JS Izumo
_just_after_her_launch.jpg) JS Izumo (DDH-183) just after her launch
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Japan | |
| Name | JDS Izumo |
| Builder | IHI Marine United |
| Laid down | 27 January 2012 |
| Launched | 6 August 2013 |
| Commissioned | Expected in 2015 |
| General characteristics | |
| Class and type | Izumo, helicopter carrier |
| Displacement | list error: <br /> list (help) 19,500 long tons (19,800 t) standard; 27,000 long tons (27,000 t) full load |
| Length | 248 m (814 ft) |
| Beam | 38 m (125 ft) |
| Speed | more than 30 knots (35 mph; 56 km/h) |
JDS Izumo (DDH-183) is a helicopter carrier (officially classified by Japan as a helicopter destroyer) and the lead ship in the Izumo class of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It is the second warship to be named for Izumo Province, with the previous ship being the armored cruiser Izumo (1898).
Though designed to carry up to 14 helicopters, critics including China argue it could be modified to be used as a more conventional aircraft carrier. Because of constitutional restrictions, Japan's military forces are forbidden from possession of offensive weapons.
The ship was laid down on 27 January 2012 and launched on 6 August 2013.[1][2] The ship is the largest Japanese naval vessel since World War II.