Osumi class LST
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The Osumi class LST (おおすみ型輸送艦), is a Japanese amphibious assault ship. While the JMSDF describes the Osumi class as tank landing ships, they lack the bow doors and beaching capability traditionally associated with LSTs. Functionally, their well deck makes the Osumi class are more like a dock landing ship (LSD) or amphibious transport dock (LPD).
The class could well be described as helicopter carriers. Globalsecurity.org notes that "the program originated in a proposal for a small carrier for defensive and mine countermeasures (MCM) purposes, but this was deemed politically unacceptable, and the project was reworked as an amphibious ship".
Jane's Fighting Ships 2006-7 edition says that there are now plans underway for a class of bigger carriers, the 16DDH class of helicopter "destroyers".
[edit] Specifications
- Standard displacement 8,900 tons
- Length: 178 m
- Width: 25.8 m
- Depth: 17.0 m
- Draft: 6.0 m
- Main engine: 2 × Mitsui 16V42M-A Diesel - 2 shafts propulsion - 26,000 bhp.
- Maximum speed: 22 knots
- Crew: 135
- Armament: 2 × 20 mm Phalanx CIWS
- Landing Craft: Two Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC)
[edit] Ships in the class
| Pennent No. | Name | Home port | Unit | Shipyard | Plan | Laid down | Launched | Commissioned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LST 4001 | Osumi | Kure | Landing Div 1 | Mitsui, Tamano | 1993 | 6 December 1995 | 18 November 1996 | 11 March 1998 |
| LST 4002 | Shimokita | Kure | Landing Div 1 | Mitsui, Tamano | 1998 | 30 November 1999 | 29 November 2000 | 12 March 2002 |
| LST 4003 | Kunisaki | Kure | Landing Div 1 | Hitachi, Maizuru | 1999 | 7 September 2000 | 13 December 2001 | 26 February 2003 |
