The Minegumo-class destroyer is a destroyer class of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the successor of the .
This class derived from its predecessor to be fitted with the QH-50D DASH, the new anti-submarine drone helicopter in return for the removal of the ASROC system. And similarly, it mainly tasked with Anti-submarine warfare. In 1969, after the production of the QH-50D ceased, this class was no longer built and construction of the Yamagumo-class resumed.
The JMSDF considered refitting Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System Mk.1 with the Kaman SH-2 Seasprite helicopter in return for the facility of DASH, but this plan was abandoned because of the problem of cost. Finally, the facility of DASH was removed in 1979-82, and Mk.16 GMLS for the ASROC system was fitted.
Murakumo was refitted in 1978 for use as a gun trials ship. Rear Mk.33 gun was removed and a new OTO Melara 76 mm gun was added.
Names Pennant no. Name Shipbuilder Laid down Launched Commissioned Training Ship Conversion Decommissioned DD-116TV-3509 Mitsui Shipbuilding, Tamano shipyard March 14, 1967 December 16, 1967 August 31, 1968 August 1, 1995 March 18, 1999 DD-117TV-3510 Uraga Heavy Industries June 26, 1967 July 25, 1968 April 25, 1969 August 1, 1995 March 18, 1999 DD-118TV-3511 Maizuru Heavy Industries October 19, 1968 November 15, 1969 August 21, 1970 March 16, 1998 June 18, 2000
See also List of destroyer classes
Equivalent destroyers of the same era Type 82
References
The Maru Special, Ships of the JMSDF No.58 "Escort ship Yamagumo-class and Minegumo-class", Ushio Shobō (Japan), December 1981