The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force has just received its biggest flat-top helicopter carrier since World War II, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attempts to loosen the restraints of Japan’s post-war pacifist constitution.
The Izumo is 248 meters long and, with a crew of 470, it resembles the amphibious assault carriers of the US Marine Corp, Reuters reports.
The vessel will be based at the Yokosuka Naval Base near Tokyo, also the home of the US Seventh Fleet carrier battle group.
Designated as a helicopter carrier, the Izumo allows Japan to keep within the post-WWII ban on the means to wage war. Aircraft carriers are considered offensive weapons.
The Izumo is not fitted with steam catapults, which are needed to launch fixed-wing fighter aircraft, but the VTOL version of the F-35 and the Harrier jump jet could fly from the flight deck.
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http://rt.com/news/243945-japan-navy-biggest-ship/
http://news.yahoo.com/japanese-navy-gets-biggest-flat-top-since-wwii-044524192--sector.html
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