Hasegawa 49031 WL031 J.M.S.D.F DDH Izumo Helicopter Destroyer

Izumo (DDH-183) is a modern Japanese helicopter (another name for the class: helicopter destroyer). The keel for this vessel was laid in 2012, and the launch took place in August 2013. The unit was accepted into service with the Japanese Naval Self-Defense Forces in March 2015. The total length of the vessel at the time of launch was 248 meters and a width of 38 meters. Full displacement reaches approximately 19,500 tons, and the maximum speed probably exceeds 30 knots. The on-board armament consists of three 20 mm Vulcan Phalanx sets and two RIM-116 rocket launchers (the so-called SeaRAM). The ship can operate a maximum of 28 aircraft, but most often it has from 9 to 14 helicopters. Izumo (DDH-183) was built by IHI Corporation in a Yokohama shipyard. For political and legal reasons, it is referred to in Japan as a helicopter destroyer, but in fact it is a light carrier. The unit has extensive electronic equipment, probably good sea performance, but relatively poor on-board armament, which determines its cooperation within larger combat teams. It can be assumed that the main goal of Izumo will be ZOP activities (fighting submarines) and activities aimed at enemy surface units.