Japanese Miura class Dock Landing Ship:


These craft can be considered an enlarged and improved version of the Osumi class amphibious ships. Like the previous class, they were original designated “LST” for “Landing Ship Tank” although were later designated “LSD” for “Landing Ship Dock.” Originally it was planned for eight of these vessels to be built but only four were actually completed with the other four vessels cancelled before they were laid down.


These vessels were one of the first vessels laid down using the new composite and alloy materials. These materials were many times as strong as steel and virtually immune to corrasion. Many older vessels were refitted with the new materials during the same time period including the four Osumi class amphibious ships. Still, the older rebuilt vessels were considered far inferior to new construction vessels.


Later, three of Taiyo class multi role amphibious assault ships and six Yura amphibious transport dock ships joined the amphibious forces of the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force. In reality, the Taiyo class were virtually slow carriers in their designs. As these newer amphibious ships entered service, the refitted Osumi class amphibious ships were retired. Even though the oldest amphibious vessel class remaining in service, the Miura class dock landing ship still gave useful service.


All four of these amphibious vessels surviving until the coming of the Rifts with the Miura class going through multiple extensive refits during their service with the Japanese Self Defense Force. Under development just before the Great Cataclysm, the Japanese Self Defense Force was developing a replacement design for the Miura class amphibious ships. Plans had been for the new ships to enter service around Twenty-One Twelve.


At the time of the Great Cataclysm, two of the Miura class amphibious ships were at sea and they are thought to have been lost. One of the Miura class, the IJNS Ojika, was in port in Kure at when the cataclysm occurred and was brought forward in time with the other vessels in port at the time. After losing several vessels, the Republic of Japan does not often deploy naval assets although the ships are well maintained. The status of the final Miura class amphibious ship is currently unknown.


Originally the Miura class were powered by a pair of diesel engines. Unlike the Taiyo class multi role amphibious assault ships powered by gas turbines, it was not a relatively straight forward refit to replace the engines. Instead, the engine room required extensive rebuilding to fit the new fusion plant. There is some discussion that it would have been less expensive to build a new amphibious vessel. Still, performance was considerable improved. The original top speed of the amphibious ships was twenty-two knots and more powerful fusion plant raised this to twenty-five knots.


These ships are relatively lightly armed with only a pair of point defense batteries usually mounted. Originally this was a pair of Mk 49 RAM (Rolling Airframe Missile) launchers but this was later replaced by a pair of Mk 44 “Sea Sabre” combination batteries which combine a rail gun with a short range missile battery. While the “Sea Sabre” mounts were new, the original Mk 49 mounts were pulled from decommissioned vessels. Replacing the light weaponry aboard was far easier than replacing the propulsion plant.


As with the Mk 49 RAM launchers, the OPS-14D air search radar were pulled from decommissioned vessels and reconditioned. These radars are a conventional system with limited tracking ability. With the OPS-34 radar being replaced aboard the Soyakaze class frigates, there was discussion with replacing the OPS-14D with the more effective phased array radar, roughly analogous with the American SPS-88 radar system, but as of the Great Cataclysm, nothing had been decided.


To reduce construction costs further, these amphibious vessels did not incorporate any real measures to reduce their radar cross signatures. Similar in basic configuration to the Osumi class amphibious ships, the Miura class amphibious ships are somewhat enlarged. They retain a large superstructure on the starboard side with a large helicopter deck on the fantail.


Forward and beside the superstructure, there is additional space which is usually used for ground vehicles but can be used for additional aircraft if required. Four aircraft, usually V-22 Osprey, can be embarked on the rear flight deck with the ability to embark four additional aircraft. In some cases attack helicopters may also be embarked but fighters are rarely carried aboard. The Japanese Navy experimented with operating the FV-38 Panther II of the Miura class with mixed success. The FV-45 Sea Hawk was considered simply too large to operate from these amphibious ships and never tested as a result. There is no hanger for aircraft and the elevators are too small for aircraft. Instead they are used to move vehicles to the upper deck.


There is a dry deck in the stern of these vessels, replacing the conventional well deck of the Osumi class amphibious ships. There is space on the dry deck for a pair of air cushion landing craft. In addition, the ships can carry up to four hundred troops with a compliment of tanks and other armored vehicles. The elevators up to the main deck are limited to thirty metric tons. Because of this, heavier armored vehicles and tanks cannot be brought up to the main deck. As a result, the Hawke armored reconnaissance vehicle was often carried in place of the Jackson Main Battle Tank. Armored vehicles can be carried on the main deck in place of additional helicopters. Cargo can also be carried instead of vehicles.


Originally no power armors were embarked aboard the Miura class but these vessels began embarking power armors later in service. Sixty flight capable SAMAS power armors are usually carried with updated versions carried aboard the surviving IJNS Ojika. In addition, about ten Glitter Boy power armors can also be embarked aboard these amphibious vessels.


Author Note: With respect to time line, these designs may or may not reflect our modern time line. The time line of these writeups diverged from our time line starting around 1999. Consider the universe that these designs are created for to be an alternate universe not bound by ours.


Model Type: LSD-4500 Miura class Dock Landing Ship.

Vehicle Type: Ocean, Amphibious Transport Vessel.

Crew: 155 (18 officers, 22 chief petty officers, 115 enlisted [Has a high degree of automation]).

Troops:  80 pilots for power armors (60 SAMAS power Armors and 20 pilots for “Glitter Boy” power armors), 120 vehicle crew members, and 180 soldiers (Increase soldiers to 200 if no “Glitter Boy’ power armors are embarked.)


Robots, Power Armors, and Vehicles (Standard):

 

Assault

Transport

 

Power Armor Compliment:

 

20

20

USA-G10 “Glitter Boy” Power Armors.

 

60

60

USA-PA-04A SAMAS Power Armors.

Fighter/Aircraft Compliment:

 

0 (2)

0

RAH-66E Super Comanche Attack Helicopters (Optional - Replace V-22N.)

 

8 (6)

4

V-22N Super Osprey Tilt Rotors (Reduce number if RAH-66E embarked.)

Landing Craft Compliment:

 

2

2

LCAC-854 “Crab” Air Cushion Landing Craft.

Tanks & Other Vehicles:

 

4

6

USA-M-7 Jackson MBT (Optional: 8 / 12 USA-LGS-10 “Hawke” ARV).

 

6

10

USA-M-8 Maverick IFV (Optional: 12 / 15 USA-LAV-2 Kodiak - Various).

 

4

6

USA-M-9 Morgan TMV (Optional: 8 / 12 USA-LAV-2 Kodiak - Missile).

 

6

10

AAAV-10 Wolverine Amphibious Vehicles.

 

20

30

Support Vehicles (Various).

M.D.C. by Location:

 

Mk 44 Combination Anti-Missile Defense System (2, superstructure):

200 each.

 

[1] USA-M31 Medium Defense Rail Guns (4, sides):

50 each.

 

[2] OPS-14D Long Range Air Search Radar Mast:

120.

 

[1] Chaff / Decoy Launchers (4, superstructure):

10 each.

 

[3] Rear Flight Deck:

300.

 

[3] Forward Deck:

300.

 

[4] Vehicle / Cargo Elevators (2, forward and aft decks):

200 each.

 

Rear Vehicle / Dry Deck Doors:

200

 

[5] Main Bridge / Superstructure:

500.

 

Outer Hull (per 40 foot / 12.2 meter area):

80.

 

[5] Main Body:

3,000.

Notes:

[1] These are small and difficult targets to strike, requiring the attacker to make a “called shot,” but even then the attacker is -4 to strike.

[2] Destroying the OPS-14D long range air search radar mast will eliminate long range radar but the vessel has backup systems with a shorter range (Equal to robot vehicle sensors.)

[3] If rear flight deck is destroyed, aircraft can land on forward deck as an emergency if no cargo or vehicles are being carried on forward deck. If both decks are destroyed, no aircraft can be launched or land.

[4] If both elevators are destroyed, no vehicles or cargo can be moved from the vehicle holds to the main flight deck.

[5] If bridge / superstructure is destroyed, the ship can still be piloted from engineering but with a -15% to piloting rolls. Communication and sensor equipment are not concentrated on the bridge to reduce the effectiveness of bridge hits.

[6] Destroying the main body destroys propulsion and power systems, disabling the ship. The ship is fitted with additional floatation materials that allow the ship to withstand up to -500 M.D.C. before losing structural integrity and sinking. There are enough life preservers and inflatable life boats to accommodate everyone on the ship including marines.


Speed:

Surface: 28.8 mph (25 knots/ 46.3 kph).

Range: Effectively unlimited due to fusion engines (needs to refuel every 20 years and requires maintenance as well). Ship carries six months of supplies on board.


Statistical Data:

Draft:    20.34 feet (6.2 meters).

Length:  564.5 feet (172.1 meters) waterline and 598.75 feet (182.5 meters) overall.

Width:   86.94 feet (26.5 meters).

Displacement: 9,800 tons standard and 15,600 tons fully loaded.

Cargo: Can carry 4,000 tons (3,630 metric tons) of nonessential equipment and supplies [Increase to 6,000 tons (5,440 metric tons) without vehicles.] Each enlisted crew member has a small locker for personal items and uniforms. Ship’s officers have more space for personal items. Most of the ship’s spaces are taken up by extra ammo, armor, troops, weapons, and engines.

Power System: Originally conventional diesel propulsion, converted to two nuclear fusion reactors with an average life span of 20 years.

Black Market Cost: Not for sale but costs around 200 million credits to construct. If found and sold on the black market would probably cost 400 to 800 million credits. Cost does not include embarked craft and power armors.


WEAPON SYSTEMS:

  1. Two (2) USA-M31 Medium Defense Rail Guns: Originally M2HB .50 Caliber Machine Guns were fitted in these locations. These weapons are mounted with one on either side of the hull for defense against small boats and similar threats. Not considered effective against aircraft or missiles. These rail gun mounts were identical to those carried on the USA-PA-04A SAMAS power armor although outfitted with a double sized ammunition drum. The rail gun has fewer bursts and is heavier but the rail gun inflicts more damage than the post Rifts C-40R.

    Weight: Rail Gun: 110 lbs (49.9 kg), Double Ammo Drum: 280 lbs (127.0 kg).

    Maximum Effective Range: 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).

    Mega-Damage: A burst of 40 rounds inflicts 1D6x10. One round inflicts 1D4+1.

    Rate of Fire: Equal to the combined hand to hand attacks of the gunner (usually 4 or 5).

    Payload: Each has a 4,000 round magazine for 100 bursts.

  2. Two (2) Mk 44 “Sea Sabre” Combination Anti-Missile Defense Systems: Replaces original Mk 49 RAM launchers. One point defense mount is fitted on each side of the superstructure. This anti-missile defense system combines both a rapid fire rail gun and a short range missile launcher. While mounted in one system, both defense systems have separate tracking and fire control systems. The short range missile launchers can target up four targets and can fire a volley up to twice per melee. Quite powerful, the rail gun is capable of destroying any missile or inflicting serious damage on aircraft. The rail gun can fire on automatic at up to six targets per melee (Has +3 to strike missile and +2 to strike aircraft). In its design, the rail gun is very similar to those carried on the Sea King cruiser and it is likely that the Sea King’s rail guns came from a prototype of this system. The system also can be used against other ships and ground targets. The system has a 360 degree rotation and can elevate up to 90 degrees to fire at targets directly overhead.

    Maximum Effective Range: Rail Guns: 11,000 feet (2 miles / 3.2 km). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Mega-Damage: Rail Guns: 3D4x10 M.D. per burst of 40 rounds (Can only fire bursts). Short Range Missiles: As per short range missile type (See revised bomb and missile tables for details.)

    Rate of Fire: Rail Guns: Six (6) attacks per melee round. Short Range Missiles: Two (2) attacks per melee round, can fire short range missiles one at a time or in volleys of two (2) or four (4) short range missiles.

    Payload: Rail Guns: 8,000 rounds (200 burst) each. Short Range Missiles: Sixteen (16) short range missiles each.

  3. Four (4) Chaff / Decoy Launchers: Located on the sides of the hull of the ship, they are designed to confuse incoming missiles. All four launchers must be operated or effects will be reduced. Rifts Earth decoys systems are assumed to not be effective against Phase World / Three Galaxies missiles due to technological differences. Reduce effects by 20% against smart missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles) and reduce effects of launchers by 10% per launcher not used (Add +10% to rolls per launcher not used.) Only useful against missiles, not useful against torpedoes underwater.

    Range: Around Ship.

    Mega Damage: None.

    Effects:

    01-35

    Enemy missile or missile volley detonates in chaff cloud - Missiles are all destroyed.

     

    36-60

    Enemy missile or missile volley loses track of real target and veers away in wrong direction (May lock onto another target.)

     

    61-00

    No effect, enemy missile or missile volley is still on target.

    Payload: Twenty-four (24) each for a total of ninety-six (96) canisters.

  4. Four (4) OLQ-4Y Advanced Towed Decoys: The vessel carries four advanced towed decoy drones. They are each a small automated vehicle that creates a false sonar image designed to mimic the vessels. The decoy is dragged behind the amphibious vessel using a cable. If decoys are not destroyed, they can be recovered and repaired. Rifts Earth decoys systems are assumed to not be effective against Phase World / Three Galaxies guidance and targeting systems due to technological differences.

    M.D.C.: 20 each.

    Range: Not Applicable although decoy is deployed approximately 1,000 feet (304.8 meters) from the vessel.

    Effects: The decoy has an 80% chance of fooling ordinary non military sonars and non smart guided torpedoes, the decoy has a 50% chance of fooling military level sonars (like those of the Coalition) and non “smart” torpedoes, and the decoy has a 25% chance of fooling advanced military sonars (Like those of the New Navy and Triax) and “smart” torpedoes.

    Rate of Fire: One can be deployed at a time and requires two (2) minutes to deploy (reel out) another decoy.

    Payload: Four (4) towed decoys.

Special Systems:

The ship has all systems standard on a robot vehicle plus the following special features:


[ Altarain TM, Bandito Arms TM, Brodkil TM, Chipwell Armaments TM, Coalition States TM, Cyber-Knight TM, Federation of Magic TM, Free Quebec TM, Golden Age Weaponsmiths TM, Horune TM, Iron Heart Armaments TM, Kankoran TM, Kittani TM, Kydian TM, Larsen’s Brigade TM, M.D.C. TM, Mechanoids TM, Mega-Damage TM, Megaversal Legion TM, Millennium Tree TM, Mutants in Orbit TM, Naruni Enterprises TM, Naut’Yll, New Navy TM, New Sovietskiy TM, NGR TM, Nog Heng TM, Northern Gun TM, Phase World TM, Psyscape TM, Rifter TM, SAMAS TM, S.D.C. TM, Shemarrian TM, Splugorth TM, Stormspire TM, Sunaj TM, Tolkeen TM, Triax TM, Wellington Industries TM, Wilk’s Laser Technologies TM, Xiticix TM, and Zaayr TM are trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]

[ Beyond the Supernatural®, Heroes Unlimited®, Nightbane®, Ninjas & Superspies®, Palladium Fantasy®, and Rifts® are registered trademarks owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]


Writeup by Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune).


Copyright © 2011 & 2017, Kitsune. All rights reserved.


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