Japan's New Carrier.

[Zume (OP)]

http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003686.html

Heh. Wonder if there's a provision to add a ramp later for S/VOTL type aircraft?

Zume

[TrueZuluwiz]

That would depend on her mission, which is likely to be AntiSubmarine Warfare. If she's intended to operate under an umbrella of shore-based F-15s, then there would be no need for Harriers, which aren't interceptors anyway. Clearly Japan has a need to protect her seaborne commerce, without whch they would starve in short order. But using the far more effective F-15s for CAP would allow her to operate more helos.

[kdstubbs]

Can you say F-35C VSTOL attack fighter.  If you equipped this class with six F-35C, then you have a modicum of power projection capabilities.  Obviously, the Japanese can build a modern CV if they choose, but the principal problem is the existing constitution written by MacArthur's Legal team precludes Attack Carriers.  Helicopter carriers are not considered offensive and the Japanese have several Helicopter carrier class destroyers.  

Kevin

[Tregonsee]

I wish I had seen this thread much earlier.  I could have provided pictures when I saw it in Yokohama last year...

[SteveAlt]

Here is a small picture:

[attachment=0:2cwjgcqs]carrier.JPG[/attachment:2cwjgcqs]
Steve

[Tregonsee]

Yep, that is what I saw in Yokohama.  It can also be used for helicopters in a disaster recovery role like the Indonesian tsunami.

[welchbloke]

Yep, that is what I saw in Yokohama.  It can also be used for helicopters in a disaster recovery role like the Indonesian tsunami.

Seems as though the JSDF liked the first class enough to order a bigger borther:
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htnavai/articles/20090904.aspx

[Steve Walmsley]

Yep, that is what I saw in Yokohama.  It can also be used for helicopters in a disaster recovery role like the Indonesian tsunami.

Seems as though the JSDF liked the first class enough to order a bigger borther:
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htnavai/articles/20090904.aspx

Fascinating stuff! I read this page and several others regarding the new 'helicopter destroyers'. It looks like Japan is going back into the carrier business. About time too . Wonder if they will eventually reuse the WW2 carrier names. They are already re-using WW2 battleship and heavy cruiser names.

Steve

[welchbloke]

Yep, that is what I saw in Yokohama.  It can also be used for helicopters in a disaster recovery role like the Indonesian tsunami.

Seems as though the JSDF liked the first class enough to order a bigger borther:
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htnavai/articles/20090904.aspx

Fascinating stuff! I read this page and several others regarding the new 'helicopter destroyers'. It looks like Japan is going back into the carrier business. About time too . Wonder if they will eventually reuse the WW2 carrier names. They are already re-using WW2 battleship and heavy cruiser names.

Steve

I don't know, the carrier names are stil quite emotive in some parts of the US.  Can you see the Shokaku, Zuikaku, Kaga or Akagi doing a port visit to Hawaii?