New South Korean LPH/carrier

[contedicavour]

This new ship is now ready and undergoing tests.
It is comparable to the RN's Ocean LPH but provided with a ski jump it could easily be converted into a STOVL carrier.
I haven't read of Harrier or F35B acquisition programmes by South Korea, so IMHO the ship will remain a helo carrier for a while, but who knows about later on...
Question is : what is South Korea up to ? Testing its 1st aircraft carrier before a carrier class is developed ? I believe it doesn't make sense vs South Korea's potential foes (N Korea or even, wildly, Japan because of conflict over a few small islands close enough to shore based aircrafts).

cheers

 

[aaaditya]

This new ship is now ready and undergoing tests.
It is comparable to the RN's Ocean LPH but provided with a ski jump it could easily be converted into a STOVL carrier.
I haven't read of Harrier or F35B acquisition programmes by South Korea, so IMHO the ship will remain a helo carrier for a while, but who knows about later on...
Question is : what is South Korea up to ? Testing its 1st aircraft carrier before a carrier class is developed ? I believe it doesn't make sense vs South Korea's potential foes (N Korea or even, wildly, Japan because of conflict over a few small islands close enough to shore based aircrafts).

cheers

is it the so called lpx dokdo class of vessels? are any more details available about it?

 

[contedicavour]

is it the so called lpx dokdo class of vessels? are any more details available about it?

I believe so, yes. If (as I believe) it has no well dock, it really is a copy of the RN Ocean or a derivative of the Japanese so-called DDH ... but what use could such a ship have for South Korea's navy ? Amphibious squadron leader for operations against N. Korea ? May be, if escorted by the new AEGIS ships under construction. ASW ship using its helos ? Also possible.
Hence my request for people's ideas of this ship's role.

cheers

 

[RubiconNZ]

My early thoughts would have to be ASW ship, a compliment of Helo's would make it ace in that, not to mention good for peacekeeping and disaster relief, Fleet Flag also I guess, I had no idea about the ship, you have given me a little research task for this evening

 

[contedicavour]

Here's some more data I've gathered : 200 meters long, 18000 tonner, apparently does have a well dock after all, can carry LCACs, has a max helo capability of 12 medium, and should be able to carry a battalion of max 700 soldiers.

cheers

 

[RubiconNZ]

I suppose you have read this but for those who haven't:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/lp-x.htm

Some Specs:
"Being 200 meters long, 31 meters wide and displacing 14,000 tons [18,000 fully loaded], the ship will carry 700 troops, 10 CH-60 helicopters, seven amphibious vehicles, six tanks and two small landing boats. The ships can be used in a wide range of activities, including UN peacekeeping operations and disaster relief. For this reason, the LP-X is expected to usher in a new era of expanded Korean naval prowess, since it can be used for relief, transport, and other peacetime activities."

Defensive Weapons:
2 CIWS Goalkeepers
1? Ram
Space/provision for the ESSM
Link Above

Interesting about the name:
"Dokdo was named after South Korea’s easternmost islets, and launched amid the patriotic fervor surrounding the spat with Japan over Korea’s islets in the East Sea."

Looks like its primarily Amphip Assault, kind of a waste, more concentration on ASW would of been better, looks like 1 is on the way with hope for 2 more of a evolved design later on.

 

[X07]

Dokdo

Hi!
The Dokdo is the first LHD Korean built, but another one is under construction, and one or two other ships are possible.
Never read that she should carry V/STOL aircraft, but who knows? no sky jump, but a dock for two LCAC. Apparently 10 helos (SH70?). Looks like French Mistral BPC, rather than HMS Ocean LPH.
No information about future Korean aircraft carrier (Flottes de Combat (french "Fighting Fleets") says 15000 T, but no design)
X

 

[icelord]

However, Korean military authorities have made it clear that they have no plan to convert the LPX into such a semi-aircraft carrier. However, its flight deck is coated with special Urethane to resist heat generated from aircraft.

Maybe the Korean Navy was hoping that when the F-35C comes about, they might be able to land on them during Excercises, sort of an entisment for senior officers...

 

[Galrahn]

I think any nation that builds large amphibious warships is making a good decision, they have become the most versatile warships for any mission at hand able to field any new technology available in the 21st century.

It would be hard to be critical of South Korea for this, particularly considering the number of other nations doing the exact same thing (wisely I might add). Think about it.

UK is just finishing the Ark Royal refit, which is bascally an amphibious capability enhancement. Spain, Australia, and Italy are all in the design or construction phases of large aircraft carrier type ships that have amphibious roles. India, Canada, Mexico, and Turkey are all in the market for amphibious ships. The US has 2 amphibious ship programs with a 3rd planned. European nations have been adding amphibious lift capability to conventional warships, or are in the process of completing large Amphibious projects. China has quite a few amphibious ship projects.

Why should South Korea sit this out? The question I have is, how long will it be until this capability is added to the JMSDF?

This summer Spain made a major statement when it put the three Galicia class ships off Lebanon, before most European nations had even made a decision. The ability to move a battalion by sea and support it by sea is a major capability, that scales both wartime and peacetime mission requirements in the 21st century.

 

[eckherl]

I suppose you have read this but for those who haven't:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/lp-x.htm

Some Specs:
"Being 200 meters long, 31 meters wide and displacing 14,000 tons [18,000 fully loaded], the ship will carry 700 troops, 10 CH-60 helicopters, seven amphibious vehicles, six tanks and two small landing boats. The ships can be used in a wide range of activities, including UN peacekeeping operations and disaster relief. For this reason, the LP-X is expected to usher in a new era of expanded Korean naval prowess, since it can be used for relief, transport, and other peacetime activities."

Defensive Weapons:
2 CIWS Goalkeepers
1? Ram
Space/provision for the ESSM
Link Above

Interesting about the name:
"Dokdo was named after South Korea’s easternmost islets, and launched amid the patriotic fervor surrounding the spat with Japan over Korea’s islets in the East Sea."

Looks like its primarily Amphip Assault, kind of a waste, more concentration on ASW would of been better, looks like 1 is on the way with hope for 2 more of a evolved design later on.

This is a name for a South Korean island, also this island is under dispute being Japan states that it belongs to her and South Korea stating that it belongs to them. A recent argument just broke out between these two over this island.

 

[eckherl]

My early thoughts would have to be ASW ship, a compliment of Helo's would make it ace in that, not to mention good for peacekeeping and disaster relief, Fleet Flag also I guess, I had no idea about the ship, you have given me a little research task for this evening

You are correct on the ASW role, also they will use them for possible commando operations.

 

[icelord]

This is a name for a South Korean island, also this island is under dispute being Japan states that it belongs to her and South Korea stating that it belongs to them. A recent argument just broke out between these two over this island.

This would be the same Island that has 8-10 Guards posted, oddly enough the Isands population is about 8-10....

 

[Stimpy75]

i have found pictures of the LPD Dokdo and some specifications on military-photos.net
Designation: LHP
Length: 655 ft
Width: 105 ft
Beam: 105 ft
Displacement: 18,000 tons
Propulsion: 4 16PC2.5 STC Diesels, 2 shafts
Speed: 22 knots
Crew: 450
Troops: 700
Airwing: 15 Rotary, vstol
Armament:
- 2 X 21 RAM SAM
- 2 X 30mm Gatekeeper CIWS
Elevators: 2
Ships in class: 1
for further pictures just visit the site
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?t=68005&page=6&highlight=navy

 

[X07]

Hi Galrahn

This summer Spain made a major statement when it put the three Galicia class ships off Lebanon, before most European nations had even made a decision.

Spain doesn't have three but only two Galicia type LPD. One of the first nations off Lebanon was France with the Mistral LHD and one TCD. Italy came later with three San Giorgio class LPD and G.Garibaldi light carrier.
X

 

[swerve]

Why should South Korea sit this out? The question I have is, how long will it be until this capability is added to the JMSDF?

Osumi. (aka Oosumi)

http://homepage.eircom.net/~steven/images/oosumi04_l.jpg

Also Shimokita & Kunisaki. Officially 8900 tonnes, but that's light. Full load at least 13000. Launched from 1996 to 2001.

 

[eckherl]

This would be the same Island that has 8-10 Guards posted, oddly enough the Isands population is about 8-10....

Yep - I was also informed that South Korea is suspect of Japan challenging this is due to fishing rights and boundries.

 

[duceyi]

korean LPH specifications

Overall length 199m
Beam 31.4m
Draught 6.5m
Full load displacement : 18,800ton

Crew : 1050

sensors
Air search radar : mw08 and smart-L

weapon systems
RAM x 1
Goalkeeper x 2

performance
speed : maximum 23knots
range : 10,000nm

countermeasures
KDAGAIE MK2
SLQ-200(V)K

Propulsion
CODAD
4 x S.E.M.T. Pielstick 16PC 2.5STC

 

[bd popeye]

Osumi. (aka Oosumi)

http://homepage.eircom.net/~steven/images/oosumi04_l.jpg

Also Shimokita & Kunisaki. Officially 8900 tonnes, but that's light. Full load at least 13000. Launched from 1996 to 2001.

The draw back on those JMSDF ships is that they have no hangars. Why? So other can't call them aircraft carriers. But things are changing.

It is wise for S. Korea to build the LPX type ship. Because the JMSDF will in about two years time have an LPH...

 

[Musashi_kenshin]

It is wise for S. Korea to build the LPX type ship. Because the JMSDF will in about two years time have an LPH...

Hi, Pop. I'm not sure that's quite true, as South Korea could do with the LPX regardless of whether or not Japan was building the 16DDH class.

Also given that the Japanese LPH will be configured (apparently) for ASW operations that rather suggests it's designed to me of a counter to the PLAN than ROKN, given the latter does not have that many submarines.

 

[bd popeye]

Hi, Pop. I'm not sure that's quite true, as South Korea could do with the LPX regardless of whether or not Japan was building the 16DDH class.

Also given that the Japanese LPH will be configured (apparently) for ASW operations that rather suggests it's designed to me of a counter to the PLAN than ROKN, given the latter does not have that many submarines.

I agree. The "DDH" is a counter to the PLAN. I'm sure S.Korea realizes this. But considering the animosity between Japan and S. Korea over the islands named after the Dokdo perhaps the Japanese are showing their S. Korean neighbors a sabre or two.