Japan showed for the first time on Tuesday the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) future helicopter carrier which will become the flagship of its fleet and is the largest warship built by Japan since World War II. The 248-meter-long and 19,500-ton helicopter carrier named Izumo is still under construction in Yokohama and is set to be commissioned into service in 2015.

DDH183 Izumo is 248-meter-long and 19,500-ton. It is the largest warship built by Japan since World War II.

Once commissioned, the ship will be able to accomodate nine helicopters. The ceremony took place with some 3,600 people, including the Deputy Prime Minister Taro Aso.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the helicopter carrier is expected to play a key role both in defense of territorial sovereignty, in rescue missions, and in case of natural disasters.



Port side view of DDH183 Izumo

http://www.navyrecognition.com/index...k=view&id=1169


Independent experts, however, believe that the warship, given its large size, could conceivably one day be used as a versatile aircraft carrier and serve as a platform to launch fighter aircraft capable of vertical takeoff (such the F-35B)