Shiritaka (PG-829) is a fast attack missile boat (officially classified by Japan as a Patrol Boat) and the sixth constructed ship in the Hayabusa-class of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF). Six fast attack missile boats were built between 2002 and 2004, after an incident off the Noto Peninsula involving a North Korea spy ship. They were named for Imperial Japanese Navy ships, the torpedo boat Hayabusa.
Both double-hull and single-hull designs were considered; the single-hull design was selected for reasons of hull strength and seaworthiness. The hull is long and narrow with a V-shaped bottom, allowing for a high hull speed and improved high-speed stability. Stealth characteristics were incorporated. The slope of the superstructure, designed to minimize direct radar reflection, was chosen using computer simulation of the radar cross section. The tripod mast and Stealthshield 76mm gun also have stealth features. Three LM500-G07 gas turbine engines, built under license from General Electric by Ishikawajima-Harima, provide speed of 46 knots (85 km/h; 53 mph).
The main armament is a pair of SSM-1B ship-to-ship missile twin launchers installed in the stern and a Otobreda 76 mm gun on the front deck. Additionally, two 12.7mm M2 machine guns are installed on the back of the bridge. The Type 90 Ship-to-Ship Missile (SSM-1B) is a ship-launched anti-ship missile developed by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries that entered service in 1992. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force bought 384 of the missiles which it fitted to its Akizuki, Takanami, Hayabusa, and Murasame-class ships. With a range of 150 km (81 nmi), high subsonic speed and 225 kg (496 lb) warhead, the Type 90 is similar to the US’s RGM-84 Harpoon missile, and is replacing Harpoon on Japanese ships.
The weapons systems for the Hayabusa Class is controlled by the OYQ-8B Tactical Data Processing System. It uses a smaller AN/UYK-44 computer but is vastly superior to the previous generation UYK-20. Also it is capable of supporting Link 11 data link, which the previous OYQ-5 and UYK-20 system was not able to. As a result, it is now able to provide supporting data to other ships and aircraft. This enhances offensive and defensive capability as they can now feed data into the larger Maritime Operation Force System of the Self Defense Forces.
Video by Japan Marine Club 海想記
