Japan Navy launches 4th Taigei class attack submarine Raigei.

According to information published by the JMSDF on October 19, 2023, at the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Kobe factory, the naming and launching ceremony for the 4th submarine of the Taigei class, Raigei, was held.
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4th Japanese Taigei class submarine Raigei. (Picture source: JMSDF)

The Taigei-class submarines, designed for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), exhibit several advancements over their predecessor, the Sōryū-class. These submarines have a length of 84 meters, a draught of 10.4 meters, and a beam of 9.1 meters, with a displacement of 3,000 tons. They are designed to accommodate a crew of 70 personnel.

A notable feature is the X-shaped rudder, enhancing both submerged operations and propulsion performance. The design incorporates new acoustic absorbent materials and a floating floor structure to ensure quieter operation, which is critical for evading detection underwater. The pressure hull of these submarines is made of high-strength steel, providing high water pressure resistance, which is crucial for deep-sea operations.

In terms of armament, the Taigei-class is equipped with six HU-606 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching Mitsubishi-built Type 89 heavyweight homing torpedoes for anti-submarine operations, as well as UGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles. The submarines also have torpedo countermeasures to evade enemy torpedoes, enhancing their survivability in hostile situations.

The propulsion system of the Taigei-class submarines is a single-shaft diesel-electric setup. Each submarine is powered by two Kawasaki 12V 25/25 SB-type diesel engines and an electric propulsion motor.

Unlike the earlier models of the Sōryū-class, the Taigei-class submarines use lithium-ion batteries, which provide a higher power output, increasing the submarines' speed and range compared to conventional diesel-electric submarines.

The lithium-ion batteries also allow for extended underwater endurance by enabling the submarines to operate solely on battery power, turning off the diesel-electric propulsion system when necessary. This feature is also expected to require less maintenance and provide fast-charging capabilities, further enhancing the operational efficiency of these submarines.

For detection and surveillance, the Taigei-class submarines are equipped with a high-performance sonar system. The combat management system (CMS) utilizes information collected from on-board sensors for weapon engagement.

Additionally, the ZPS-6F surface/low-level air search radar and a towed array sonar are fitted in the vessel to detect enemy anti-submarine warfare platforms and maritime patrol vessels.