Shipbuilding company Japan Marine United (JMU) Corporation unveiled at the 18-20 November DSEI Japan 2019 defence exhibition in Chiba the preliminary design of a landing helicopter dock (LHD) amphibious assault ship that it plans to propose to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Unlike the service's current Izumo-class helicopter carriers, JMU's Future Landing Helicopter Dock will be a roll-on/roll-off ship capable of deploying armoured amphibious assault vehicles and air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC), in addition to having a full-length flight deck to support helicopter operations.
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JMU unveiled at DSEI Japan 2019 the preliminary design of an LHD amphibious assault ship it plans to propose to the JMSDF.
The ship, which will have a crew of about 500, can accommodate up to five helicopters on its flight deck, with additional space for about five more helicopters in the vessel's two aircraft hangars located beneath the flight deck.