Aso-class patrol vessel

300px Dewa (PL-42)
Class overview
Name:	Aso class
Operators:	Japan Coast Guard
Preceded by:	Ojika-class
Succeeded by:	Hateruma-class
Built:	2002 – 2006
In commission:	2005 – Present
Completed:	3
Active:	3
General characteristics
Type:	1,000 ton-class PL (Patrol vessel, Large)
Displacement:	770
Length:	79.0 m (259.2 ft)
Beam:	10.0 m (32.8 ft)
Depth:	6 m (20 ft)
Propulsion:	4 × Waterjets 4 × diesel engines
Speed:	30+ knots
Complement:	30
Armament:	One Bofors 40 mm L/70 gun with optical FCS

Aso class patrol vessel is a class of PL type patrol vessel of the Japan Coast Guard. PL stands for Patrol vessel Large, and the class name "Aso" is named after Mount Aso,the largest active volcano in Japan.

This class is one of the new patrol vessel classes to intercept spy boats of DPRK. These classes are called "高速高機能大型巡視船", High-speed, high-functionality patrol vessel, large. Having Bofors 40 mm L/70 autocannon with fire-control system, this class is safely able to deal with heavily armed spy boats of DPRK which intrude into Japanese waters. The hull of this class is bulletproof in case of close-range firefights.

In the back of the bridge's side,this class has display devices that can be used to instruct other ships to stop even at nighttime. And on the bridge superstructure, this class is equipped with the LIDAR system to acquire targets with high accuracy. At the same time, this system enables them to perform search and rescue missions more safely.

Ships in the class

PL41 Aso

Commissioned:2005 March

Home port:Fukuoka

PL42 Dewa

Commissioned:2006 April

Home port:Akita, Akita

PL43 Hakusan

Commissioned:2006 April

Home port:Kanazawa, Ishikawa

See also

• List of Japan Coast Guard vessels and aircraft
• Hida class patrol vessel - another class of High-speed, high-functionality patrol vessel, large.