Murasame-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇯🇵 Japan |
| Category | Destroyer |
| Subtype | Missile destroyer |
| Manufacturer | IHI Tokyo Shipyard and Japan Marine United |
| Year commissioned | 1996 |
| Units | 101 MURASAME, 102 HARUSAME, 103 YUDACHI, 104 KIRISAME, 105 INAZUMA, 106 SAMIDARE, 107 IKAZUCHI, 108 AKEBONO, 109 ARIAKE |
| Current operators | 🇯🇵 Japan |
Description
The Murasame-class destroyer is a significant class within the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), known for being the first second-generation general-purpose destroyers. These destroyers were developed as part of the JMSDF's strategy to create powerful and versatile flotillas consisting of various destroyer types, including helicopter destroyers (DDH), general-purpose destroyers (DD), and guided-missile destroyers (DDG). The construction of these second-generation destroyers started to avoid the performance obsolescence emerging from the continued use of the first-generation destroyers up to their full service life. Most ships in the class are named in honor of Imperial Japanese Navy destroyers that were lost during World War II.
In terms of design, Murasame-class destroyers differ markedly from their predecessors. To minimize underwater noise and reduce radar cross-section, their hull and superstructure feature inclinations and increased size. However, unlike the American Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, they do not have an angled tripod mainmast—a decision influenced by the harsh winter conditions in the Sea of Japan. Their propulsion system employs a COGAG arrangement, integrating both updated Spey SM1C engines and the LM2500 engines found in the Kongō-class.
The class benefits from a comprehensive suite of upgraded and enhanced equipment. The Murasame-class destroyers feature the OYQ-9 combat direction system, similar to the Aegis Weapon System, and an integrated antisubmarine warfare system derived from the Kongō-class. The advanced radar systems, the OPS-24 and OPS-28, are carried forward from late-batch Asagiri-class destroyers. Notably, the ships have shifted to vertical launching systems, such as Mk 41 for VL-ASROC and Mk 48 for Sea Sparrow, and incorporate Japanese-made SSM-1B surface-to-surface missiles. Point defense capabilities are bolstered by the transition from Sea Sparrow missiles to the Evolved Sea Sparrow. Additionally, the Murasame-class is designed to carry two helicopters, increasing their operational flexibility and scope.
Technical specifications
| Murasame | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5100 tons |
| Crew | 165 members |
| Width | 17.4 m (57.1 ft) |
| Length | 151.0 m (495.4 ft) |
| Propulsion | 4 Rolls Royce SM-1 Spey gas turbines with a power of 90,000 hp total - 2 propellers |
| Armament | 8 SSM-1B (IV 2) + 1 VLS Mk.48 (16 missiles) + 1 VLS Mk.41 (16 missiles) + 1 76mm OTO-Melara Compact gun + 2 CIWS Mk.15 Phalanx + 6 T/ASM Mk.68 + 1 SH-60 LAMPS III helicopter |
| Maximum speed | 30 knots |
Photo of Murasame class
