IHI Delivers Japan's Biggest Helicopter Destroyer

The Kurama (shown above), a 5,200-ton (displacement) helicopter destroyer for Japan's Defense Agency, was delivered recently at the Tokyo Shipyard of Ishikawajima- Harima Heavy Industries Company, Ltd. (IHI). The new ship, built as part of the Fourth Defense Buildup Program, is the largest destroyer in Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force, and is able to accommodate three helicopters.

The Kurama is equipped with the Sea Sparrow sea/air missile (SAM) system to improve her antiaircraft, self-defense capability; Bear Trap, a special landing system for helicopters; and a fin stabilization system to minimize the rolling motion of the ship in rough sea conditions, enabling helicopters to land safely.

The ship has an overall length of 521.6 feet, beam of 57.4 feet, depth of 36 feet, and draft of 17.4 feet. She is powered by two IHI steam turbines producing a total of 70,000 shp and a service speed of 32 knots.

Total complement is 350.

The Kurama's armament includes two 54- caliber, 5-inch, rapid-fire guns; an ASROC launcher: and two 3-barrel torpedo tubes.

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 33, May 1981

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Maritime Reporter

First published in 1881 Maritime Reporter is the world's largest audited circulation publication serving the global maritime industry.