055 DDG Large Destroyer Thread

[joshuatree]

Maybe a new set of multiband AESA system with 8 or more panels could justify a larger hull. Otherwise it's just cramming 2 052D eggs into a single basket.

Now that is food for thought.

I think we are going to see something of a traditional hull form, with stealth characteristics, perhaps two 64 cell VLS (one fore and the other aft) perhaps a Type 730/FN-3000L CIWS mix, a helicopter hanger capable of two helos, and as to the radars, probably something along the lines of the Type 052D, and if that design is scalable, perhaps one a bit bigger.

These pics comes close to something I would imagine (except I believe there will be two 64 cell VLS, a two helicopter hanger, and one Type 730 CIWS too):

I wouldn't say a conventional, non-Zumwalt hull 055 would merely be just cramming two 052Ds into one basket. A conventional hull 055 can have more of the features already mentioned - more stealth characteristics, more VLS cells, capacity for two helos, larger AESA radar. However, I like to add that it can also sport advancements internally that can be along the lines of the Zumwalt. Larger and more powerful sonar, electric drive propulsion, more automation with reduced crew.

 

[Blitzo]

Also, it may turn out that 055 could be a bit bigger than jeff's excellent pictorial comparison.

052C itself has recently been stated by state media to only displace 6,400 tons full, yet is similar in length to the burke (lower beam of course). It may follow, that a 12,000 ton CG could very well turn out with dimensions only slightly under slava/zumwalt.


All this is speculation of course, but hey it's fun, and 055 will be our next big naval "project to wait for," which 052D was until last year.


We should also add that having a large surface combatant will be very necessary for gunboat diplomacy. Just look at how well the US executed it by stationing a handful of burkes in the Mediterranean. If the PRC were ever in such a situation to nudge a country of interest in one way or another, a couple of 055s in a task force will be a fair bit more frightening than a SAG of 052Ds, while also providing greater endurance overall (not to mention greater survivability if it is ever hit, as larger ships are naturally harder to sink)

 

[Jeff Head]

052D comes closest to the AB class in terms of looks. No way it looks European...

Type 052C and Type 052D are both the PLANs "AEGIS" vessels, and their configuration is almost exactly like the Arliegh Burkes in terms of weapons/equipment placement.

Here's some pics comparing the Burke IIA and 052D at sea:

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Some time ago I did a comparison of the Burke IIA and 052C by looking at 1/350 scale models of both and posted it here on SD. You can see that more comprehensive comparison:

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[rhino123]

Type 052C and Type 052D are both the PLANs "AEGIS" vessels, and their configuration is almost exactly like the Arliegh Burkes in terms of weapons/equipment placement.

Here's some pics comparing the Burke IIA and 052D at sea:


Some time ago I did a comparison of the Burke IIA and 052C by looking at 1/350 scale models of both and posted it here on SD. You can see that more comprehensive comparison:

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Hmm... with due respect... I find the Chinese 052D looked nicer then the Burke IIA

 

[Jeff Head]

Hmm... with due respect... I find the Chinese 052D looked nicer then the Burke IIA

Well, the Type 052D is a newer design. But both vessels are very good looking and capable. However, there are characteristics about the Burke IIA that are very noteworthy and important, despite whatever aesthetics.

The Burke IIA has 96 VLS cells the Type 052D has 64. The Burke IIA carries two helicopters, the Type 052D carries one. The slope on the side panels of the Burke IIA do provide better radar dispersion, because they are sloped more, particularly above the main deck, and also with the "raked" mast. The bow Sonar on the Burke IIA is much more powerful than that on the Type 052D. The wider beam on the Burke IIA is going to allow for better handling, particularly in rough sea states. The AEGIS system and cooperative engagement capabilities o the Burke IIA are very well known, understood, and proven. We just do not know at this point how effective the new APARs and the combat system are or will be on the Type 052D.

This picture shows the difference in size, particularly the beam:

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Anyhow, both vessels are capable, and are designed for basically the same multi-mission role. The Burkes do have an anti-ballistic missile capability as well, which is an unknown on the Type 052D as yet.

 

[asif iqbal]

Jeff where did you get Type 055 drawing from did you make that one yourself? has PLAN released a pic?

 

[Blitzo]

Jeff where did you get Type 055 drawing from did you make that one yourself? has PLAN released a pic?

It was a fanboy CGI -- albeit one of the better ones.

 

[kwaigonegin]

IMHO opinion the weakest link in 054 is the bow sonar and hanger for only one helo. For a destroyer, competent ASW capability is a MUST!
From what I can see the issue is not so much lack of technology but lack of size. Even if pound for pound the 052's sonar may not be as capable as say the AN/SQS-53C/D the fact that is like 1/3 the size severely limits it's capability. Same with the hanger. If they have a wider beam putting a 2 helo hanger would be a no brainer same with fitting in another couple dozen VLS boxes.

I am 99% positive if there is a 055 class (and by all accounts says it does) it will have a much wider beam than the 052. I think that would be the most significant improvement you'll see in the new class. With a wider beam you can just do so much more with a lot of options.

 

[Jeff Head]

Jeff where did you get Type 055 drawing from did you make that one yourself? has PLAN released a pic?

Well, Asif, I basically took this fan art:

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And worked on it in Photo Shop and Paint Shop Pro, and turned it into this:

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[delft]

IMHO opinion the weakest link in 054 is the bow sonar and hanger for only one helo. For a destroyer, competent ASW capability is a MUST!
From what I can see the issue is not so much lack of technology but lack of size. Even if pound for pound the 052's sonar may not be as capable as say the AN/SQS-53C/D the fact that is like 1/3 the size severely limits it's capability. Same with the hanger. If they have a wider beam putting a 2 helo hanger would be a no brainer same with fitting in another couple dozen VLS boxes.

I am 99% positive if there is a 055 class (and by all accounts says it does) it will have a much wider beam than the 052. I think that would be the most significant improvement you'll see in the new class. With a wider beam you can just do so much more with a lot of options.

Do you suggest that 052D would have been wider if China had available stronger gas turbines and that 055 will be made possible either by new stronger gas turbines or by using more of the same turbines and IPS?