Mitsui Unveils New LPD Vessel Concept During MAST Asia 2017
Drawing on its experience from the construction of two Ossumi-class amphibious ships for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co, Ltd has unveiled a new landing platform dock (LPD) design at the MAST Asia 2017 defence exhibition in Tokyo.
Emphasis on Maritime defense:
The company has come up with the design in anticipation of further requirements for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force’s (JMSDF’s) in future defence white papers, said a Mitsui official who spoke to Jane’s at the exhibition, which runs from 12-14 June. Japan is expected to significantly bolster its amphibious capabilities in the coming years, the official added.
Designed to accommodate hangars:
The Mitsui LPD features an overall length of 210m, an overall width of 30m, a draught of 7m, and a displacement of 16,000 tonnes. The ship can accommodate a maximum complement of 200 persons. The ship has been designed to embark up to two V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft in its hangar, and two landing craft air cushion (LCAC) vessels in its well deck. In addition, the platform can also accommodate about 40 military vehicles, said Isao Yoshino, general manager at Mitsui’s naval ship engineering department.
Mounted weapons:
Weapons that can be mounted on the platform will depend on the customer, but an image of the design shown at MAST Asia features two close-in weapon system (CIWS) turrets, one on the primary weapon pedestal, and one facing the flight deck.
HADR features:
Missions that can be undertaken by the vessel other than amphibious assault operations include humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), and sea-borne command and control functions, Yoshino added.
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Source: IHS Jane’s 360
