Minegumo-class destroyer explained

The Minegumo-class destroyer is a destroyer class of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the successor of the .

This class derived from its predecessor to be fitted with the QH-50D DASH, the new anti-submarine drone helicopter in return for the removal of the ASROC system. And similarly, it mainly tasked with Anti-submarine warfare. In 1969, after the production of the QH-50D ceased, this class was no longer built and construction of the Yamagumo-class resumed.

The JMSDF considered refitting Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System Mk.1 with the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite helicopter in return for the facility of DASH, but this plan was abandoned because of the problem of cost. Finally, the facility of DASH was removed in 1979-82, and Mk.16 GMLS for the ASROC system was fitted.

Murakumo was refitted in 1978 for use as a gun trials ship. Rear Mk.33 gun was removed and a new OTO Melara 76 mm gun was added.

Names

Pennant no. Name Shipbuilder Laid down Launched Commissioned Training Ship Conversion Decommissioned
DD-116
TV-3509
Mitsui Shipbuilding, Tamano shipyard March 14, 1967 December 16, 1967 August 31, 1968 August 1, 1995 March 18, 1999
DD-117
TV-3510
June 26, 1967 July 25, 1968 April 25, 1969 August 1, 1995 March 18, 1999
DD-118
TV-3511
October 19, 1968 November 15, 1969 August 21, 1970 March 16, 1998 June 18, 2000

References