Would disagree with the evaluation that the 54B is not a significant weapons upgrade. The inclusion of an HHQ-10 system is a significant improvement in capability to engage sea skimming stealthy missiles at range, and the centreline mounting of the 1130 is a large improvement in efficiency. The upgrade to the main gun also pushes its anti-air engagement range further outwards. The use of the YJ-83 is likely due to the fact that the same launchers can also fire anti-submarine missiles to serve its main purpose as an ASW platform, along with the fact that the provisioning of the latest models of the YJ-83 with IR imaging sensors would improve reliability in engaging targets in cluttered littorals and busy sea lanes.
054/A FFG Thread II
- Thread starter tphuang
- Start date
Posted in conjunction with the 076 LHD thread.
The two 054AG FFG hulls and one 054-mod cutter hull (middle, with larger smoke funnel opening) are now taking full shape. Modules belonging to at least two more FFG/cutter hulls are visible to the very left of the drydock.
Posted by @Captain 小潇 on Weibo.
The two 054AG FFG hulls and one 054-mod cutter hull (middle, with larger smoke funnel opening) are now taking full shape. Modules belonging to at least two more FFG/cutter hulls are visible to the very left of the drydock.
Posted by @Captain 小潇 on Weibo.
Last edited:
So is the number on bold now 45?
No. As of present, the number still stands at 43.
Until we can ascertain whether those hull modules belong to the 054AG FFG and/or the 054-mod cutter, I'd like to keep those two (or more) hulls in the "possible/speculated but not confirmed" category.
Last edited:
At what point in construction does it become obvious whether they are cutter or not? How many months in usually?
Without detailed satellite photography, we will probably only know once the superstructure is up in shape in-general. With detailed satellite photography, we can mostly figure out by measuring the dimension of the ship's hull and comparing with past observations.
Speaking of detailed duration (months, weeks) - Unless we got someone working in the shipyard or someone from the PLAN that's related to the project here in this forum, there is little viable answer. The best we can actually obtain for most of the time are rough guess-timations.
So I'd suggest keeping expectations low when it comes to PLA-watching. Don't expect intricate, detailed information to surface themselves for at least some time - Or more often than not, for a very long time.
Last edited:
Thanks a lot for detailed reply. My question was more about how long does it usually take for shipyards to build these frigates to the point where superstructure becomes in shape and distinguishable.
Additional new information on the latest 054AG batch under construction at Hudong-Zhonghua and Huangpu-Wenchong from @水雷屋 and Big Bun CG on Weibo based on latest observations, roughly translated:
1. Layout adjustment of the rear part of the superstructure: The position of the dinghy hangar has been moved forward, which is probably due to the increased volume of the hangar occupying the space of the original dinghy hangars on both sides. The forward repositioning of the dinghy hangars also further led to the need to raise the height of these parts of the dinghy hangars (as seen in the photos). The top of the rear superstructure should now be (largely) flushed, without the original (deeper) drop (on both sides). The close-in defense guns have also been moved forward, and a semi-open section of extended platform was added in the forward position. In fact, this series of layout adjustments originates from the addition of Z-20 operations onboard the FFG.
2. Stern pressure plate, which provides a slight boost in speed (even) without increasing the waterline length, and with the same power output. Such feature can be seen on the 056/A FFLs.
1. Layout adjustment of the rear part of the superstructure: The position of the dinghy hangar has been moved forward, which is probably due to the increased volume of the hangar occupying the space of the original dinghy hangars on both sides. The forward repositioning of the dinghy hangars also further led to the need to raise the height of these parts of the dinghy hangars (as seen in the photos). The top of the rear superstructure should now be (largely) flushed, without the original (deeper) drop (on both sides). The close-in defense guns have also been moved forward, and a semi-open section of extended platform was added in the forward position. In fact, this series of layout adjustments originates from the addition of Z-20 operations onboard the FFG.
2. Stern pressure plate, which provides a slight boost in speed (even) without increasing the waterline length, and with the same power output. Such feature can be seen on the 056/A FFLs.
Last edited:
Am afraid that the answer is still the same, unfortunately.
Last edited: