Aoshima A005187 1/700 JMSDF Oil Supply Ship Mashu

The Mashu is a modern Japanese supply and support vessel for the Japanese Navy Self-Defense Forces. The launch took place in February 2003 and commissioned in March 2004. The total length of the ship is 221 meters, the overall width is 27 meters, and the full displacement is about 25,000 tons. The maximum speed does not exceed 25 knots. The drive is provided by two Rolls-Royce Kawasaki Spey SM1C gas turbines. The crew consists of 145 people. Mashu, along with her sister ship Omi, form a class of two supply units with the same name as the presented unit. Mashu-class ships are essentially a modernization of Towada-class ships. The main changes mainly concern the significant enlargement of the units and the increase in the carrying capacity of the materials they are taking for other ships in the combat group. Mashu-class ships also have not only an air deck, but also their own hangar that allows them to independently operate the helicopters.

With the world facing regional conflicts and international terrorism, the mission of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (J.M.S.D.F.) ranges from national defence, overseas missions, rescue activities and supplying U.S. and allied forces. At this time with increasing need of international peace keeping operations, replenishment of oilers along with escort vessels have become of great importance.

Until Helicopter destroyer Izumo was commissioned, Mashu was the largest vessel within the J.M.S.D.F. Commissioned in March 15th, 2004, she belongs to Replenishment at Sea Squadron 1 in Maizuru.

This is an injection-plastic ship model kit.

Includes

• Decal sheet
• Ballast bar

Mold Color

• Gray, black