Japanese launch huge new flat-top warship, call it a 'destroyer'

[midnight rambler]

Apparently the Japanese don't think anyone will notice that it's really an aircraft carrier.

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/maLFpX0asqxOwtEFkQADzw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9ZmlsbDtoPTkzNDtweW9mZj0wO3E9OD U7dz0xMzQw/http://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/Reuters/2013-08-06T100017Z_189727457_GM1E9861DUV01_RTRMADP_3_JAPAN .JPG

[.41Dave]

That's a really small carrier. What does it carry, drones?

[midnight rambler]

That's a really small carrier. What does it carry, drones?

Dunno, but if you will note that between the crane block and the superstructure there appears to be a large square area in the deck which has a protective barrier around it - I'm thinking this is an elevator.

Article states it's 820 ft. in length and designed to carry up to 14 helicopters -

http://news.yahoo.com/japan-unveils-largest-warship-since-130234811.html

[Horn]

Looks lightweight comparatively, wonder if it part of the new "rapid deployment" series.

[Serpo]

I thought you where talking about Fukashima

[gunDriller]

what are all the strings or ropes hanging off the front of it for - some kind of festive effect ?


i guess since WW2, the United States is supposed to "protect Japan", that's part of the agreement where they give up their weapons ?

that would make me a little nervous.

[Serpo]

what are all the strings or ropes hanging off the front of it for - some kind of festive effect ?



.

Japanese radar....................

[Twisted Titan]

Japan has never been to allowed to re arm itself as a condition of surrender

[Down1]

Since it is meant to destroy things I guess the name is accurate.

[gunDriller]

is the surface smooth enough for a skateboard park or a roller-skating rink ?

[brosil]

As I recall, Japan was given a wider role to provide for it's own defense a few years ago. Basically, we told them we wouldn't defend them anymore.

[Glass]

As I recall, Japan was given a wider role to provide for it's own defense a few years ago. Basically, we told them we wouldn't defend them anymore.

yes this is correct. They changed their constitution to allow an agressive military stance in the future. I wonder what craft will be launched from that? Doesn't seem long enough compared to US versions. It does look a lot like UK type carriers which are usually designed for V/STOL craft like the Harrier.

There are some US FClass Models that are V/STOL capable aren't there? or are there only Harriers?

[Serpo]

is the surface smooth enough for a skateboard park or a roller-skating rink ?

sumo wrestling.....

[Hitch]

what are all the strings or ropes hanging off the front of it for - some kind of festive

Must be her christening. Japanese version. The stern lines have already been casted off, and the two tugboats are there ready to assist. Looks like they are sailing her on her maiden voyage. That one crane still has a pick, I wonder what that is...wine for the crew, and scotch for the officers?

[Hitch]

Interesting...

I want a silver axe now!!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_naming_and_launching

Japan[edit]

Japanese ship launchings incorporate silver axes which are thought to bring good luck and scare away evil. Japanese shipbuilders traditionally order the crafting of a special axe for each new vessel; and after the launching ceremony, they present the axe to the vessel's owner as a commemorative gift.[1] The axe is used to cut the rope which tethers the ship to the place where she was built.[3]

[BrewTech]

As I recall, Japan was given a wider role to provide for it's own defense a few years ago. Basically, we told them we wouldn't defend them anymore.

Who is this "we" you are talking about?

[Cebu_4_2]

I wonder what that is...wine for the crew, and scotch for the officers?

Azains have a very low tolerance for alcohol, they don't manufacture the enzyme to break it down so they just get wasted....

[Glass]

Azains have a very low tolerance for alcohol, they don't manufacture the enzyme to break it down so they just get wasted....

yeah this is true. Can get wasted on a single shot some of them. Yet the Japanese like to go out and scoll whiskey like no bodies business. I remember going out drinking one Friday in London with an old Uni mate and his work colleagues. Well a couple pints ended up as a 1am stumble to get the last tube train back home. I didn't know about this problem with Asians and alcohol. My friend suddenly went paralytic which scared the bejebus out of me and caused everyone to look at the pair of us weirdly because I litterally had to carry the guy and people thought I had knocked him out. Would not have had a hope of getting home safely on his own. Also I think some alcohol metabolizes a bit quicker than others. So beer takes longer than spirits for instance.

[Cebu_4_2]

I like beer... have not found a liquor store since I been here. Wife don't want me to find that store anyways.