Akitsushima in Kobe on 9 July 2017
History
Japan
Name
  • Akitsushima
  • (あきつしま)
NamesakeClassical name of Japan
BuilderIHI, Tokyo
Laid down10 May 2011
Launched4 July 2012
Commissioned28 November 2013
HomeportYokohama
Identification
StatusActive
General characteristics
Class and typeAkitsushima-class patrol vessel
Tonnage6,500 GT
Displacement9,300 tons (full load)
Length150.0 m (492 ft 2 in)
Beam16.5 m (54 ft 2 in)
Draft9.0 m (29 ft 6 in)
Propulsion
Speed25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph)
Range20,000 nmi (37,000 km; 23,000 mi)
Armament
Aircraft carried2 × 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]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Kaijin-sha 2014.
  2. 1 2 Nakanomyo 2015.
  3. ↑ "Large Patrol Vessel Akitsushima (PLH-32) Enters Japan's Coast Guard Service". www.navyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2021-05-04.
  4. ↑ 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). Kaijin-sha (800): 144–147. NAID 40020105615.
  • Nakanomyo, Masami (November 2015). "History of shipboard guns on JCG's patrol vessels". Ships of the World (in Japanese). Kaijin-sha (825): 168–173. NAID 40020597434.
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