Minegumo-class destroyer

File:JS Minegumo (DD-116).png JS Minegumo (DD-116)
Class overview
Name:	Minegumo-class destroyer
Operators:	Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Preceded by:	Yamagumo-class destroyer
Succeeded by:	Yamagumo-class destroyer
In commission:	1967–2000
Completed:	3
Retired:	3
General characteristics
Type:	Destroyer
Displacement:	2,100 long tons (2,134 t) standard (Murakumo : 2,150 long tons (2,185 t)) 2,750 long tons (2,794 t) full load Length:115 meters Beam:11,8 meters Draft:3,8 meters
Complement:	210
Sensors and processing systems:	OPS-11 EWR OPS-17 surface search radar OQS-3 hull-sonar
Armament:	2 × Mk.33 twin 3"/50 caliber guns 1 × OTO Melara 76 mm(Murakumo only) 1 × 375 mm (15 in) ASW rocket launcher 2 × HOS-301 triple 324 mm (12.8 in) torpedo tubes
Aircraft carried:	2 × QH-50D DASH anti-submarine drone helicopter (removed in 1979-82 and ASROC fitted)

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

This class derived from its predecessor Yamagumo class 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	Laid down	Launched	Commissioned	Decommissioned
DD-116 TV-3508	Minegumo		December 16, 1967	1968	1999
DD-117 TV-3509	Natsugumo		July 25, 1968	1969	1999
DD-118 TV-3511	Murakumo		November 15, 1969	1970	2000

References

• The Maru Special, Ships of the JMSDF No.58 "Escort ship Yamagumo-class and Minegumo-class", Ushio Shobō (Japan), December 1981