Japan’s F-35B: Takeoff and landing on barge
・Defense Equipment Agency conducts research with JMU
・Operation at short runway airports and heliports
We will deliver a summary of articles published in vehicle news.
Defense Equipment Agency:
In May 2023, we announced recruitment guidelines for new work.
Recruitment of new business:
This is a research study on the maintenance of barges for STOVL.
In October 2023, a contract was signed with shipbuilding company Japan Marine United.
Research and development of barges:
~STOVL (Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing) to be introduced by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force
‘Research on operating F-35B fighter jets on barges.’
Barge for STOVL:
A barge is different from a land runway or helipad.
STOVL barges can be moved.
It will be possible to operate the F-35B from a STOVL barge.
Once the barge is completed, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force will be able to use fighter jets more flexibly.
Operating F-35B fighter jets on barges:
“Technical know-how regarding special modification” of the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Izumo-class destroyer is essential.
Japan Marine United’s technology:
Only Japan Marine United has the necessary knowledge and technology.
The Defense Equipment Agency selected the company because it was the only applicant.
Converting ‘Izumo’ and ‘Kaga’ into aircraft carriers:
The Ministry of Defense has converted these two ships into aircraft carriers to operate the F-35B.
Previously, these two ships were destroyers equipped with Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopters.
In the future, the F-35B will be able to operate at remote island airports and helipads with short runways.
Barge and STOVL operations:
Details regarding the ‘combination method of Verge and STOVL’ are currently unknown.
Get the most out of your F-35B:
~F-35B, the revolutionary STOVL and new fighter aircraft.
It will be interesting to see how the research progresses in the future.
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/99f5d90e63de2c98d21c6a47258c28758113e54d
Japan releases images of refitted Izumo-class carrier
JANE’S reports
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) :
JMSDF has released post-refit images of its Izumo-class helicopter carrier JS Kaga , which has been modified for F-35B aircraft operations.
the service’s Escort Flotilla 4 :
These images were released by the service’s Escort Flotilla 4 .
via its official social media page between 25 and 27 December
and were taken during the vessel’s post-refit sea trials, it added.
two Izumo-class helicopter carriers:
Kaga is the second of two Izumo-class helicopter carriers operated by the JMSDF.
First-of-class JS Izumo was commissioned in March 2015 while Kaga was inducted in March 2017.
STOVL: F-35B Lightning II:
The 248 m class Kaga was conceived as helicopter carriers
but Kaga has been built with weight and strength considerations .
for the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.
JMU refit works on Kaga :
In March 2022 a JMSDF spokesperson confirmed to Janes.
Japan Marine United (JMU) has begun refit works on Kaga at the company’s Kure shipyard in Kure City, Hiroshima.
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/japan-releases-images-of-refitted-izumo-class-carrier