Beware Japs getting ideas ...

[Ian Thomas]

Apparently, there's a new Japanese TV drama series, "The Silent Service", and it's on the curriculum at HMAS Stirling...

12 Fleet units including RAN’s Anzac Class frigates and Collins Class submarines are stationed here, along with some 70 units including the Submarine Training and Systems Centre (STSC), AUSCDT Four and the Defence Communications Station (DEFCOMMSTA) Perth.
www.navy.gov.au/establishments/hmas-stirling

[dennisw]

Could the Japanese be guilty of plagiarism? They copied the designs of so many western inventions a century ago, and learned to make good 4WD vehicles by assembling left over US Jeeps for use in Korea.

I thought the title was familiar; www.imdb.com/title/tt0050061/


I don't suppose the Japanese will recall Star Trek's Dr M^cCoy for 3 episodes, he was in the original in 1957/8

[vincent]

i had the original on disc, but I disposed of them a few years ago during one of my periodic sweeps to clear out almost unused items. I figured I can always find them on Youtube.

[johannes]

Speaking of science fiction, something reminds me of the empire in Star Wars declaring what is obviously a capital ship a destroyer:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JS_Kaga

[vincent]

Feb 19, 2024 21:46:41 GMT 10 johannes said:

Speaking of science fiction, something reminds me of the empire in Star Wars declaring what is obviously a capital ship a destroyer:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JS_Kaga

I asked google's Bard/Gemini why it's called a destroyer. This is its answer:

JS Kaga is not an aircraft carrier, but a helicopter carrier. While it has a large flight deck and can operate aircraft, it primarily carries and launches helicopters, not fixed-wing aircraft. This distinction reflects its main purpose: anti-submarine warfare and troop deployment, tasks typically assigned to other types of ships like destroyers.
JS Kaga is not officially classified as a destroyer. Although informally referred to as a "helicopter destroyer" in some media, its official designation is "multi-purpose operation destroyer" (MDD). This term is meant to reflect its versatility and avoid the political sensitivities associated with calling it an aircraft carrier after World War II.
Here's some additional context:

Historical reasons: After World War II, Japan imposed self-imposed restrictions on building offensive military capabilities. Classifying Kaga as an MDD instead of an aircraft carrier could be seen as adhering to these restrictions.
Capabilities: Even with its large flight deck, Kaga lacks features such as catapults and arrestor wires crucial for launching and landing fixed-wing aircraft. Additionally, its hangar space and ammunition are optimized for helicopters, not airplanes.
Upgrade in progress: Kaga is currently undergoing modifications to accommodate F-35B stealth fighters, blurring the lines further. However, despite this upgrade, the official classification is unlikely to change due to political and historical considerations.