Ōsumi-class Tank Landing Ship

The ''Ōsumi'' class (), is a Japanese tank landing ship. The class is also known as the ''Oosumi'' class. While the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) describes the ''Ōsumi'' class as tank landing ships (LSTs), they lack the bow doors and beaching capability traditionally associated with LSTs. Functionally, their well deck makes the ''Ōsumi'' class more like a dock landing ship (LSD).

As of 2024 there are three ''Ōsumi'' vessels active with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force.

Design and specifications

''GlobalSecurity.org'' noted in its report on the ''Ōsumi'' class that "the program originated in a proposal for a small carrier for defensive and mine countermeasures (MCM) purposes, but this was deemed politically unacceptable, and the project was reworked as an amphibious ship" (actually a "Maritime Operational Transport", see below). Later the JMSDF returned to the idea with helicopter carriers with the larger .

The ''Ōsumi'' class increases its carrying capacity with a flat-top open air upper vehicle parking deck, it has an elevated island superstructure offset to starboard giving the appearance of a small aircraft carrier though the helicopter flight deck only comprises the stern of the ship. Small deck elevators accessing the enclosed lower parking deck are for vehicles rather than helicopters, the lower vehicle deck has access to the well deck. There is no enclosed aircraft hangar and any helicopters are tied down topside.

The MSDF developed the ''Maritime Operational Transport'' concept as an alternative to what was then (mid-1990s) the politically denied development of an amphibious doctrine. This concept is intended to "deliver JGSDF reinforcement units to an area where an enemy landing is possible or probable, or where an enemy has already landed but that is still under Japanese control. The point is that the landings would be on Japanese territory, not foreign soil. So, in theory, this concept does not involve amphibious assault. The tempo of helicopter transport and the types of helicopters required would be very different from those in an assault amphibious landing."Yoji Koda, “Jieikan no Genyu Seiryoku to Shyorai Tenbo” he Present and Future of JMSDF Ships in Sekai no Kansen (January 2009), p. 129

The ''Ōsumi''s gives the JMSDF a modest lift capability, especially in defense of the outer islands. The ''Ōsumi'' class enables the transport of ground troops to strategic locations, and the rescue of civilians in case of large scale natural disaster. The hull features armored and opening deck. The rear of hull houses an armored landing deck for two large CH-47 helicopters. The well dock in the rear of the ship houses the two Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft. Forward, there is a deck below the main deck, but the single elevator accessing these spaces is too small for anything but a small helicopter. A VSTOL aircraft or a larger helicopter will simply not fit on the elevator. These spaces below the forward main deck are used primarily for vehicle storage so those fighting and/or armored vehicles can access the well deck.

Ships in the class

Service history

At least two members of the class, ''Ōsumi'' and ''Kunisaki'', participated in search and rescue and other disaster relief operations in the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.

In January 2014, The Japanese Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed reports that it will perform a major refit ''Ōsumi''-class tank landing ships to embark MV-22 Ospreys, and Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAV7s) to improve their amphibious capabilities. The MoD allocated JPY20 million (US$190,000) in its fiscal year 2014 budget to conduct research on the refit.

In 2014, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera expressed the intention of buying one amphibious assault ship from the United States to provide more amphibious capabilities than the current ''Ōsumi'' class. A was most likely candidate for acquisition. However, that acquisition did not move forward.

In the interim, the ''Ōsumi'' class have been modestly upgraded to be able to land Boeing MV-22s, which began delivery to the Japanese military in 2020, and also to carry the AAV7A1 Amphibious Assault Vehicles.

Gallery

File:LST-4001 おおすみ (8).jpg, JS ''Ōsumi''
File:Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force ship Shimokita MOD 45165997.jpg, JS ''Shimokita''
File:LST-4003 くにさき (1).jpg, JS ''Kunisaki''
File:おおすみ型輸送艦.jpg, Three ''Ōsumi''-class vessels underway in formation in 2008.

References

External links

GlobalSecurity.org - LST Osumi Class

JDS Kunisaki - Humanitarian response to the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake from JMSDF

JDS Ōsumi - Rescue and aid ,2013 Typhoon Wipha by KyodoNews

JDS Ōsumi - Rescue and aid ,2013 Typhoon Haiyan from JMSDF

{{DEFAULTSORT:Osumi Class Lst
Amphibious warfare vessel classes
Helicopter carriers
Osumi class tank landing ship
Ships built in Japan
Amphibious warfare vessels of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force