Super Rare? JMSDF’s Asuka Class Experimental Ship

Built Solely For Testing

The JMSDF (a.k.a the Japanese Navy) hosts a pretty impressive fleet of surface ships equipped with sophisticated weapons etc.

As the case with any technology, these equipments have to be tested before being put to actual use, and the JMSDF uniquely operates a ship designed just for such purpose – The “Asuka-class” experimental ship.

• General Overview

The JMSDF long used the “Kurihama” experimental ship to test torpedoes and other new weapons at sea, but its 1,000-ton size became insufficient for trying out large equipment or conducting long experiments.

The 4,200-ton “Asuka” was constructed in 1995 to resolve this predicament, possessing enough space to host both the hardware and staff members for large scale experiments.

For example, while the ship only requires 70 crew members, it can accommodate an additional 100 people for long term experiments. Meeting rooms, measurement facilities, and a small auditorium can be found inside the ship, and the helicopter hanger is to be utilized as additional space if necessary.

Another interesting feature of the interior, is the installation of double row ladders instead of the normal single row ones. This is to ensure safety for the experiment team aboard, mostly comprised of JMSDF members who usually work ashore or specialists from private companies.

Since most countries test latest equipments by modifying existing vessels, the fact of “Asuka” being built solely for experimental use is very unique. Not many navies can afford to operate a ship for just this purpose, indicating Japan’s seriousness in developing naval technology.

It is also worth highlighting that the “Asuka” was the first JMSDF vessel to have female members on board, marking a historical step and paving the way for future vessels accommodating female crew members.

Unique Hardware and Design

The “Asuka” is also unique in its outward design, with the conspicuous component above the bridge being a prime example. This section contains the domestically developed “FCS-3” fire-control system alongside a phased-array radar, later adopted by the “Hyuga-class” helicopter carriers.

Eight pads of the Vertical-Launch System (VLS) are installed in the front side to try out new anti-submarine rockets and surface-to-air missiles, and the triple-torpedo tube has been used for testing the latest Type 12 anti-submarine torpedoes.

From an engineering perspective, “Asuka” holds the title of the first JMSDF ship to adopt the COGLAG system (Combined Gas Turbine Electric and Gas Turbine) increasing fuel efficiency. After testing out with the experimental ship, the COGLAG system was later adopted by the “Asahi-class” destroyers and the “Mogami-class” frigates.

The Future of the Experimental Ship

Despite being 30 years old, the “Asuka-class” remains as a valuable asset for the JMSDF, providing vital data and lessons through the maritime experiments. Many standard equipment seen on the latest JMSDF ships underwent these trials abroad the “Asuka” proving its indispensable value.

It is speculated that the ship is currently experimenting multi-functional radars and  towed-type sonars for the upcoming frigates, but “Asuka” recently attracted attention for testing out the newly developed railgun.

A railgun aboard the Asuka successfully fired a shot at sea (photo: JMSDF)

Finally, some remarks regarding its role in during a contingency.

Because the experimental ship is equipped with a small VLS, torpedo tubes and a helicopter hanger, there is an idea of converting it into a combat vessel by installing necessary ammunition and adding a 76mm naval gun.

However, such attempt would be impractical and the JMSDF is better off with additional frigates rather than converting its only experimental ship into an half-baked one unfit for combat.