JS Kirishima - Model for small scale printing 3D print model

The Kongo-class is a class of guided-missile destroyers designed and built by Japan and was the first large class employing the US-built AEGIS system. Four units have been built in total: Kongo, Kirishima, Myoko and Chokai. Noteworthy is that Japan reused names from ships having served in world war two, the first one having been two battleships of the same class. Hence it is important to differentiate between the JS Kongo and battleship Kongo as the latter one had been sunk during the war.

During the height of the cold war Japan was sure that in a full on war with the Soviet union, long range bombers and missiles would pose a large threat to the nation and that the naval forces had no system to counter these threats. Since the US Navy had successfully deployed the AEGIS-system onboard their Ticonderoga class Japan decided to include this system into the new class of warships. Since the US planned the Arleigh-Burke class at the same time, both classes share many similarities in the design. Several changes have been done to accomodate the different usecase of the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Forces, but overall the two classes share similar characteristics.

The main armament is the VLS with a combined size of 90 cells, located on the fore and aft deck. Additionally eight RGM-84 Harpoon launchers are installed amidships, two 20mm Phalanx CIWS provide protection against close threats. One 5-inch OTO Melara main gun and two triple torpedo launchers round off the weaponry of the class, covering almost all aspects of naval warfare. Due to this reason Japan opted to continue using the same design for following classes, up to the newest Maya-class.

Construction of the first unit began in 1990, the last unit was commissioned in 1998. Since them all four units are in constant service of the naval forces. The task of the class is to protect the home island against threats from China and North Korea, especially their missiles. Since the soviet union dissolved quickly after the keel laying of the ships, a feared hot war with the soviet union never happened. Still Japan decided to continue employing AEGIS as the main naval system. This system allows the ships to engage surface and submerged threats, as well as airborne threats. Several tests against ballistic missiles haven been undertaken from 2008 to 2010, intercepting two out of three targets.

Kirishima was laid down in 1992 and launched the following year. Her commissioning happened in 1995, taking position in her homeport of Yokosuka. A couple years after her commissioning Kirishima laid into dock for several modifications regarding AEGIS, extending the capabilities. When the earthquake and Tsunami struck the Japanese coast in 2011 the ship was sent for disaster relief of the area, coordinating and sending help via helicopter and boats. The following year she was put onto station to guard the isle against a test launch of a new North Korean missile. In 2014 Kirishima was sent alongside JS Ise to take part in the RIMPAC of that year, followed by guarding the US carrier USS George Washington in the vicinity of South Korea.

This model includes a Statsheet which displays some data of the ship as well as two renderings of the model. The full scale image is located in the zip-archive.

Note: This model is recommended to be used in the 1/2000 scale. The models itself isnt scaled, the scale table is down below.

1/4000: 4,02cm or 1.58in

1/3000: 5,36cm or 2.11in

1/2000: 8,05cm or 3.16in

1/1000: 16,1cm or 6.33in

For self calculation: The JS Kirishima is roughly 161m or 528ft long.

The model is intended to be used with little supports as possible, yet some are recommended below the barrel of the main gun, fire control radars and the main mast. Be carefull when removing the support structures, as the mast is quite fragile and high in mass especially the braces are fragile. I recommend using a resin printer for this. Up and Downsclaling might be possible, yet I dont know to what extend.

If you face issues with the model, have questions or want to propose some changes, please reach out to me, I am always happy to help. I am also open for suggetions for new ships which I havent done yet, as I am looking to expand my catalogue of ships.