The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) recently commissioned a new mine countermeasures (MCM) vessel into service.
JS Noumi (のうみ), which has been named after two islands in Hiroshima Bay, is the fourth MCM vessel in the Awaji-class. Construction of all four Awaji-class ships was undertaken by local shipyard Japan Marine United at an estimated cost of JPY12.6 billion (US$85 million) per vessel.
Like her sisters, Noumi has an FRP hull, an LOA of 67 metres (220 feet), a beam of 11 metres (36 feet), a draught of 2.7 metres (8.9 feet), a depth of 5.2 metres (17 feet), a displacement of 690 tonnes, and a crew of 50. Two 1,640kW (2,200hp) diesel engines drive propellers to deliver a maximum speed of 14 knots.
The dimensions make the Awaji-class ships the largest FRP-hulled minesweepers currently in active service with the JMSDF. FRP was selected for the Awaji-class ships' hulls due to its lower weight, its improved resistance to corrosion, and its reduced magnetic signature.
Notable features include an HII Remus unmanned underwater vehicle for MCM duties, a remotely operated vehicle for intelligence gathering, and a Mitsui self-propelled mine disposal system (MDS). The MDS is equipped with explosives that can be remotely triggered from the MCM vessel via fibre-optic connection so that the latter’s crew will not be put at risk during MCM operations.
The main gun is a JM61-RFS remotely controlled 20mm Gatling-style autocannon, which can be used for self-defence against surface and airborne threats as well as neutralisation of mines.
The electronics suite includes a Fujitsu OPS-39H surface search radar, sonars for mine detection and minesweeping, and a LIDAR for detecting mines in shallow waters well outside their blast radius to ensure safety. The MCM suite was designed to also be capable of neutralising deep-sea mines that could otherwise hinder the movements of friendly submarines.
The JMSDF expects that each Awaji-class ship will have an operational life of 30 years whereas each of the service's wooden-hulled MCM vessels each have an operational life of only 20 years as well as a slightly greater displacement.
| JS Noumi | |
| SPECIFICATIONS | |
| Type of vessel: | Mine countermeasures vessel |
| Flag: | Japan |
| Owner: | Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force |
| Builder: | Japan Marine United |
| Hull construction material: | FRP |
| Length overall: | 67 metres (220 feet) |
| Beam: | 11 metres (36 feet) |
| Draught: | 2.7 metres (8.9 feet) |
| Depth: | 5.2 metres (17 feet) |
| Displacement: | 690 tonnes |
| Main engines: | 2 x 1,640 kW (2,200 hp) |
| Maximum speed: | 14 knots |
| Radar: | Fujitsu OPS-39H |
| Other electronics: | LIDAR |
| Armaments: | JM61-RFS 20mm autocannon; Mitsui mine disposal system |
| Other equipment installed: | HII Remus unmanned underwater vehicle; remotely operated vehicle |
| Type of fuel: | Diesel |
| Crew: | 50 |