054B/new generation frigate
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
Well then, this just makes the propulsion for 054B even more mysterious. If the total output were less than 30MW via pure CODAD (not even CODLAD), then the speed of 054B would likely be under 25 knots, whilst there may not be enough power for the AESA radar and the mast. Doesn’t make sense
Cool.You missed two more "illuminators" midship
I seriously doubt those are illuminators, given their size and geometry.
They are likely to be passive laser warning receivers with their covers over them.
Besides, 054B should likely be using ARH missiles as standard anyhow.
Thinking about it, I do believe it makes more sense, yes.
rails and winches for fuel replenishment at sea
this may be IR/UV Warning Sensors similar visible on 055
Don't conflate your own preferences with what is either necessary nor "possible".
Three of these (1, 4, 5) are just aesthetic preferences, and really there's no manner in which we can say that the current configuration is better than some alternative (the bow and windows seem fine to me as they are, and even 055's main gun has built in ladders).
2 and 3 are more material changes but whether they were "possible" or not is a whole other story. Being "possible" with more money (either unit cost, or production cost or other) is one thing, whether it is sensible at the service level is another, and the opportunity cost isn't really something we can garner at this point.
Eh,.
The sensor suite and combat management suite of 054B should be something like a generation and a half if not two generations ahead of 054A.
Even retaining the H/AJK-16 VLS -- keeping in mind it is fairly well sized to begin with and could very well grow in cell length -- the above is a huge uplift in capability compared to 054A's sensor and CMS suite. One only needs to look at how much work and improvement in capability the Flight III Burkes had over Flight IIA by having a new radar and related improvements to support said SPY-6, and the 054B to 054A is a way bigger improvement than that.
In terms of the configuration of 054B's sensor suite and especially its primary MFR, it may actually be fairly top of the line in terms of array size and placement.
Even ignoring the sensor and CMS suite, the other benefits of a larger hull with better seakeeping and better crew facilities should not be understated, not to mention likely endurance/range.
054B should be well into the medium to long range AAW role with its sensor suite and the HHQ-16 derivatives (present and future) it should be able to accommodate.
As for towed sonars, we already have confirmation of 054B's towed VDS door, and one of the other many doors is likely to be for its linear TAS.
There is the question of the capabilities of the HQ-10 short range missile system against the modern drone threat. 9 km range with IR sensor is, well, crap. Just see what happened to the Osa and Strela-10 in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Also, doesn't the VLS system have the option for quad-packing smaller SAM missiles like the Russian Redut? This is something they clearly need if this is to face the drone threat.
The lack of increase in number of VLS cells over Type 054A despite 50% more displacement is also questionable. But I expect this to be corrected eventually.
Also, doesn't the VLS system have the option for quad-packing smaller SAM missiles like the Russian Redut? This is something they clearly need if this is to face the drone threat.
The lack of increase in number of VLS cells over Type 054A despite 50% more displacement is also questionable. But I expect this to be corrected eventually.
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HQ-10 has been in service for a while now, going on a decade. The idea that there hasn't been improvements to it over this time is unlikely.
Well we don't really know if H/AJK-16 can quad pack missiles in any form (either at the present or into the future).
There should be more interest in the types of missiles the H/AJK-16 on 054B can hold compared to the H/AJK-16 on 054A. I am talking not only about confirming the length of the cells on 054B, but also in terms of what the ship's sensors and networking can support compared to 054A.
Given the US is splurging money on air launched cruise missiles for its naval fighters I expect China to eventually do something like the Russian upgrade to the Kalibr to increase its range. The Russians want to increase its range from 2500km to 4500km.
The thing is the Kalibr was originally designed to be fired from submarine torpedo tubes. So the length of the missile is much smaller than that of the UKSK VLS cell system which was also designed to fire the Oniks missile. So you basically just lengthen the fuel tanks on the Kalibr for VLS and bang you get nearly twice the range.
The thing is the Kalibr was originally designed to be fired from submarine torpedo tubes. So the length of the missile is much smaller than that of the UKSK VLS cell system which was also designed to fire the Oniks missile. So you basically just lengthen the fuel tanks on the Kalibr for VLS and bang you get nearly twice the range.