JS Oyashio (SS-590)

History

As an island nation, the Japanese authorities have a responsibility to provide its people with a strong naval force consisting of multi-purpose surface combatants and submarines. The Japanese navy - represented by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) - is the branch called upon to defend Japan's political interests in the troubled Asia-Pacific region.

As the Chinese grow in powerespecially in their own naval sectorthe Japanese government and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force have additional responsibilities to protect their claims and vital shipping lanes in this part of the world.

The Oyahio class diesel-electric submarines were developed in the early 1990s, construction began in 1994 and completed in 2008. This move resulted in the JMSDF having a strong modern fleet of 11, led by JDS Oyashio (SS-590).

Oyashio saw her keel laid on January 26, 1994 at Kawasaki Shipyard in Kobe, and launched on October 15, 1996. On March 16, 1998, it was officially commissioned. The ship, along with her ten sister ships, is still active in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine fleet.

As a diesel-electric submarine, the Oyashio is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system that enables both surface and underwater navigation in one complete package. This arrangement includes 2 x Kawasaki 12V25S diesel engines, 2 x Kawasaki alternators and 2 x Toshiba engines.

Their diesel system produces up to 3,400 hp, while the other drive components output 7,750 hp. When the boat is on the surface, it can go at 12 knots, and when underwater, it increases dramatically to 20 knots.

Unlike nuclear-powered submarines, diesel-electric submarines are inherently more limited in range and are further limited by the crew's available food supply - typically lasting up to 1.5 months. The crew consists of 70 employees, including 10 shift workers.

As an attack submarine, the Kinoshio is equipped with 6 x 533 mm torpedo tubes to service Type 89 torpedoes or UGN-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, or a combination of both depending on mission requirements. Each weapon type can carry approximately 20 reloads, or a mix of the two.

Sensors and processing handled by Hughes/Oki ZQQ-6 series hull mounted sonar arrays. Arrays are also mounted on the sides of the boat, and a towed array can also be released if desired. Search/track is provided by the JRC ZPS 6 series I-band search radar system.

All 11 ships of the Oyashio class belong to the title of item number S130. This class includes Oyahsio (SS-590) as the main ship, followed by Michishio (SS-591), Uzushio (SS-592), Makishio (SS-593), Isoshio (SS-594), Narushio (SS-595), Kuroshio (SS-596), High tide (SS-597), Yae tide (SS-598), Se tide (SS-599) and Watch tide (SS-600).

Specification

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Performance

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