Suzume-class destroyer

TNS Āku (DDV-112) in 2015
Class overview
Builders:	Tao United Shipbuilding Corporation
Operators:	UST
Preceded by:	Ōkami-class
Succeeded by:	Ein-class
Planned:	12
Completed:	10
Cancelled:	2
Active:	10
General characteristics
Type:	General-purpose destroyer
Displacement:	4,550 tons normal 6,200 tons full load
Length:	151 m (495 ft)
Beam:	17.4 m (57 ft)
Draft:	5.2 m (17 ft)
Propulsion:	4 x Ein Heavy Industries gas turbines 60,000 bhp (45 MW)
Speed:	30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph)
Complement:	165 enlisted and officers
Armament:	1 × 3 inch (76.2mm/J40) naval gun 2 x Sūkikyō CIWS 2 × Missile canister up to 8 Type 95 (ship to ship missile) 2 × triple 325mm torpedo tubes 2 x 16-cell VLS (anti air, and submarine)
Aircraft carried:	Up to 2 helicopters

The Suzume-class destroyer is a class of general-purpose destroyers, constructed for the United States of the Tao Navy. This is the first class of the Taoist "next-gen" general-purpose destroyers of the USTN.

Development

Since 1983, the USTN started planning for the next generation of general-purpose destroyers.

The hull design was completely renovated from first-generation DDs. In addition to increasing the size in order to reduce the underwater radiation noise, both the superstructure and hull were inclined to reduce the radar cross-section. There is however no angled tripod mainmast because of the heavy weather of the Seas surrounding the UST in winter.

Aircraft facility is expanded to accommodate two shipboard helicopters. One helicopter is a basic load, and another can be accommodated in case of overseas operation.