadinejad's brain is puny - as he did deny that the holocaust had happened ?
Such characters exist in a continuing agenda that remains intact despite defeats suffered, and they are bidding their time to re-emerge again.
It was the "puny brains" of Adolf Hitler that struck the spark that ignited WW-2 across Europe into Russia, across the English Channel to UK, and across the Atlantic to bring the war to US shores.
The neo-Nazis are quietly waiting for the opportune moment to rehash the Third Reich, while the surviving Japanese militarists from WW-2 remains at the center of Japanese industry and politics.
With the Right Wing Neo-Cons sidelined after 8 years of their political guardianship that resulted in a weakened USA, this may well provide the incentive for the Axis powers to raise their public profile to a higher level.