Murasame class destroyer
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| Murasame class destroyer | |
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| General Characteristics | |
| Displacement: | 4550 tons standard |
| Length: | 151m |
| Beam: | 17.4 m |
| Draft: | 5.2 m |
| Propulsion: | 4 gas turbines (2 x Ishikawajima Harima LM-2500 and 2 x Kawasaki Rolls Royce Spey SM1C); two shafts, 60,000 shaft horsepower |
| Speed: | 30 knots (56 km/h) |
| Crew Complement: | 165 |
| Armament: | • SSM-1B SSM • Sea Sparrow SAM VLS Mk 48 • ASROC anti-submarine rocket VLS Mk 41 • 1 x 76 mm 62cal rapid fire gun (0T0 Melara 3) • 2 x 20 mm CIWS • 2 x Type 68 triple torpedo tubes |
| Aircraft: | 1 x SH-60J(K) anti-submarine helicopter |
The Murasame class destroyer is a 3rd generation vessel in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), classified by some as a large frigate. The Murasame was a successor to the Asagiri class destroyer, and like its predecessor, its main duties included ASW & anti-shipping.
The Murasame class was designed to replace the JMSDF's smaller destroyers that were reaching block obsolescence, ensuring the fleet could maintain its strength while increasing its firepower. It was originally envisaged that 14 would be built, but this was reduced to 9 when the Takanami class (a modified variant of the Murasame) was planned.
Murasame destroyers' weapon systems include the Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile, anti-submarine rockets, the SSM 1B anti-ship missile, two Mark 15 20 mm Phalanx CIWS gun mounts, two torpedo mounts in a triple tube configuration and a 76 mm 62cal rapid fire gun.
[edit] Namesakes
The name Murasame means "Passing Shower." It is the name given to a sword mentioned in the Japanese classic Nansō Satomi Hakkenden.
There has been some confusion of the name outside of Japan, some people believing that it refers to a historical swordsmith Muramasa, who forged blades that were said to be cursed with real human spirits.
During World War II, there was a Shiratsuyu-class destroyer called Murasame of 1685 tons. It was built at Osaka, Japan, completed in January 1937. During the war she was employed in several campaigns, starting with the invasion of the Philippines. On 5-6 March 1943, less than a month after the Japanese had given up the fight for Guadalcanal, Murasame and the destroyer Minegumo took supplies to the Japanese base at Vila, on Kolombangara Island. While withdrawing after landing their cargo, the two ships encountered a greatly superior U.S. Navy cruiser-destroyer task force. In a brief battle, both Japanese ships were sunk. None of Murasame's crewmen survived.
[edit] Ships in the class
| Pennant no. | Name | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned | Home port |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DD-101 | Murasame | 18 August 1993 | 23 August 1994 | 12 March 1996 | Yokosuka |
| DD-102 | Harusame | 11 August 1994 | 16 October 1995 | 24 March 1997 | Yokosuka |
| DD-103 | Yudachi | 18 March 1996 | 19 August 1997 | 4 March 1999 | Sasebo |
| DD-104 | Kirisame | 3 April 1996 | 21 August 1997 | 18 March 1999 | Sasebo |
| DD-105 | Inazuma | 8 May 1997 | 9 September 1998 | 15 March 2000 | Kure |
| DD-106 | Samidare | 11 September 1997 | 24 September 1998 | 21 March 2000 | Kure |
| DD-107 | Ikazuchi | 25 February 1998 | 24 June 1999 | 14 March 2001 | Yokosuka |
| DD-108 | Akebono | 29 October 1999 | 25 September 2000 | 19 March 2002 | Kure |
| DD-109 | Ariake | 18 May 1999 | 16 October 2000 | 6 March 2002 | Sasebo |
[edit] External links
Current and future combatant ship classes of the JMSDF
| DDH : Destroyer Helicopter | 13500t class | Shirane class | Haruna class |
| DDG : Guided Missile Destroyer | Atago class | Kongō class | Hatakaze class | Tachikaze class |
| DD : Destroyer | 5000t class | Takanami class | Murasame class | Asagiri class | Hatsuyuki class |
| DE : Destroyer Escort | Abukuma class | Yubari class | Ishikari |
| SS : Submarine | 2900t class | Oyashio class | Harushio class |
| See also | List of combatant ship classes of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force |
