Description:
The Japan Marine Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Shirane is a class of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) destroyers with limited anti-aircraft warfare (AAW) capabilities. Its propulsion system is based on two steam turbines developing 70,000-shp of power and enabling a top speed of 32 knots. Shirane-class destroyers feature a huge aft flight deck and hangar facilities to allow operation of up to three SH-60J helicopters. Its weapon system consists of two 5-in (127mm) cannons, two 20mm Phalanx close-in gun systems, one eight-cell Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile system (24 missiles), one ASROC rocket system and two triple 12.75-in torpedo tubes. MSDF commissioned two ships in 1980 and 1981 which play the flagship role in Japan's escort flotillas.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 350
Guns: Main Gun Caliber 127 mm
Number of Weapons: 40
Dimensions: Beam 17.5 m, Draft 5.3 m, Length 159 m
Weights: Full Displacement 5,200 t
Performance: Top Speed 32 kt (59 kph)
Power: Power 70,000 shp
Other: Torpedo Tubes 6 12.75-in torpedo tubes
Operators
Japan / 2
Ships
DDH143 Shirane
Commissioning: 1980
DDH144 Kurama
Commissioning: 1981
Image Gallery
Notes (*) lead contractor
IOC: Initial Operating Capability
FOC: Full Operating Capability
CEP: Circular Error Probable
Comm: Commissioning Date
Meters (m) Kilometers (km) Nautic Miles (nm) Inch (in) Yard (yd) Foot (ft) Millimeter (mm)
Pound (lb) Kilogram (kg) kN (KiloNewton) Ton (t)
Meters per Second (mps) Kilometers per Hour (kph) Knot (kt) Miles per Hour (mph)
Liter (l) Galon (gl)
Year (yr) Minutes (min) Second (sec)
Shaft-Horse-Power (shp)
Japan / 2 
