The Abukuma class destroyer escort (or frigate) is the general-purpose destroyer escort of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It is the successor of the earlier Yubari-class.
This class was planned to replace the earlier Isuzu-class and possess both ASW capability as the successor of the Chikugo-class and ASuW capability as the successor of the Yubari-class, but there are many points enhanced as followes:
- Introduction of the stealth technology
- This class is the first combatant ship of the JMSDF which is introduced the stealth technology. Their superstructure have traditional vertical surfaces, but their hulls are angled to reduce their radar cross sections.
- Enhanced electronics
- This is the first destroyer escort class with the Naval Tactical Data System by the OYQ-7 combat direction system. And also, this is the first destroyer escort class which has the ECM capability with the OLT-3 jammer.
- Modified weapon systems
- As the Short Range Air Defense system, the OPS-14 air-search radar, the OPS-28 surface search and target acquisition radar, and one Otobreda 76 mm rapid-firing gun controlled by the FCS-2 fire-conrtol system and Phalanx CIWS are equipped. The OPS-14 is the Japanese equivalent of the American AN/SPS-49 radar, and the OPS-28 is the one of the American TAS Mk.23. Phalanx CIWS has given the ships an improved self-defense capability against anti-ship missiles. Mk.31 RAM GMWS Point Defense Missile System was planned, but it is not installed yet.
- And as the ASW system, OQS-8 hull-sonar (Japanese equivalent of the American DE-1167), ASROC anti-submarine rocket from the Type 74 octuple launcher (Japanese license-built version of the American Mark 16 GMLS), and lightweight ASW torpedoes from two HOS-301 triple 324 mm (12.8 in) torpedo tubes. Tactical Towed-Array Sonar System was planned, but it is not installed yet.
The JMSDF intends to build eleven ships of this class, but finally, only six was built because Hatsuyuki-class destroyers started deploying in distinct forces. All six vessels of the class are named after World War II cruisers.
| General characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Class and type: | Abukuma class destroyer escort / frigate |
| Displacement: | 2,000 tons standard 2,550 tons full load |
| Length: | 357 ft (109 m) |
| Beam: | 44 ft (13 m) |
| Draft: | 12 ft (3.7 m) |
| Propulsion: | CODOG, two shafts 2 × Kawasaki-RR SM1A gas turbines 26,650 hp (19.9 MW)＋2 × Mitsubishi S12U MTK diesels 6,000 hp (4.4 MW) |
| Speed: | 27 knots (50 km/h) |
| Complement: | 120 |
| Armament: | • 8 × Harpoon missiles • ASROC octuple launcher • 1 × Otobreda 76 mm gun • 1 × Phalanx 20 mm CIWS • 2 × HOS-301 triple 324 mm (12.8 in) torpedo tubes |
