Have seen quite a bit of talk around this thread of how the Type 054B is expected to be much more capable at ASW. What aspects of the new design/new systems have led to this conclusion?
054B/new generation frigate
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
FriedRiceNSpice
Captain
Why?? If UVLS does end up being fitted there, it would be preferable to pack as much UVLS in the available space as possible as opposed to adding slant launchers using that space. Slant launchers should only be fitted as next best alternative if due to space and/or weight constraints UVLS could not be fitted in that space.
Somewhat multifactorial.
- Somewhat larger hull, which provides more volume for more dampening (which in turn would also be more advanced than 054A as well)
- Propulsion expected to be some form of electric (either IEPS or a partial electric) which means it can run quieter as well (no reduction gears when running on electric)
- More onboard processing available assessing sensors and datalinked information
- Z-20F should be its standard ASW helicopter into the future
- Likely to have proportionately more capable ASW sensors as a result of a larger hull as well
kwaigonegin
Colonel
Doesn't appear to have TAS.
Hendrik_2000
Lieutenant General
Well, this video explains the need for Type 54B basically correcting the shortcomings or improving the capability of Type 54A. It is still yet to be confirmed but by and large a valid supposition of the type 54 capability
New evidence shows the Type 054B is under construction at China's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard. Relative to its predecessor the Type 054A, the 054B will have massively improved anti-submarine and air warfare capabilities.
???
We can see a large square panel which is almost certainly for an opening for towed VDS (which we've seen on later 054As, and all 052Ds and 055s).
And there are multiple smaller openings any of which could be for a towed linear sonar.
So I think we can safely say it does definitely have a towed VDS and almost certainly has a towed linear sonar.
Basically all new build surface combatants for the PLAN from the early/mid 2000s from 1500t 056As to 13,000t 055s (i.e. 054As and 052Ds as well) have both towed VDS and towed linear sonar, so it would be frankly bizarre if 054B lacked them.
Those are likely vents for the generator prime movers. Assuming the ship has at least a CODLAG configuration, it could run on its generators alone in quiet mode at ASW mission speeds, like the FREMM/Constellation. I was kind of expecting that there would be intake/exhaust vents more to the fore as well, but I can’t see any yet.
Finally, we’ve had speculation that this class might actually debut MVDC IFEP and leap frog Western naval propulsion designs.
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