Japan Marine United (JMU) recently unveiled images of the preliminary design of a proposed landing helicopter dock (LHD) for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
The vessel will have a length of 220 metres, a beam of 38 metres, a draught of seven metres, a crew of 500, a speed of 24 knots, flight deck space for five helicopters, and hangar space for another five helicopters.
The LHD will also be fitted with a well deck capable of accommodating up to 20 amphibious assault vehicles and two landing craft air-cushion (LCAC) vessels. The JMSDF's current Izumo-class ships are configured only to accommodate helicopters and F-35B Lightning II short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) strike fighters and are thus not equipped with facilities for launching and recovering amphibious vehicles and landing craft.
