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Diesel-electric submarine JS Raigei (SS 516)

Diesel-electric submarine JS Raigei (SS 516) 0Diesel-electric submarine JS Raigei (SS 516) 1

Classification

Ship class:
Taigei-class submarine
Type:
Attack submarine (SSN, SSK)

Basic information

Operator:
Japan Maritime Self-Defense ForceJapan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Country of build:
Builder:
Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation
Laid down:
Launched:
Commissioned (service):
Status:
Active

Ship measurements

Displacement:
3,000 t
Length:
84 m
Beam:
9.1 m
Draft:
10.4 m

Machine

Propulsion:
  • Installed power 6,000 PS (4,400 kW; 5,900 hp)
  • Diesel-electric transmission, lithium-ion batteries
Speed:
13 knots
Submerged speed:
20 knots
Test depth:
600 m

Personnel

Complement:
70

Combat assets

Electronics:
  • OYX-1 Information processing subsystem
  • ZQX-12
  • 1 * ZPS-6H surface search radar
  • ZQQ-8 Integrated Sonar
Armament:
  • 6 * HU-606 21 in (533 mm) torpedo tubes for:
  • Type 89 torpedo or Type 18 torpedo
  • Harpoon (missile)

Raigei is a diesel-electric submarine of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the fourth boat of the Taigei class. Her name (literally meaning 'thunder whale') has not been used by the Imperial Japanese Navy, making Raigei the first naval vessel to be named in this manner. Like her older sister ships, Raigei will be fitted with dedicated living quarters for up to six female crew members from the time of commissioning. She is also the first boat to be fitted with the Kawasaki 12V 25/31 diesel engine.

Raigei was laid down on 26 March 2021 at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Kobe Shipyard as the fourth 3,000-ton submarine planned for the JMSDF's Mid-Term Defense Program. She was christened and launched at the same shipyard on 17 October 2023.After being fitted out and undergoing various sea trials, Raigei was commissioned on 6 March 2025, being deployed to the 1st Submarine Group in Kure.

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