re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer
Simply to be more stealthy maybe?
Possible, but here's another thought. The stern and bow seem like the most valuable deck space on entire ship. Propulsion and command bridge have to go center, so all that is left is the stern and the bow. Now at the bow we have to have helo pad, so only multipurpose place is really in front of it. But many systems compete for that space. Hangar, VLS, CIWS, possible rear radar array, etc. those are all systems that work better at the stern than positioned mid-ship. (yes, we have seen ciws midship, but best possible arrangement is one in front, one aft.)
So compromises have to be made. Now why move boats to that precious aft area when lifeboats are a system that can work pretty much from anywhere, and seems like the best use of deck space would be to leave them midship.
Are they not stealthy there? Certainly, but since we have seen the rear superstructure changed, command bridge superstructure changed - why not change the middle as well? Make it larger and basically enclose the ships within a structure hiding them. Doesn't seem any more complicated than doing what was done - moving them move to the stern.
All that makes me wonder if there is something actually important that is going to go in their place. Only guesses so far that i have are:
A) redesigned propulsion exhaust/intake, taking up that space, at least partially.
B) rearranged ciws around the ship, so now we have midship ciws instead of a pair front and aft. (the latest pic seems to refute that, though. but it is still not clear)
C) side VLS modules for smaller missiles? Lots of ships have such arrangement, though they all use smaller missiles for ship self-defence.
On a completely different note - on a dedicated AAW destroyer i would personally move the main gun someplace else. the bow deck space seems too precious for it. Instead move the ciws in its place, raise it a bit if needed. Then use all the area behind it for VLS. Perhaps lower the bridge as on type 45 so VLS has clearance over it. Possible APAR move on top, little behind the central point of the bridge. There are large ships which have the main gun even midship. 130mm seems like overkill anyway, 100mm should be enough.
Of course, if we're talking about multipurpose warships that is another thing.
edit: just had a brain fart. what if the boats were moved to make room for redesigned exhaust stack - in the manner that the whole stack is much wider because the central exhaust, once it comes to deck level is split into two separate exhausts, at an angle, so each stack is facing outwards. That layout is seen on many new ships (de Zeven, for example), especially ones with large radar arrays coming right after the exhaust. it seems to allow for less distance between exhaust and radar, as the outward blowing smoke makes a bit less interference for the electronics behind it. And all that would allow the radar to be placed a bit closer to the exhaust while at the same time being moved away from the hangar area and rear vls area. That also allows for proper aft vls module placement.
