JS Aki (AOS-5203) is a Hibiki-class ocean surveillance ship of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Development and design
Hibiki-class vessels have a beam of 30 metres (98 ft 5 in), a top speed of 11 knots (20 km/h; 13 mph), and a standard range of 3,800 nautical miles (7,000 km; 4,400 mi).[5] Each vessel has a crew of 40, including five American civilian technicians, and a flight deck for helicopters to operate off of.[6][7] They are able to deploy on station for 90 days.[7]
The vessels have an AN/UQQ-2 Surveillance Towed Array Sensor System (SURTASS), which was installed in the United States.[8][7] Data from the sensors is relayed through the Defense Satellite Communications System and processed and shared with the United States.[7] The data is fed into the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System.[9]
Propulsion is provided by four Mitsubishi S6U-MPTK diesel electric engines.[10][1]
Construction and career
Aki was laid down in October 2018 at Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding, Tamano and launched on 15 January 2020.[2] She was commissioned on 4 March 2021.[1][3]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Prevljak, Naida Hakirevic (10 March 2021). "Video: JMSDF commissions 3rd Hibiki-class ocean surveillance ship". Retrieved 27 January 2025.
- ^ a b c "Japan launches third Hibiki-class ocean surveillance ship". 3 February 2020. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
- ^ a b "Japan commissions third Hibiki-class ocean surveillance ship". 4 March 2021. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
- ^ "艦船搭載機器等の検査及び修理（改造を含む）に係る契約希望者募集要項" (PDF) (in Japanese). Ministry of Defence. 14 April 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2021.
- ^ Jane, Frederick Thomas (2010). Jane's Fighting Ships. S. Low, Marston & Company. p. 433. ISBN 978-0-7106-2920-3.
- ^ Dominguez, Gabriel (3 February 2020). "Japan launches third Hibiki-class ocean surveillance ship". Jane's Information Group.
- ^ a b c d Graham, Euan (16 November 2005). Japan's Sea Lane Security: A Matter of Life and Death?. Routledge. p. 404. ISBN 978-1-134-25091-2.
- ^ "AOS Hibiki Class". GlobalSecurity.org. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Japan's Ears on the Sea". Medium. 4 July 2014. Archived from the original on 8 July 2017.
- ^ "AOS Hibiki Class". GlobalSecurity.org. Archived from the original on 5 September 2009.
External links
- Vavasseur, Xavier (8 March 2021). "JMSDF commissions new Hibiki-Class SURTASS / Ocean Surveillance Ship JS Aki". Naval News. Retrieved 27 January 2025.