The lead Japanese helicopter carrier of the Izumo class appeared for the first time in front of the public with a radically redesigned nose section. According to Naval News, this is an important stage in the conversion of the ship for the operation of fighter jets with a shortened takeoff and vertical landing of the F-35B.
The publication clarifies that the second stage of the Izumo modernization is taking place at the Japan Marine United (JMU) shipyard in Yokohama, south of Tokyo. According to observers, the ship was taken out of the dry dock at the end of last week. Now the nose of the helicopter carrier has a rectangular shape.
Modernization of the Izumo helicopter carrier, Japan
@Alsace_class / Naval News
Initially, the helicopter carrier had a trapezoidal tapering nose. The new rectangular configuration, as explained by representatives of the Japanese Navy, reduces the turbulence of the air flow in this area and increases the flight safety of the F-35B.
To achieve this goal, the flight deck was expanded laterally, eliminating the narrow forward section and providing more stable takeoff and landing conditions for aircraft with shortened takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL).
Two Japanese universal amphibious assault ships of the Izumo class are undergoing modernization in two stages. The conversion of the lead helicopter carrier as part of the first stage was completed in June 2021 at the same JMU shipyard. At that time, the work included applying a heat-resistant deck coating to protect against F-35B exhaust fumes, installing visual landing aids and adding axial markings along the flight deck.
The second stage began with the commissioning of the Izumo into dry dock on November 1, 2024. In addition to the modification of the bow, this stage includes other significant modifications. It is planned to complete the ship's refit by the end of fiscal year 2027 (March 2028).
The nose of the Izumo helicopter carrier after modernization, Japan
@Alsace_class / Naval News
Work on the second ship of this class, the Kaga, followed a similar path. The first stage of its modernization started at the beginning of the 2022 fiscal year. In April 2023, the helicopter carrier left the dry dock with an already redesigned nose section.
The second stage of modernization of Kaga is planned to begin this year and be completed by the end of fiscal year 2028 (March 2029).
The total displacement of the universal amphibious assault ships of the Izumo class is 27,000 tons. Before the upgrade, the flight deck was 248 meters long and 38 meters wide. Each ship can take on board 970 people, including the crew and troops.
In the basic version, the wing consisted of nine SH-60K Seahawk anti-submarine helicopters and mine warfare helicopters, but the maximum load allows for up to 28 aircraft, including tiltrotor planes and fighters.
