The Yūbari-class destroyer escort (or frigate) of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is the successor to the Ishikari-class destroyer escort and primarily focused on anti-submarine warfare. The class comprised two ships and were in service from 1983 to 2010. They were followed by the Abukuma class.
== Description == This class was based on the design of the predecessor JS Ishikari but was enlarged with improved accommodation and fuel capacity. The ships have a standard displacement of 1,470 metric tons (1,450 long tons) and 1,690 t (1,660 long tons) at full load. They measure 91 meters (298 ft 7 in) long with a beam of 10.8 m (35 ft 5 in) and a draft of 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in). They have a complement of 95 personnel. The class retained the CODOG propulsion system consisting of a Rolls-Royce Olympus TM-3B manufactured by the Kawasaki Heavy Industries under license used for boosting, creating 21,200 kilowatts (28,400 shp). The cruising engine is the Mitsubishi/MAN 6DRV 35/44 diesel engine, turning two shafts with controllable pitch propellers creating 3,470 kW (4,650 bhp), reaching a maximum speed of 25 knots (46 km/h; 29 mph). The class is equipped with OPS-28 surface search and target acquisition radar. They utilize the FCS-2 fire-control system for the 76-millimeter (3.0 in) gun. For electronic support measures, the escorts are equipped with NOLR 6B system. The ships sport the SQS-36J hull-mounted sonar for subsurface targeting. For anti-missile defence, the Yūbaris have two Mk 36 SRBOC six-barrelled chaff launchers. This class is equipped with eight Boeing Harpoon surface-to-surface missiles as the key weapon system, in two quad launchers. They also mount 76 mm/62 Compact gun. Provision for a Phalanx CIWS was made in the stern area, although it was never installed. They are also armed with two triple-mounted HOS-301 324 mm (12.8 in) torpedo tubes for Mk 46 Mod 5 torpedoes. For anti-submarine defense, the vessels mount a Bofors 375 mm rocket launcher.
Ships in the class
== Construction and career == Only two units were ordered, the second in Fiscal Year (FY) 1980–81. However, a change in policy beginning in 1983 saw the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force change its focus from anti-submarine warfare defense to offshore sea lane and communication defense. As a result, no new hulls were purchased and they were only followed by the larger Abukuma class in FY 1987–88. Both ships of this class were deployed at the Ominato District Force (home-ported at Mutsu, Aomori). The Ominato District is the northernmost district of the JMSDF and forefront against the Russian Pacific Fleet.
== See also == List of frigates
Notes
Citations
== References == Grove, Eric & Scheina, Robert L. (1995). "Japan". In Gardiner, Robert; Chumbley, Stephen & Budzbon, Przemysław (eds.). Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947–1995. Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press. pp. 220–245. ISBN 1-55750-132-7. Saunders, Stephen, ed. (2004). Jane's Fighting Ships 2004–2005 (107 ed.). Alexandria, Virginia: Jane's Information Group Inc. ISBN 0-7106-2623-1. SOW editorial office (December 2007). "Adieu! Japan's first gas turbine DE "Ishikari"". Ships of the World (in Japanese) (683). Kaijinn-sha: 147–149.