052/052B Class Destroyers

re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer

Bltizo said:

I was under the impression that initial sea trials are usually conducted by the shipyard? There should be some PLAN overseers onboard of course, and the fact they're willing to go to sea with a couple key systems missing means there is probably a schedule to keep to, and the lack of the OTH and Yagi antennae is tough luck

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Well, that picture of the 052D at a PLAN naval base would suggest that it has been handed over.

There have not been any pictures if Yagi being fitted to any other 052Ds that I have seen, which leads me to suspect the lack of it is less to do with scheduling and more likely that they intend to use a different radar, maybe the SMART-L lookalike we have seen installed on one of the dedicated test ships a while back.

re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer

joshuatree said:

I believe the Type 45 only has a 48 cell VLS and the Type 052D is already at 64. I'm sure there are also multiple variables that come into play, efficiency of the turbine, transmission loss, load requirements of other equipment on board (ie AESA), etc, etc. I'm not saying it can't happen but just believe the next step on a type 052D evolution or a completely new class with more VLS cells would most likely see a quad turbine setup.

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We are used to think of each propeller being driven by one or one pair of turbines, but with IPS three and five turbines are just as practical as two and four.

re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer

If it has been handed over to the PLAN, it should've been more complete and in better ship-shape, not to mention have the pennant number painted. Thus it should be taken when the ship was still under builder's trial, berthed at a naval base for breaks and supplies.

re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer

MwRYum said:

If it has been handed over to the PLAN, it should've been more complete and in better ship-shape, not to mention have the pennant number painted. Thus it should be taken when the ship was still under builder's trial, berthed at a naval base for breaks and supplies.

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You would think a destroyer can at least manage sea trials without having to make a pit stop for supplies or a break, and it won't be the first time a ship got its pennant number after being handed over to the navy.

The incomplete nature of the ship is undeniable and hardly ideal, but if they are indeed waiting on subcontractors to complete new components and subsystems, the wait could easily be weeks or even months. Maybe the navy decided they would rather have the ships delivered early as they were, so they could start crew training rather than have the ship sit for weeks or months doing nothing at the shipyard waiting for the necessary subsystems to complete it.

re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer

plawolf said:

You would think a destroyer can at least manage sea trials without having to make a pit stop for supplies or a break, and it won't be the first time a ship got its pennant number after being handed over to the navy

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But this is literally barely a month after the first sea trial (how many had 172 even embarked on? One? Two?). Given the fact that there are still preceding 052Cs that have yet to formally be commissioned, and that 052D is a vastly newer ship with many more systems to be tested, I very much doubt 052D #1 here has been "handed over".

In a few days or weeks she will be back at JNCS I bet.

re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer

Bltizo said:

But this is literally barely a month after the first sea trial (how many had 172 even embarked on? One? Two?). Given the fact that there are still preceding 052Cs that have yet to formally be commissioned, and that 052D is a vastly newer ship with many more systems to be tested, I very much doubt 052D #1 here has been "handed over".

In a few days or weeks she will be back at JNCS I bet.

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Exactly.........i mean, the 4th 052C has only recently joined the fleet, i believe?............and it has been noted that the outfitting of the 4 improved 052C's has taken quite a bit of time (upto 2 years between launch and commissioning of vessel).
By my reckoning on current timescales, the 5th 052C should be commissioned end of this year/ early next year, and the 6th and final vessel around mid 2014.

I do think the PLAN will try to speed up things with the 052D class..........BUT.........i dont think the 1st 052D will join the fleet for quite sometime yet, maybe the second half of 2014 perhaps?

As has been pointed out, there are still various systems still to be installed on the first 052D, then further sea trials later this year and next year, before ship has its final touch up job, paintwise etc.

Also, to remember, before ship is ready to hand over, you need the crew prepared and experienced with the ship and its systems.

re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer

It is normal practice for 052C and 054A to make a mid-fitting out sea trial, after which they return to the yard for completion.

I think 150 made several trips to Dinghai while fitting out. 052D Hull 1 will certainly be the same.

Btw, while 052C Hull 4 has got pennant number 151, there has been no announcement that it has commissioned, which they would also definitely do, with great fanfare.

re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer

franco-russe said:

It is normal practice for 052C and 054A to make a mid-fitting out sea trial, after which they return to the yard for completion.

I think 150 made several trips to Dinghai while fitting out. 052D Hull 1 will certainly be the same.

Btw, while 052C Hull 4 has got pennant number 151, there has been no announcement that it has commissioned, which they would also definitely do, with great fanfare.

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Thanks..........i wasnt sure if the 4th 052C had officially joined the fleet!

re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer

The 151 has been under going testing for a very long time, to the point where some fan boys are worried about it.

As enthusiasts, you have to understand that by the time you see the picture, it's already history.

THE PLAN deploys a very organized, efficient and very professional development strategy imo. Very impressive rate of progress.

Everything is planned to the teeth, including the current condition of the 52D.

re: PLAN Type 052 Class Destroyer

delft said:

We are used to think of each propeller being driven by one or one pair of turbines, but with IPS three and five turbines are just as practical as two and four.

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That's a good point and it remains to be seen if the next evolution of the Chinese Navy's destroyers will have IPS.