Jingei means “fast swimming whale” in Japanese and was once used as the name of a submarine tender of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Taigei-class submarines are named after whales or large fishes.
The first submarine of the class, Taigei (meaning “Great Whale”) was launched by MHI in October 2020 and commissioned with the JMSDF in March 2022. Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) launched the second one, Hakugei, in October 2021. Jingei is set to be delivered to the JMSDF in 2023.
About Taigei-class submarines
The external appearance of the Taigei is not much different from the Sōryū-class, but inside of it is a completely different submarine. First, the Taigei uses lithium-ion batteries instead of the 4V-275R Mk. III AIP system, which was installed aboard the first 10 Sōryū-class submarines.
Secondly, the capabilities of the sonar and combat command system have been improved, as well as the use of new acoustic absorbent materials and a floating floor structure to make it quieter. It is also equipped with Torpedo Counter Measures (TCM), which eject decoys to evade enemy torpedoes for improved survivability.
The first-in-class Taigei will be used as a test submarine, according to the “National Defense Program Guidelines for FY 2019 and beyond” published in December 2018. In other words, Taigei will be the dedicated ship to conduct all future tests of technology related to JMSDF submarines.
Basic Specifications of Taigei
Standard Displacement: about 3000 tons
Length: 84 meters
Total width: 9.1 meters
Crew: about 70
Propulsion: Diesel Electric Propulsion (with lithium-ion batteries)
