Japanese patrol vessel Akitsushima

For other ships with the same name, see Japanese ship Akitsushima.

Akitsushima (PLH-32) is a Akitsushima-class patrol vessel currently operated by the Japanese Coast Guard.

Akitsushima in Kobe on 9 July 2017
History
Japan
Name	Akitsushima (あきつしま)
Namesake	Classical name of Japan
Builder	IHI, Tokyo
Laid down	10 May 2011
Launched	4 July 2012
Commissioned	28 November 2013
Homeport	Yokohama
Identification	IMO number: 9638068 MMSI number: 431004594 Callsign: 7JNE Pennant number: PLH-32
Status	Active
General characteristics
Class and type	Akitsushima-class patrol vessel
Tonnage	6,500 GT
Displacement	9,300 tons (full load)
Length	150.0 m (492 ft 2 in)
Beam	16.5 m (54 ft 2 in)
Draft	9.0 m (29 ft 6 in)
Propulsion	2 × shafts 4 × IHI-SEMT Pielstick 16 PC2.5 V400 diesel engines
Speed	25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph)
Range	20,000 nmi (37,000 km; 23,000 mi)
Armament	2 × Bofors 40 mm gun 2 × JM61 20 mm gun
Aircraft carried	2 × EC225LP helicopters

Design

Main article: Shikishima-class patrol vessel

This vessel is an enlarged and updated version of the earlier Shikishima. Aviation facilities have also been enhanced: whereas Shikishima is carrying Eurocopter AS332 helicopters, this vessel is able to carry the larger EC225LP Super Puma.

Weapons have also been updated and enhanced. As for the large calibre autocanon, the vessel is equipped with two single-mounted Bofors L/70 40 mm guns, as opposed to the double-mounted Oerlikon L/90 35mm guns of the Shikishima. These autocanons are the same as those carried by the Aso-class and Hida-class, and are capable of precision firing with an optical director. The JM61 20 mm guns are also upgraded to the production version as the other vessels, while the Shikishima is equipped with the earlier prototypes.

Construction and career

Akitsushima was laid down on 10 May 2011 and launched on 4 July 2012 by IHI, Tokyo. She was commissioned on 28 November 2013.

In 2015, during the Emperor's and Empress's visit (行幸啓, Gyōkōkei) to Palau, Akitsushima was used as an accommodation ship. Slopes and handrails were set up so that both elderly Majesties could get on board comfortably.

Gallery

• 
  Akitsushima in Yokohama on 4 June 2015
• 
  Akitsushima in Yokohama on 15 August 2015
• 
  Akitsushima''s patrol boat on 1 October 2015
• 
  Akitsushima in Yokohama on 18 December 2016
• 
  Akitsushima in Kobe on 9 July 2017
• 
  Akitsushima in Kobe on 9 July 2017
• 
  Akitsushima in Kobe on 9 July 2017
• 
  Akitsushima in Kobe on 9 July 2017

References

Bibliography

• Kaijin-sha, ed. (July 2014). "New Type Ships of Japan Coast Guard". Ships of the World (in Japanese) (800). Kaijin-sha: 144–147. NAID 40020105615.
• Nakanomyo, Masami (November 2015). "History of shipboard guns on JCG's patrol vessels". Ships of the World (in Japanese) (825). Kaijin-sha: 168–173. NAID 40020597434.