Engineering:Taigei-class submarine

From HandWiki
Short description: Japanese attack submarine class
Taigei-class profile
JS Taigei
Class overview
NameTaigei class
Builders
Operators Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Preceded bySōryū class
Cost¥69.7 billion[1]
Built2018-present
In commission2022-present
Planned10[2]
Building3
Active5
__1B0X_5H1P__class overview
General characteristics
TypeAttack submarine
Displacement3000 tonnes (surfaced)
Length84.0 m (91.9 yd)
Beam9.1 m (29 ft 10 in)
Draught10.4 m (34 ft 1 in)
Propulsion
  • Diesel-electric:
    • 2 first ships: 2 × Kawasaki 25/25SB
    • Following ships: 2 × Kawasaki 12V 25/31[3]
  • Batteries: lithium-ion
  • Propulsion::
    • 1 × electric motor
    • 1 × shaft
    • 1 × propeller
Speed20.0 kn (37.0 km/h)
Complement70
Sensors &
processing systems
  • Systems:
    • OYX-1 processing system
    • ZQX-12 tactical display system
  • Sonar suite Oki ZQQ-8 (Mitsubishi Electric) that includes:
    • Bow-mounted sonar
    • Flank-array sonar
    • Fibre-optic towed-array sonar:
  • Periscopes:
    • Non-penetrating optical periscope (Mitsubishi Electric)
    • ESM: NZLR-2
    • Surface radar ZPS-6H
Armament
__1B0X_5H1P__characteristics

The Taigei-class submarines (29SS; (Japanese: たいげい; "Big Whale") is a new class of attack submarines after 2022, developed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It is the successor to the Sōryū class.

The Taigei class is equipped with a large amount of lithium-ion batteries, as is the case with the eleventh and twelfth submarines of the Sōryū class (Ōryū and Tōryū), making it possible for the submarine to travel longer and at higher speeds under water than conventional diesel-electric submarines.

Development

The development of the Taigei class was conducted with the intent of developing new and improved technologies to improve the capabilities of next-generation submarines that will operate in the 2020s and beyond.[7][8]

Early studies (2004)

In 2004, research began to explore the capabilities of the future Taigei class. The research involved simulations to optimize the most efficient design for the submarine and analyze cost-effectiveness. Research was conducted between 2005 and 2008, and in-house testing occurred between 2007 and 2009. A total of 800 million Yen were used to fund the project.[9][10]

In 2005, evaluation and testing of next-generation submarine sonar and air-independent propulsion (AIP) system was initiated. A new sonar array was developed with reduced weight, power consumption, and detectability to meet the requirements of the improved low noise profile of future ships and submarines.

Further research on both components were carried out between 2006 and 2008, and tested between 2008 and 2009. A total of 1.5 billion yen and 2.5 billion yen was allocated for the sonar and AIP system projects.[11][12][13][14]

Future equipment evaluation (2006)

In 2006, tests of anti-detection and shock-resistant submarine structures were conducted. Propeller and hull shape designs were researched to reduce noise generation while improving the submarine's structure for impact resistance. The research advocated for next-generation submarines to utilize a floating floor structure; where the deck is attached to the inner hull through a buffering mechanism designed to dampen vibrations from inside the submarine.

A secondary purpose of this buffering research is to protect against and mitigate shocks coming from outside the submarine. A prototype was developed between 2007 and 2011, and was tested from 2010 to 2014. A total of 400 million yen was allocated to fund the project.[15][16]

Power systems (2009)

In 2009, research on snorkel power generation system and sonar system were evaluated. The new snorkel power generation system aimed to be more compact, quiet and generate higher power output to enhance the submarines operability, survivability, and stealth. Comparable alternative power generation systems that were examined include the MTU 16V396SE diesel engines used on the Type 212 submarine and SEMT Pielstick PA4V200SM diesel engine. However, both engines were deemed to be not powerful enough, so the development of a new power generation system was initiated.

The sonar system was developed to improve detection and information processing capabilities for the next-generation submarine to for shallow-water use. The snorkel power generation prototype was developed between 2010 and 2014, and tested between 2014 and 2015. The prototype for the sonar system was developed between 2010 and 2013 and tested between 2013 and 2014. A total of 1.3 billion yen was allocated to fund the snorkel power generation system project, and 4.9 billion yen for the sonar system.[17][18][19][20]

Structure and hull (2012)

In 2012, research on the structural mode for submarines was conducted. Typically when adding new equipment onto an existing submarine design the solution to integrate it is to extend the compartment length of the submarine; which in turn increases the size, reinforcing of materials and price. The purpose of the research was to reduce future submarine size and price by optimizing the structural mode of the pressure shell of a submarine and to obtain technical data to develop future submarine designs.

A research prototype was developed between 2013 and 2015, and in-house testing was conducted between 2014 and 2015. A total of 1.1 billion yen was used to fund the research.[21][22]

In 2016, proposed research on new hull design to reduce fluid noise and a new sonar system to cope with the quietness of future foreign ships and submarines was evaluated. The research into the reduction of fluid noise investigated reducing interference noise from the hull and propeller and reduce low frequency noise components caused by flow around the hull and the propeller. The evaluation into the new sonar system anticipated that foreign surface ships and submarines operating in the 2030s will improve their quietness and operate in complex and diverse marine environments; thus improvements in detection and tracking capabilities were researched. The first research was commenced between 2017 and 2020, while testing occurs between 2019 and 2022. Development of a new sonar system is researched between 2017 and 2020, followed by immediate testing in 2020. A total of 1.2 billion yen were used to research the new hull design, while 5.1 billion yen were used to research the sonar system.[23][24][25][26]

Silent drive and power storage (2017)

In 2017, research on a silent drive system was initiated. Research was conducted between 2018 and 2021 and was tested between 2021 and 2022. A total of 5.7 billion yen were allocated for this project.[27][28]

In 2018, research on high-efficiency power storage and supply systems was conducted. The project aimed to improve the efficiency and energy of the power storage and supply system by achieving high efficiency and miniaturization in the power supply system and increasing the capacity and density of the power storage system. Prototyping occurred between 2019 and 2022, and in-house testing to simulate the installation on a submarine occurred in 2023. A total of 4.4 billion yen was used in its development.[29][30]

Design

The hull design of the Taigei class is said to not differ too much from the Sōryū class but will be 100 tons heavier than its predecessor. However, the Taigei-class submarines will be more advanced as they are equipped with newer equipment such as sonar systems, snorkel power generation system. The Taigei class will use lithium-ion batteries much like the JS Ōryū and JS Tōryū submarines.[31] The submarines use the Type 18 torpedo (ja), a successor to the Type 89 torpedo.[4][32]

Operational use

The first submarine of this class, Taigei, was converted to a dedicated test submarine in 2024, so that the JMSDF would not need to use commissioned submarines from frontline service to conduct tests. By doing so, the JMSDF can increase operating days and strengthen monitoring activities with their attack submarines, while the test submarine allows accelerated research and development.[33][34]

Boats

Building no. Shipyard Pennant no. Name Japanese Namesake Laid down Launched Commissioned Home port
8128 MHI Kobe SS-513
SSE-6201		 Taigei たいげい Big Whale 16 March 2018 14 October 2020 9 March 2022 Yokosuka
8129 KHI Kobe SS-514 Hakugei はくげい White Whale 25 January 2019 14 October 2021 20 March 2023 Kure[35]
8130 MHI Kobe SS-515 Jingei じんげい Swift Whale 24 April 2020 12 October 2022 8 March 2024 Yokosuka
8131 KHI Kobe SS-516 Raigei らいげい Thunder Whale 26 March 2021 17 October 2023[36] 6 March 2025[37] Kure
8132 MHI Kobe SS-517 Chōgei ちょうげい Long Whale 19 April 2022 4 October 2024[38] 10 March 2026[39] Yokosuka[39]
8133 KHI Kobe SS-518 Sōgei そうげい Blue Whale 28 March 2023 14 October 2025[40] planned March 2027[40]
8134 MHI Kobe SS-519 17 April 2024 planned 2026 planned March 2028
8135 KHI Kobe SS-520 19 December 2024 planned 2027 planned March 2029
8136 MHI Kobe SS-521 planned 2026 planned 2028 planned March 2030
8137 KHI Kobe SS-522 planned 2026 planned 2029 planned March 2031

Successor

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) received a research and development (R&D) contract from the Ministry of Defense on December 29, 2023 to design a new diesel-electric submarine (SSK) class.[41]

See also

Equivalent submarines of the same era

References

  1. ↑ "DSEI Japan 2019: KHI Building Second 3,000-Tonne Submarine for JMSDF". Association of the United States Army. 18 November 2019. https://ausa.inloop.com/en/article/129930/dsei-japan-2019-khi-building-second-3-000-tonne-submarine-for-jmsdf. 
  2. ↑ "令和８年度歳出概算要求書" (PDF) (Press release) (in 日本語). Ministry of Defence. p. [page needed]. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
  3. ↑ "Submarine Raigei Delivered". 6 March 2025. https://global.kawasaki.com/en/corp/newsroom/news/detail/?f=20250306_1156. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Error: no |title= specified when using {{Cite web}}" (in ja). Yahoo News Japan. https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/takahashikosuke/20220309-00285588. 
  5. ↑ "Japan Will Arm Its Submarines With Long-Range Cruise Missiles". 9 October 2025. https://www.twz.com/sea/japan-will-arm-its-submarines-with-long-range-cruise-missiles. 
  6. ↑ "「反撃能力」保有へ、長射程ミサイル同時開発を検討…極超音速など１０種類以上", Yomiuri Shimbun, December 1, 2022, https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20221130-OYT1T50278/ 
  7. ↑ "List of 2004 business evaluation evaluation documents in advance: Research on next-generation submarine system (Body)". 2004. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/16/jizen/honbun/06.pdf. 
  8. ↑ "List of 2004 business evaluation evaluation documents in advance: Research on next-generation submarine system (Reference)". 2004. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/16/jizen/sankou/06.pdf. 
  9. ↑ "List of 2004 business evaluation evaluation documents in advance: Research on next-generation submarine system (Body)". 2004. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/16/jizen/honbun/06.pdf. 
  10. ↑ "List of 2004 business evaluation evaluation documents in advance: Research on next-generation submarine system (Reference)". 2004. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/16/jizen/sankou/06.pdf. 
  11. ↑ "List of pre-project evaluation documents for FY2005: Research on next-generation submarine sonar (Body)". 2005. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/17/jizen/honbun/05.pdf. 
  12. ↑ "List of pre-project evaluation documents for FY2005: Research on next-generation submarine sonar (Reference)". 2005. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/17/jizen/sankou/05.pdf. 
  13. ↑ "List of pre-project evaluation documents for FY2005: Research on AIP system for next-generation submarines (Body)". 2005. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/17/jizen/honbun/06.pdf. 
  14. ↑ "List of pre-project evaluation documents for FY2005: Research on AIP system for next-generation submarines (Reference)". 2005. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/17/jizen/sankou/06.pdf. 
  15. ↑ "List of pre-project evaluation documents for FY2006: Research on anti-detection/shock-resistant submarine structure (Text)". 2006. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/18/jizen/honbun/07.pdf. 
  16. ↑ "List of pre-project evaluation documents for FY2006: Research on anti-detection/shock-resistant submarine structure (Reference)". 2006. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/18/jizen/sankou/07.pdf. 
  17. ↑ "List of pre-project evaluations for 2009: Snorkel power generation system (Text)". 2009. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/21/jizen/honbun/14.pdf. 
  18. ↑ "List of pre-project evaluations for 2009: Snorkel power generation system (Reference)". 2009. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/21/jizen/sankou/14.pdf. 
  19. ↑ "List of pre-project evaluations for 2009: Sonar system for next-generation submarines (Text)". 2009. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/21/jizen/honbun/15.pdf. 
  20. ↑ "List of pre-project evaluations for 2009: Sonar system for next-generation submarines (Reference)". 2009. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/21/jizen/sankou/15.pdf. 
  21. ↑ "2012 Preliminary Business Evaluation Evaluation List: Study on submarine structural style (Full Text)". 2012. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/24/jizen/honbun/11.pdf. 
  22. ↑ "2012 Preliminary Business Evaluation Evaluation List: Study on submarine structural style (Reference)". 2012. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/24/jizen/sankou/11.pdf. 
  23. ↑ "2016 prior business evaluation list of evaluation documents: Research and trial production of submarine ship type with reduced fluid noise (Full Text)". 2016. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/28/pdf/jizen_04_honbun.pdf. 
  24. ↑ "2016 prior business evaluation list of evaluation documents: Research and trial production of submarine ship type with reduced fluid noise (Reference)". 2016. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/28/pdf/jizen_04_sankou.pdf. 
  25. ↑ "2016 prior business evaluation list of evaluation documents: Research and trial production of sonar system for future submarine (Full Text)". 2016. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/28/pdf/jizen_03_honbun.pdf. 
  26. ↑ "2016 prior business evaluation list of evaluation documents: Research and trial production of sonar system for future submarine (Reference)". 2016. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/28/pdf/jizen_03_sankou.pdf. 
  27. ↑ "List of business evaluations in advance of 2017: Research and trial production of silent drive system for submarine (Full Text)". 2017. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/29/pdf/jizen_11_honbun.pdf. 
  28. ↑ "List of business evaluations in advance of 2017: Research and trial production of silent drive system for submarine (Reference)". 2017. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/29/pdf/jizen_11_sankou.pdf. 
  29. ↑ "List of business evaluations in advance of 2018: Research and trial production of high-efficiency power storage and supply system for submarines (Full Text)". 2018. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/30/pdf/jizen_08_honbun.pdf. 
  30. ↑ "List of business evaluations in advance of 2018: Research and trial production of high-efficiency power storage and supply system for submarines (Reference)". 2018. https://warp.da.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/11488652/www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/30/pdf/jizen_08_sankou.pdf. 
  31. ↑ "MHI launches first of new class of submarines for JMSDF equipped with lithium-ion batteries". https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/mhi-launches-first-of-new-class-of-submarines-for-jmsdf-equipped-with-lithium-ion-batteries. 
  32. ↑ "軍事的雑学｜日本の新型｢3000トン型潜水艦｣は、そうりゅう型潜水艦を超える？". 航空万能論GF. 6 February 2019. https://grandfleet.info/military-trivia/japanese_submarine_new_3000/. 
  33. ↑ "防衛計画の大綱 中期防衛力整備計画". 2019. https://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/agenda/guideline/2019/pdf/20190221.pdf. 
  34. ↑ Takahashi, Kosuke (8 March 2024). "海上自衛隊の最新鋭たいげい型潜水艦3番艦「じんげい」就役――1番艦「たいげい」は試験潜水艦に種別変更" (in Japanese). Yahoo! Japan News. https://news.yahoo.co.jp/expert/articles/c670d5a9a145cf637d6f006930c7e5bb856c4fa3. 
  35. ↑ "Japan Commissions 'Hakugei' 「はくげい」2nd Taigei Class Submarine". 20 March 2023. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/03/japan-commissions-hakugei-%e3%80%8c%e3%81%af%e3%81%8f%e3%81%92%e3%81%84%e3%80%8d2nd-taigei-class-submarine. 
  36. ↑ "Japan Launches Fourth Taigei-Class Submarine for JMSDF". 17 October 2023. https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/10/japan-launches-fourth-taigei-class-submarine-for-jmsdf/. 
  37. ↑ りんたろう, 投稿者 (2025-03-02). "海自の新潜水艦「らいげい」、3月6日に川崎重工 神戸工場で引渡式 たいげい型4番艦 | フネコ - Funeco" (in ja). https://funeco.jp/news/news-25762/. 
  38. ↑ Takahashi, Kosuke (4 October 2024). "Japan Launches Fifth Taigei-Class Submarine for JMSDF". https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/10/japan-launches-fifth-taigei-class-submarine-for-jmsdf/. 
  39. ↑ 39.0 39.1 Takahashi, Kosuke (10 March 2026). "Japan Commissions Fifth Taigei-class Submarine". https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/03/japan-commissions-fifth-taigei-class-submarine/. 
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Takahashi, Kosuke (14 October 2025). "Japan Launches Sixth Taigei-Class Submarine for JMSDF". https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/10/japan-launches-sixth-taigei-class-submarine-for-jmsdf/. 
  41. ↑ "Kawasaki confirms contract for next-generation submarine design work". https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/kawasaki-confirms-contract-for-next-generation-submarine-design-work. 

Template:Taigei class submarines Template:Combatant ship classes of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force



Retrieved from "https://handwiki.org/wiki/index.php?title=Engineering:Taigei-class_submarine&oldid=4382465"