In recent days we have had a lot of news where Western navies are forced to tie up warships at the docks, as they do not have enough personnel to man them. But here, the new Japanese class of Mogami frigates, comes to propose several changes, having the “small crew” as the main requirement of its design.
First on the bridge, where instead of up to 10 people that other boats require, Mogami only needs 4, and can even operate with 3!
As we can see from the photo above, one is at the helm, and two more manage all the basic functions on their screens, on either side. This was done by integrating the control systems at the same workplace, with full digitization of the vessel.
A similar philosophy prevails in the Combat Operations Center (CIC), where all the control systems are gathered, from sensors and weapons, but also with a flow of extra data that is unprecedented in naval technology. For example, the crew of the frigate wears a sensor in their uniform that monitors the heartbeat, in real time. So in combat conditions (but also in daily operation) if someone is injured or killed, the Battle Center is informed, so that the necessary actions can be taken (find and rescue, replacement, etc.).
Mogami’s design, however, also provides for the improvement of the staff’s living spaces. Thus there are completely separated cabin spaces, where beds, toilets and showers are exclusively for the female crew, which is also gradually increasing in Japan.
Also, the entire crew eats in the ship’s dining room. as the famous “officers’ frame” has been abolished. This has been done to save space and personnel, but also for better communication between executives and the creation of team spirit.
However, Mogami stands out mainly for the high automation of many systems, which ultimately results in a crew requirement of only 90 people. And this for a vessel that reaches 5,500 tons loaded. It is indicative that the at least 10 vessels of the class (4 have already been delivered and more are likely to be ordered), will replace the older Asagiri and Abukuma classes of destroyers, which needed 220 and 120 people respectively per vessel!
