Can 7m uvls fit hq9?
054B/new generation frigate
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
antiterror13
Brigadier
I don't think so, perhaps HQ-22 variant, but I think likely the more advanced variant of HQ-16 and quad-packed SAM
Yes.
Which is why I selected 7m as the threshold length.
(I believe that 054B should possess the ability to fire HQ-9 family SAMs at their maximum range, even though HQ-9s likely will not form a large part of their usual UVLS loadout)
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If it's quad packed, it would not be hq16 anymore. Just as importantly, it will be active guided and not need the illuminators that you see on 054a. If it's operating with larger surface combatants, I don't see the need for hq9.
I assume you mean "3-5 missile" or "quadpackable MR SAM" rather than "HQ-16" there.
In any case, yes, I think the new 3-5 missile/quadpack MR SAM is one of the most important and consequential tactical missile systems that is forthcoming for the PLA.
I personally also rank the 3-5 missile (and 054B to an extent) as quite important for a Taiwan contingency as well.
If 054B is operating with larger surface combatants, depending on the mixture of the force, then yes, 054B may not need to carry any HQ-9s as it would not be a good loadout for its role in the taskforce.
However, 054B as a frigate will almost certainly be deployed in certain regions in the world in small groups or even temporarily operating alone, and I think will need the ability to survive independently in situations up to a medium intensity level.
The ability to defeat small numbers of aerial targets at long range (200km plus), I think is a reasonable expectation for a ship of that role.
A whole array of deep cells costs a lot for a warship(not so much in money as in compromises), thus their installation should be justified.
Don't think it's worth it.
Necessary ranges can be achieved without 2t monster missiles, thus retaining big missile stocks to ships where they make the most sense.
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Indeed, but I think 7m cells are viable in a ship of this size (especially if the top end of the cells protrude a bit from the bow deck like they do on ships like Type 45).
Also, let's recall that the UVLS comes only in three sizes -- 9m, 7m and 3.3m.
I am not sure if the quad packable SAM will be less than 3.3m long (I personally doubt it, given ESSM itself is 3.66m long), and the Yu-8 VL ASW weapon is also too big for it.
Unless we get rumours of a new UVLS length variant specifically as an inbetween measure, I think the 7m length variant is the next best bet. The ability to carry HQ-9 (and in turn the ability to engage aerial targets at 200km range) I think is important -- meanwhile, the ability to accommodate new weapons as they are developed for the commonly used 7m length variant (across 052D and 055), is an added bonus.
Well, there still is HHQ-16.
If it may pack 5-3 (thus basically becoming a subvariant of the UVLS family) - it checks all the boxes.
HHQ-16 cell is more than enough for an intermediate-range missile(similarly sized SM-2MR family is 150km capable).
p.s. just to clarify: I personally expect the next-generation PLAN frigate to be something more akin to Constellation/ASW FREMM, i.e. big multi-purpose vessel with top-line(better than current PLAN standard) ASW capability.
While something smaller may be attractive, there will be 50 pretty decent and decently fresh 054A in service - and they don't need a replacement for years to come. There is a good opportunity to build a class that amplifies this huge force, not just replaces them.
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