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Mashū class



Overview


Mashū class

Japanese Mashū class replenishment ship seen at sea in 2021.
Source: www.mod.go.jp - © CC BY 4.0

Origin
Japan
Type
Replenishment ship
Entered service
2005 or 2006
Status
In service
Development
Early 2000's
Developer
Japan
Production
2002 - 2005
Producer
Japan - Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, Tamano
Japan - Universal Shipbuilding Corporation, Maizuru
Unit cost
About 43 billion Yen
Number produced
2
Designations
AOE-425 class (lead pennant)
Notable users
Japan - JMSDF

Description


Introduction

The Mashu class is a modern era replenishment ship of Japanese origin. Two vessels have been produced. These large vessels are unique in having a rather high speed due to their gas turbine propulsion.

Design

The Mashu class is a further development Towada class. Displacement has nearly doubled, yet the maximum speed is also increased by 2 knots. This is achieved by the unique use of two Rolls Royce Spey gas turbine engines. Although gas turbines are commonly found on frigates and destroyers, the vast majority of replenishment vessels use diesel engines. There are two shafts with five-blade propellers. Replenishment can be carried out on the move with vessels being serviced on both sides. The large superstructure at the rear houses the crew. A helicopter pad and hangar are located at the rear.

Medical facilities

The superstructure also houses a medical facility with 46 beds. This can be converted to intensive care unit if appropriate specialized crew and equipment is taken aboard. The medical facility is for use in the disaster relief role and for taking on wounded crew from the vessels it supports in fleet operations.

Firepower

Armament as designed consists of two 20mm Phalanx close-in weapon systems. One at the bow and one at the rear of the superstructure. These are intended for self-defense. Although listed, these Phalanx seem not to be fitted in photographs. In addition there are several pintle mounts for 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine guns.

Cargo capacity

Replenishment at sea can be carried out for fuel and dry cargo. Gas turbines power the electrical pumps. Various elevators and electric forklifts are used to move dry cargo. Vertical replenishment using helicopters can also be carried out via the helicopter deck at the rear. The facilities even support the use of the MH-53 helicopter, the largest in Japanese maritime service.

Mobility

Maximum speed of the Mashu class is 24 knots. Cruising range is 9.500 nm at 20 knots.

Users

Both Mashu class were commissioned by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. Each vessels supports a different fleet. As such their homeports are Maizuru and Sasebo.

Media


Details


Facts Mashu class
General
Origin
Japan
Type
Replenishment oiler
Complement
145
Dimensions
Displacement
25.000 t full load
13.500 t standard
Length
221 m overall
205 m at waterline
Beam
27 m overall
18 m at waterline
Draft
8.0 m
Propulsion
Arrangement
Two gas turbines
Machinery
2x Rolls-Royce Spey SM1C
Power output
40.000 shp combined
Propulsion
2 shafts, controllable pitch 5-blade propeller
Mobility
Speed
24 knots
Range
9.500 nm at 20 knots
Sensors
Surface search radar
OPS-28E
Navigation radar
OPS-20
Systems
ESM system
NOLR-8B
Decoys
4x 6-tube SRBOC
Guns
CIWS
Fitted for, but not yet with, 2x 20mm Phalanx
Self-defense
Several 12.7mm M2HB
Aircraft
Facilities
Hangar and helicopter deck
Cargo capacity
Replenishment at sea
Yes
Cargo capacity
Nearly 10.000 t of fuel and dry cargo

Subcomponents


20mm Mk 15 Phalanx

Fitted for, but not with, two 20mm Mk 15 Phalanx close-in weapon systems.

Browning M2HB

Several 12.7mm M2HB heavy machine guns can be fitted for self-defense at short range.

Related articles


Takanami class

The Mashu class shares the Rolls Royce SM1C gas turbine propulsion with the Takanami class destroyer.