Japanese Submarine Kokuryu Launched

Equipment & technology

December 3, 2013

Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. held a ceremony marking the launch of the submarine Kokuryu, which was built for the Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD) at its Kobe Works’ first dock. The ceremony was attended by a delegation of top JDA officials.

The submarine is the 6th Soryu class submarine built by Kawasaki, and the 26th built at this shipyard after World War II.

Specifications
Length	84.0m
Beam	9.1m
Depth	10.3m
Draft (normal)	8.4m
Displacement	2,900tons
Engines	Kawasaki 12V 25/25 SB-type diesel engines (2) Kawasaki Kockums V4-275R Stirling engines (4) Electric propulsion motor (1)
Propeller	Single propeller
Speed	20 knots
Armament	Underwater launch tubes
Other	Submarine snorkel

It provides superior submerged operations and propulsion performance, and uses high tensile steel for its hull. It also has Stirling engines for increased underwater endurance, a variety of automated systems, improved surveillance capabilities using high-performance sonar, increased stealth capabilities and enhanced safety measures.