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Japanese Shimakaze class Guided Missile Destroyer:

When the revolution in super strong materials and most military hardware became obsolete, many navies initially considered refitting their already existing vessels first and then building new vessels once they have refitted existing vessels. The cost of new vessels was considered prohibitive and many government did not want to start military expansion and increasing tensions. At the same time, concerns over the newly restored Soviet Union were suppressed by political leaders. As a result, most Navies did not begin laying down new vessels until the middle to latter part of the Twenty-Thirties. Japan was concerned with Chinese expansion and decided not to wait as long and began construction of a new destroyer class early in the Twenty-Thirties. Because of this, Japanese Navy was one of the first navies to lay down new vessels using the new advanced materials. Destroyers were considered a priority over other classes by the Japanese. The first ship of the class, the Shimakaze was laid down in 2031 with two more sisters laid down early in the next year. A total of seven of these destroyers were built. Already existing vessels were refitted as well but were a lesser priority by Japan. As well, the older vessels were scrapped or sold to other nations by the Twenty-Fifties because they were not considered as successful.

The Shimakaze were considered important vessels in the Japanese Navy even though it was a relatively small class and share many of the same systems as earlier vessels. The destroyers were used as escorts for the Japanese carriers when they were commissioned. In many cases, they were considered the Japanese equivalent of the American Rosette class destroyers. The Japanese destroyers were refitted several times during their careers to keep them up to current standards. Initially, the Japanese navy planned to build a modified version which carried a larger helicopter compliment but a modified version of the American Raymond Fox class helicopter carrying destroyer was selected instead. Even when new helicopter destroyers were commissioned, the Shimakaze were considered valuable and remained in service until the coming of the Rifts. Three of the Shimakaze class were home ported in Kure and were carried forward in time with other Japanese and American vessels that were in port there. The status of other vessels in the class is unknown but two were escorting the carrier Taiho and are thought lost with the carrier. Of the three Shimakaze class destroyers which survived, one was later lost in service with the Republic of Japan. The Republic of Japan has been much more cautious with their naval forces since then and the two remaining Shimakaze class guided missile destroyers, Tatikaze and Namikaze, are almost never deployed alone.

Instead of using an all new design, the Japanese Navy decided to modify an already existing design for their new destroyer class. The basic hull design was that of an improved Kongo class Aegis destroyer but with many changes. The Kongo class was the Japanese version of the American Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer. The superstructure was modified to further increase the destroyer's stealth. The new materials that the Shimakaze class were built from made the destroyers virtually immune to corrosion and partially explains their long service lives. The destroyer class mounts the SPY-3D radar system and while the U.S. Navy vessels mounting the same system were not classified as guided missile classes, the Japanese navy classified the Shimakaze class as guided missile destroyers. The radar system could operated as fire control radar and separate target illumination radars were illuminated as a result. The destroyer has a powerful hull sonar and towed array sonar for anti-submarine warfare. The initial power plant was four powerful gas turbine engines which used electrical transmission to drive two shafts and gave the destroyer a top speed of thirty-two knots. These engines were later replaced by fusion turbines which gave the destroyers virtually unlimited range and increased top speed up about two knots to 35.5 knots.

The Shimakaze carries a huge number of missiles in its missile launchers. The destroyer initially mounted a total of ninety-six strategic Mk 41 vertical launch missile cells and sixteen self defense Mk 41 vertical launch missile cells. Positions for the strategic cells are thirty-two missile cells in front of the superstructure and sixty-four cells aft above the helicopter hanger. Initially, there were eight self defense type missile launchers on either side of the exhaust stack positions in a similar position to where Harpoons were carried on the older Kongo class. The side mounted self defense Mk 41 launchers were replaced by Mk 55 Vertical Medium Range Missile Launchers when the destroyers were later refitted with new engines. These new launchers virtually doubled the number of missiles which could be carried in the side missile launchers and greatly increased close range self defense. To supplement the huge number of missile launchers, the destroyer initially carried a Phalanx CIWS mount just forward of the superstructure and behind the exhaust stacks but were replaced by combination point defense mounts which combine short range missile launchers and a powerful rail gun. The mounts are designed for last ditch point defense. Unlike the American Rosette class destroyer, the Shimakaze carries a single gun mount forward of the superstructure in the same position carried on the previous Kongo class. There was a huge debate on the mount carried between a 127 mm or 155 mm mount. Eventually, the 155 mm cannon was selected and the destroyer had to be slightly lengthened from the original design to mount the larger cannon. For anti-submarine warfare, the Shimakaze mounts triple torpedo tubes on either side.

Like most classes in service during the Mega-Damage revolution, extensive automation was utilized to reduce crew requirements but the ship carries a larger crew than the American Rosette class destroyer. The ships are fairly cramped due to all of the system carried and are not fitted for flag officers and their staff. As well, the destroyers were not fitted to carry troops but occasionally a two to four power armors are carried. The destroyer also has the ability to carry two helicopters for anti-submarine warfare.

Model Type: Shimakaze class Guided Missile Destroyer
Vehicle Type: Ocean, Guided Missile Destroyer
Crew: Normal of 255; 28 officers, 22 Chief Petty officers, and 205 enlisted (Has a high degree of automation and can be run effectively by 115 crew members)
Troops: 4 Helicopter Pilots (Can also carry 2 to 4 SAMAS power armors)

Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles:
4SAMAS Power Armors (Not Normally Carried)
2Helicopters or other VTOL Aircraft

M.D.C. by Location:
Bridge:600
[1] Phase Array Radar Panels (4, Superstructure):200 each
155 mm Cannon Barrels (1):100 each
155 mm Cannon Mounts (1, Forward):225 each
Mk 44 Combination Anti-Missile Defense System (2, Superstructure):200 each
Mk 41 32 Cell Vertical Missile Launcher (1, Forward):220
Mk 41 64 Cell Vertical Missile Launcher (1, Aft):440
Mk 55 Eight Cell Vertical Medium Range Missile Launchers (2):300 each
Torpedo Launchers (2, sides):40 each
Chaff Launcher (2, Superstructure):10 each
Hanger (Aft):380
[2] Main Body:2,800

Notes:
[1] Destroying Phase Array radar panels will destroy the ship's fire control systems but guns have backup systems and panels can compensate for each other.
[2] Destroying the main body causes the ship to lose structural integrity, causing the ship to sink. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the ship.

Speed:
Surface: 40.8 mph (35.5 knots/ 65.8 kph)
Maximum Effective Range: Unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries six months of supplies on board.

Statistical Data:
Length: 538.5 feet (164.1 meters)
Draft: 22.4 feet (6.8 meters) including sonar dome.
Width: 72.2 feet (22.0 meters)
Displacement: 8,070 tons standard and 10,860 tons fully loaded
Cargo: 400 tons of nonessential equipment and supplies. Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ships officers have more space for personal items. Most of the ship's spaces are taken up by extra ammo, armor, troops, weapons, and engines.
Power System: Nuclear Reactor, average life span is 20 years
Market Cost: Not for Sale but if found on the black market would probably cost 350 million credits.

WEAPON SYSTEMS:

  1. One (1) Single Barrel 155 mm Naval Guns: One turret is mounted in the front of the vessel forward of the missile launchers. Based on the gun carried by the American DD-21 class destroyer and shared similarities to US Army artillery weapons. The weapon is more powerful than the previous 127 mm cannon carried on many destroyers and cruisers. The weapon mount is heavily automated and is capable against other ships, against ground targets, and against aircraft. The weapon can use special artillery rounds, rocket assisted rounds, and can even fire Extended Range Guided Munitions. The turret can rotate 360 and has a 90 arc of fire.
    Maximum Effective Range: 13.7 miles (11.9 nautical miles / 22 km) for standard projectiles, 23.5 miles (20.4 nautical miles / 36.4 km) for rocket propelled rounds, and treat Extended Range Guided Munitions as medium range missiles (See revised missile table).
    Mega-Damage: Standard Projectiles: 2D6x10 to a blast radius of 25 ft (7.7 m) for High Explosive, 3D6x10 to a blast radius of 6 ft (2 m) for High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 4D6x10 to a blast radius of 25 ft (7.7 m) for Plasma. Rocket projectiles: 2D4x10 to a blast radius of 20 ft (6.1 m) for High Explosive, 2D6x10 to a blast radius of 4 ft (1.2 m) for High Explosive Armor Piercing, and 3D6x10 to a blast radius of 20 ft (6.1 m) for Plasma. Extended Range Guided Munitions: Treat as medium range missiles (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Use the statistics for 155 mm artillery warheads (Go to Battlefield Artillery for Rifts for more information - standard or rocket assisted as appropriate) when using artillery rounds.
    Rate of Fire: Normal Projectiles: Up to four single shots per barrel/cannon per melee (Can up to 8 shots with both turrets). Extended Range Guided Munitions can be fired at the rate of one shot per barrel/cannon per melee (Can fire up to 2 shots with both turrets).
    Payload: 500 rounds total - Each Extended Range Guided Munitions round takes up space for 2 normal rounds.
  2. Two (2) Mk 44 "Sea Sabre" Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems: One system is on the front of the superstructure and one system on the rear of the exhaust stacks. This anti-missile defense system combines both a rapid fire rail gun and a short range missile launcher. While mounted in one system, both defense systems have separate tracking systems. The short range missile launchers can target up four targets and can fire a volley up to twice per melee. The rail gun is capable of destroying any missile or inflicting serious damage on aircraft. The rail gun can fire on automatic at up to six targets per melee (Has +3 to strike missile and +2 to strike aircraft). The rail gun is very similar to those carried on the Sea King Cruiser and it is likely that the Sea Kings rail guns came from a prototype of this system. The system also can be used against other ships and ground targets. The system has a 360 degree rotation and can elevate up to 90 degrees to fire at targets directly overhead.
    Maximum Effective Range: Rail Guns: 11,000 feet (2 miles / 3.2 km). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table). Mega Damage: Rail Guns: 3D4x10 MD per burst of 40 rounds (Can only fire burst). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Rate of Fire: Rail Guns: 6 attacks per melee. Short Range Missiles: 2 attacks per melee, can fire one at a time or in volleys of two or four.
    Payload: Rail Guns: 8000 rounds (200 burst) each. Short Range Missiles: 16 short range missiles each.
  3. Two (2) Strategic MK 41 Vertical Launch Missile Launchers: The ship has one launcher with sixty four cells behind the superstructure above the hanger and one launcher with thirty two cells forward of the superstructure behind the 155 mm gun. These are the longer strategic version of the missile launcher and can carry the longer cruise missile. From the beginning, the launchers have been found to be very flexible and adaptable. The launcher was originally design for the Tomahawk and Standard SM-2 Missile. On Rifts Earth, the launchers have been adapted to hold one cruise missile, two long range missiles, or four medium range missiles per cell. Cruise missiles are usually used against hardened fixed targets, long range missiles are normally used against aircraft and other large targets, and medium range missiles are normally used against closer targets such as incoming missiles. Normally, the launchers carry all cruise missiles and long range missiles. For close defense, medium range missiles are carried in the Mk-55 missile system
    Maximum Effective Range: As per cruise, long range, or medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Mega Damage: As per cruise, long range, or medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 4, 16, or 32 for all launchers per melee and can be fired at multiple targets at the same time.
    Payload: One launchers with 64 cells for missiles and one launchers with 32 cells (96 cells with a possible total of 192 long range missiles). One cruise missile, two long range missiles, or four medium range missiles may be carried per cell. Ship carries no reloads.
  4. Mk 55 Vertical Medium Range Missile Launchers (2): Unlike most vertical launch systems, these launchers fire the missiles on a 6 degree angle to the side. This is because the system was initially designed for carriers and is to prevent a missile that fails on its launch from crashing into aircraft on the flight deck. The missiles are arranged in an 2 by 4 pattern, and each launch cell has six reloads. One launcher is mounted on either side of the hull of the destroyer and require much less space than a Mk-41 or MK-49 VLS. Each system can launch up to 8 missiles simultaneously each and the launcher is automatically reloaded. These launchers often act as the ships middle point defense and are normally used to engage incoming air targets and missiles.
    Maximum Effective Range: As per medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Mega Damage: As per medium range missile type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
    Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of two, four, or eight (Each launcher operates independently)
    Payload: 8 missiles in each launcher, with 48 missiles in each magazine for automatic reloads, for a total of 112 Medium Range Missiles including missiles in launcher.
  5. Two (2) Torpedo Launchers: There is one launcher on each side of the ship. Each torpedo launcher has 3 torpedo tubes and tubes are 12.75 in (324 mm) wide. Torpedoes are normally used against submarines but can be targeted on surface targets as well. Ship carries 60 reloads for torpedoes. For the most part torpedo warheads are equal to medium range missile warheads.
    Maximum Effective Range: 20 miles (32 km)
    Mega Damage: By Medium torpedo warhead type (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes).
    Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, or 3 per side, Reloading takes one full melee
    Payload: Three torpedoes each launcher for a grand total of six torpedoes (Has 60 torpedoes for reloads)
  6. Chaff Launcher (2): Located on the superstructure of the ship, they are designed to confuse incoming missiles. Both launchers must be operated or effects will be reduced. Reduce effects of launchers by 50% per launcher not used. Rifts Earth decoy systems are assumed to not operate on Phase World missiles due to technological difference. Reduce effects by 20% against smart missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles.)
    Maximum Effective Range: Around Ship
    Mega Damage: None Payload: 24 each for a total of 48
  7. Advanced Towed Decoys (4): The vessel carries four advanced towed decoy drones. They are each a small automated vehicle that creates a false sonar image designed to mimic the vessels. The decoy is dragged behind the destroyer using a cable. If decoys are not destroyed, they can be recovered and repaired. Rifts Earth decoy systems are assumed to not operate against Phase World weapons due to technological difference.
    M.D.C.: 20
    Effects: The decoy has an 80% chance of fooling ordinary non military sonars and non smart guided torpedoes, the decoy has a 50% chance of fooling military level sonars (like those of the Coalition), and the decoy has a 25% chance of fooling advanced military sonars (Like those of the New Navy and Triax) and smart torpedoes.
    Maximum Effective Range: Not Applicable
    Rate of Fire: One can be deployed at a time and requires 2 minutes to deploy (Reel Out) another decoy
    Payload: 4 Decoys.

Special Systems:

The ship has all systems standard on a robot vehicle plus the following special features:

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Vessel Drawing is drawn and copyrighted by Mischa (E-Mail Mischa).
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By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).

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