Showing posts with label Type 055. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Type 055. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

China's Rapid Naval Expansion: Five Type 052DM Destroyers Outfitted Simultaneously





In a recent sighting at the Dalian Shipyard, keen observers captured footage of five Type 052DM destroyers being outfitted simultaneously. Experts note that while simultaneous outfitting is standard, this feat is comparable to the U.S. military’s two-year destroyer and shipbuilding plan. Remarkably, China achieves this in just one dock. These destroyers will undergo sea trials and develop combat capabilities before beginning military missions, likely by mid-next year.

The Type 052DM destroyer represents the "final form" of the 052D series, distinct from the "extended version" 052DL. The most notable upgrade in the 052DM is the replacement of the older 364 rapid response radar with an active phased array radar in the X-band. Additionally, the ship's internal electrical systems and anti-submarine sonar have been upgraded. For a destroyer with a full load displacement of 7,500 tons, such upgrades indicate its capacity for additional equipment is nearly maxed out, posing challenges for future enhancements.

Despite these limitations, the 052D destroyer boasts impressive combat capabilities. The 052D project faced significant technical challenges during the 2011 “0.55 million-ton large-scale propulsion project,” aimed at addressing external pressures. This effort led to the integration of modern equipment from the 055 destroyer with the 052C hull platform. Consequently, missiles from the 052D series can now be launched from 055 destroyers, thanks to shared main radar and vertical launch systems. For instance, the YJ-21 anti-ship missile can now be deployed from both the Type 055 and Type 052D destroyers.

Derived from the technological advancements of the 055 destroyer, the 052D's technical prowess is ranked just below the esteemed 055 on a global scale by Chinese experts, despite the U.S. Navy’s Arleigh Burke Flight III having a displacement advantage. In terms of air defense and anti-missile systems, the 052D is limited by its fewer vertical launch units, impacting its firepower sustainability. However, in other operational areas, the 052D matches the Arleigh Burke Flight III, including anti-missile defenses and ground attacks. Chinese officials have previously highlighted the 052D’s upgraded functionality, which now includes ground-attack cruise missiles.

Estimates suggest that the fleet of 052D destroyers could ultimately exceed 50 units, complementing the 055 destroyers in a "strong and weak match" strategy. The robust shipbuilding orders for the 052D are driven by its significant cost advantages, both in production and operational costs, without compromising on performance compared to international warships. Using a diesel engine for economical speeds significantly reduces costs compared to fully fuel-powered vessels.

The 052D destroyer is tasked with medium-to-high-level military missions, while missions like anti-piracy and routine cruises are typically assigned to the 054A frigates and offshore vessels, offering great mission flexibility. 

Saturday, June 1, 2024

China Rapidly Constructs 10 Type 055 Destroyers in 48 Months, Equipping Each with 112 Missiles

 




In just four years, China's defense industry has impressively built and launched ten advanced Type 055 destroyers, each equipped with 112 vertical launch cells for anti-ship or anti-aircraft missiles. The first of these destroyers was launched in January 2020, with the eighth following by April 2023, averaging 2-3 destroyers per year.

This rapid production pace has not hindered the construction of other naval vessels, such as the Type 054 frigates, which are being built concurrently in shipyards in Shanghai and Guangzhou.

PLAAN's Versatile Asset

The Type 055, a class of guided missile destroyers developed for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), is among the largest and most advanced surface combatants globally. Designed for air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare, it is a versatile addition to the PLAN's fleet.

Technical Specifications

The Type 055 measures approximately 180 meters (590 feet) in length, 20 meters (66 feet) in beam, and has a draft of around 6.6 meters (22 feet), making it significantly larger than many contemporary destroyers. Its combined gas and gas (COGAG) propulsion system includes four QC-280 gas turbines, each generating 28 megawatts, enabling speeds up to 30 knots.

Advanced Features

The destroyer features a stealthy design with a smooth superstructure to minimize radar cross-section, an integrated mast housing various sensors and communication systems, and a hull optimized for hydrodynamic performance. It is equipped with advanced electronic systems, including the Type 346B AESA radar for air and surface search, the Type 518 L-band radar for long-range surveillance, and the H/LJG-346A sonar for anti-submarine warfare.

Extensive Armament

The Type 055's extensive armament includes a 130mm H/PJ-38 main gun, 112 vertical launch system (VLS) cells for firing HHQ-9 surface-to-air missiles, YJ-18 anti-ship missiles, and CJ-10 land-attack cruise missiles. It also features torpedo launchers, close-in weapon systems (CIWS) for point defense, and anti-submarine rockets, making it a well-rounded combat platform.