plawolf
Lieutenant General
re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer
Very interesting and exciting times right now.
Just out of interest, does anyone have the dimensions for the standard C802 box launchers the PLAN uses? Did anyone who go abroad an 054A during one of the open days get the dimensions for the HQ16 launchers?
I wonder if the new universal launcher will be big enough for C802s and YJ62/DH10 sized cruise missiles.
Either way, I don't think they will do away with the free-standing box/tube launchers for AShMs on the 052D. It would just take too much redesigning to clear enough below deck space under those launchers to allow the installation of VLS cells (if that is even possible space wise). The quick appearance of the 052D after the last batch of 052Cs would rule out such a drastic redesign. In addition, we have not even heard of VLS AShM tests being rumored, so I really don't think such weapons would be operational for at least another few years, and I seriously doubt the PLAN would be comfortable with not having any AShMs on their new 052Ds for that long.
In all likelihood, the 052D would be a refined version of the 052C, with new APARs with slightly modified main superstructure and bridge design (it seems a little taller, but that may just be my eyes); universal (and more ) VLS cells; possibly the SAMRT-L like radar we'd seen on one of the test ships a while back in place of the ULF radar at the back; new Type 1030 CISW as seen on the Varyag (maybe see some new FL3000 launchers as well), with some other sundry improvements. We may also see the hull stretched, especially the bow to accommodate more VLS cells up front, as well as significant internal changes not easily seen from the outside, like a different engine configuration as others have pointed out, probably new CIC and many many refinements.
As you can see, that is quite a long list of improvements, modifications and refinements. If the new 054Ds turn out to be significantly larger than the 052C as suspected, than I think it would more than justify a new class designation. Indeed, iirc, PLAN convention is to keep same class designation for all ships based on the same hull and engine configuration. So if they really did change the engine config and lengthened the hull, that may well be grounds for the PLAN to designate the new ships as a brand new class.
Very interesting and exciting times right now.
Just out of interest, does anyone have the dimensions for the standard C802 box launchers the PLAN uses? Did anyone who go abroad an 054A during one of the open days get the dimensions for the HQ16 launchers?
I wonder if the new universal launcher will be big enough for C802s and YJ62/DH10 sized cruise missiles.
Either way, I don't think they will do away with the free-standing box/tube launchers for AShMs on the 052D. It would just take too much redesigning to clear enough below deck space under those launchers to allow the installation of VLS cells (if that is even possible space wise). The quick appearance of the 052D after the last batch of 052Cs would rule out such a drastic redesign. In addition, we have not even heard of VLS AShM tests being rumored, so I really don't think such weapons would be operational for at least another few years, and I seriously doubt the PLAN would be comfortable with not having any AShMs on their new 052Ds for that long.
In all likelihood, the 052D would be a refined version of the 052C, with new APARs with slightly modified main superstructure and bridge design (it seems a little taller, but that may just be my eyes); universal (and more ) VLS cells; possibly the SAMRT-L like radar we'd seen on one of the test ships a while back in place of the ULF radar at the back; new Type 1030 CISW as seen on the Varyag (maybe see some new FL3000 launchers as well), with some other sundry improvements. We may also see the hull stretched, especially the bow to accommodate more VLS cells up front, as well as significant internal changes not easily seen from the outside, like a different engine configuration as others have pointed out, probably new CIC and many many refinements.
As you can see, that is quite a long list of improvements, modifications and refinements. If the new 054Ds turn out to be significantly larger than the 052C as suspected, than I think it would more than justify a new class designation. Indeed, iirc, PLAN convention is to keep same class designation for all ships based on the same hull and engine configuration. So if they really did change the engine config and lengthened the hull, that may well be grounds for the PLAN to designate the new ships as a brand new class.
