The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has commissioned the fourth Taigei-class diesel-electric submarine, JS Raigei (Thunder Whale), on 6 March.
The new boat was inducted into the Submarine Division 1 of Submarine Flotilla 1, which is home-ported at the Kure naval base in Hiroshima prefecture after being handed over by shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) at its Kobe City facility.
Unlike lead boat Taigei (Big Whale) and sister boats Hakugei (White Whale) and Jingei (Swift Whale), Raigei is equipped with the latest Kawasaki 12V 25/31 diesel engines that offer a higher performance than the present Kawasaki 25/25SB powerplants as well as a new snorkel system featuring enhanced power generation efficiency.
It will also introduce dedicated berthing facilities for female crew to the type.
Like the last two boats of the 12-strong fleet of Soryu-class submarines, Oryu (SS 511) and Toryu (SS 512), the Taigei-class is equipped with lithium-ion batteries supplied by Kyoto-based GS Yuasa for extended underwater endurance and range. Japan is the first country to successfully field conventional submarines that employ lithium-ion battery technology, as opposed to industry standard lead-acid batteries.
The Taigei-class submarines also employ a new advanced combat management system (CMS) comprising integrated command and control (C2), sensors, and weapons systems. These include the OYX-1 processing system, ZQX-12 submarine tactical display system, ZQQ-8 fibre-optic array sonar system, NZLR-2 electronic support measures (ESM) system, and ZPS-6H radar system.
A new non-penetrating mast has also been supplied by Mitsubishi Electric.
In terms of armaments, the Taigei-class submarines are equipped with six HU-606 533 mm torpedo tubes that can launch a variety of ordnance including the new Type 18 heavyweight torpedo. This is expected to replace the in-service Type 89 torpedo and feature enhanced performance and lethality.
by Jr Ng
