Despite appearances, Japan insists Izumo is not an aircraft carrier

[bananas]

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/AJ201401070039

Despite appearances, Japan insists Izumo is not an aircraft carrier
January 07, 2014

By KUNIICHI TANIDA/ Staff Writer



The Maritime Self-Defense Force’s newest ship has a flight deck its entire length and is nearly the size of the Shokaku and Zuikaku aircraft carriers that took part in the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, yet Japan insists it is not an aircraft carrier.

With a length of about 250 meters and standard displacement of 19,500 tons, the Izumo is the biggest ship in the fleet. Up to nine helicopters can land on its deck at the same time.

Even so, the Defense Ministry and MSDF insist the Izumo, which was launched last summer, is simply a destroyer capable of carrying helicopters.

Media in China and South Korea played up the launching, calling the Izumo a "semi-aircraft carrier" and evidence of a rightward tilt in Japan's policies.

Military journalist Shinichi Kiyotani said: "Under international standards, it is nothing less than an aircraft carrier. The government is gradually expanding its interpretation because it is afraid it could become a political problem."

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[atreides1]

1. At best

It can be designated an LPH

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landing_Platform,_Helicopter

[Ranchemp.]

2. Yep.

This ship isn't an aircraft carrier in the true sense as the U.S. carriers, which can launch and recover jets.
From what I'm seeing, this ship doesn't have catapults, which are essential for true carrier ops, the best it can do is carry a complement of VTOL aircraft, Harriers or Helos.

[LongTomH]

3. If they were planning to handle Harriers, they would have a 'ski jump' for take-offs

The Harrier can do a vertical-take-off-vertical landing; but, in operation it's more often used in short-take-off-vertical-landing mode.

[Ranchemp.]

4. Great point!

It will be able to handle the F-35B STOVL Joint Strike Fighter.



But, I think it's due to be cancelled.

[Ranchemp.]

9. Also,

I don't see any arresting cables needed for true carrier ops.

[Diclotican]

5. bananas

bananas

This ship looks far more capable than the PRC aircraft carrier - the old Varag - who they got from Ukraina....

I guess some in the PRC military is wondering about what's next....

Diclotican

[MicaelS]

7. The INS Vikramaditya has been retrofititted

To use MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB aircraft fixed wing aircraft. It will be operated in a "ski-jump" mode to launch the MiGs. The Indian Navy also has the INS Viraat, which is a Centaur-class aircraft carrier in service with the Indian Navy. The Viraat operates Sea Harriers in ski-jump mode.

The Izumo is a Helicopter (only) Carrier, and has no fixed wing aircraft. Thus the Indian Carriers with their fixed wing aircraft are much more capable.

[bossy22]

6. its a helicopter carrier that they call a destroyer

I wouldn't be surprised if in the future you start seeing F-35Bs flying off it.

Japan is going to build a "true" aircraft carrier sometime in the near future. Some military observers believe that this new ship is the precursor to a new class of Japanese carriers.

[SCVDem]

8. A ski ramp is necessary

to carry a combat load of munitions.

I don't see the cost benefit of this thing.