The propulsion system of the Ise is of the COGAG ("COmbined Gas And Gas") arrangement which basically implies a pairing of gas turbines feeding into separate reduction gearboxes which then lead to individual clutches. From there, the drives head into a singular gearbox which, in turn, drives a single propeller shaft system. Such an arrangement allows for multiple engine sources to power a single shaft - either both engines in play or a single unit in use to conserve fuel. The alternative to COGAG is CODAG ("COmbined Diesel And Gas") which mates a diesel engine with a gasoline turbine. However, COGAG systems are generally more compact (at the expense of overall fuel efficiency at optimal cruising speeds) when compared to the CODAG arrangement. In the case of the Ise, the COGAG feature is arranged through 4 x Ishikawajima Harima/General Electric LM2500-30 gas turbines developing 100,000 horsepower to drive its two, five-bladed shafts at maximum speeds over 30 knots.
The JMSDF primarily utilizes its JDS Ise as an anti-submarine platform which is in line with its available armament arrangement and aircraft wing. The vessel can therefore operate independently of the fleet or in conjunction with other vessels and aircraft in locating, tracking and hunting down a potential enemy threat. Its weaponry can also serve to counter incoming aerial enemies including low-flying fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and cruise missiles. Their advanced, secured and ultra-modern communications suite also allows them to head any JMSDF fleet in a time of war or under exercise conditions. Should Japan continue its commitment to the American Lockheed F-35 Lightning II (in its Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) form (as the F-35B), it is presumed that the aircraft would operate from Japan's fleet of helicopter carriers such as the Ise, further broadening the tactical scope of the vessel. Another potential future adoption is the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor transport.
While the Hyuga-class succeeded the previous Haruna-class destroyers, the Hyuga-class has itself been succeeded recently by the new, dimensionally larger Izumo-class destroyers. The JDS Izumo (DDH-183) entered service on August 6th, 2013 and is expected to be formally commissioned sometime in 2015.
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