Two Haruna-class helicopter destroyers did not provide the desired availability for protecting Japan's sea lanes. Shirane and Kurama brought the intended aviation-command force to four ships. Their design incorporated experience gained from operating the Harunas before the later pair's launches in 1978 and 1979. Both centred on three helicopters and command-and-control facilities. Armament changed through service, but the combination of aviation and formation command remained the ships' purpose.
Notable Point · 57:50-59:29
Shirane applies Haruna experience to a four-ship aviation force
Shirane and Kurama turned experience with Haruna into a larger pool of helicopter command ships for sea-lane protection.