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MAST Asia 2017: Mitsui Unveiled a New LHD Amphibious Assault Ship Concept

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MAST Asia 2017 Online Show Daily - Mitsui LPD
 
 
 
MAST Asia 2017: Mitsui Unveiled a New LHD Amphibious Assault Ship Concept
 
At MAST Asia 2017 (Maritime Air Systems & Technologies), the naval defense exhibition currently held last week in Tokyo, Japanese company Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding (MES) unveiled a new Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) concept.
     
MAST Asia 2017: Mitsui Unveiled a New LHD Amphibious Assault Ship ConceptMitsui LHD
     
Mitsui's LHD is designed for large scale transportation of LCACs, MBTs, vehicles, cargo and equipment, with multi-mission features. MES drew on its experience from constructing and delivering "Osumi" and "Shimokita" LPDs to the JMSDF when designing the new LHD.

Company representative didn't want to provide specific details, but based on the MES brochure, the LHD has a flat top with five helicopter spots and a hangar large enough to large helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopters.

The LHD is fitted with a well deck large enough to accommodate two LCACs. Vehicles can be stored on two decks. Total vehicle capacity is classified, however, based on an image in the brochure, at least 24 AAVs may fit on the lower deck. The image might be conceptual so this figure may not be an accurate data.
     
MAST Asia 2017: Mitsui Unveiled a New LHD Amphibious Assault Ship ConceptLHD Operational Image. Image: MES
     

In terms of systems, (based on the brochure) Mitsui's LHD is fitted with a Phalanx CIWS forward and a SeaRAM launcher at the stern. There are two shafts and two rudders, as well as two bow thrusters. There is a main elevator for helicopters aft and a smaller one for stores and equipment forward, near the island.

The Japanese LHD concept measures 210 meters in length, 35 meters in width and 7 meters in draft for a displacement of 16,000 tons and a speed of 22 knots. The maximum complement of the vessel is 200 people (including troops). For comparison, the French Navy's Mistral-class LHD displaces over 20,000 tons eventough it is slightly smaller in size (199 meters in length and 32 meters in width).

According to Mistui, the main missions of the LHD include island defense as well as humanitarian assistance / disaster relief.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is reportedly looking to boost its amphibious capabilities in order to protect its Southern Islands.

MES also unveiled a new MLP and a new LPD design at MAST Asia 2017.