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JMSDF LST-4002 Shimokita

"Crew-mate Alec Cap (bigal07) shares a gallery of images of his build of LST Osumi Class, JMSDF LST-4002 Shimokita, in this "On Display" feature!"

Model Kit- Tamiya Models 1/700 Waterline Series No.6 (ITEM 31006), JMSDF Shimokita
This is my build of the JMSDF Shimokita, one of three such surface craft, 1-700 by Tamiya and just crying out for a diorama!

About the Shimokita

Following the Ohsumi (deployed in 1998) came the LST-4002 Shimokita, which went into service on November, 2000. Adapting stealth technology, Shimokita's bridge area was constructed with flat surfaces. She boasts an immense upper deck, with an overall length of 160m and total breadth of 25.8m. The front deck is devoted to vehicle loading space and the rear deck serves as a heliport.

The front of her hull is 100m long and combined with her upper deck can transport up to 10 tanks or other large military vehicles. The rear hull is 60m long and acts as a well-dock housing LCAC (Landing Craft Air Cushions). The Shimokita has a crew of 130, and can transport 330 ground troops. During the event of a disaster she can accommodate over 1000 civilians. Like her predecessor, the Ohsumi, the Shimokita type vessel enables the efficient transport of JSDF ground troops, rescue of civilians in the event of a large scale natural disaster, and potentially functions as a supply base for United Nations Peace Keeping Operations.

For more details of the LST Osumi Class, click here!