regarding my statement in #2801
"anyone can", if really interested in that matter, browse through libraries of naval shipbuilding literature. There is given great backgroundinformation, how and why system integration of sophisticated weapon systems and electronics has become the most critical and time consuming issue at building modern complex naval units. In comparison, the share of costs as an indicator for complexity and time consuming work for a destroyer: 29% electronics, 24% weapons, 9% propulsion and power transmission, 13% hull and Equipment, + a bunch of different items. Furthermore, integration of well tested modern electronics and weapon suites has made the construction of a naval vessel as ten times more complicated as commercial vessels. It is also stated, that tested equipment, that is used on a testbed-class still has mayor issues, with integration on a new platform. Why do I think, that China has changed in naval vessel building self confidence, and my „lesson learned“ is true?
First of all, calling the 052D in principle the same platform as the 052C with some minor changes (same with 054A and the 054) ignores the fact, that some of the weapons and electronic systems changed, thus leading to a redesign of some internal structures and higher effort for system integration (as I discussed above). Again, the tough job is not up to the hull, it is about the overall system integration. Changes in system, lead to risks of system integration.
Furthermore my judgement was, that Chinese Shipbuilding changed. They learned a lot, with the earlier classes and have new technologies for risk minimization (computer aided production simulation f.e.). So that they are able, to do the more complicated job with more complex and more sophisticated classes, without prototyping, evaluating and changing in single follow on steps. They have found ways to minimize the risk of integration of new systems, enabling them to build the initial units of a class simultaneously. The 055 is somewhat evidence for it. That will be the new mayor combatant of the PLAN, with the most sophisticated tech, with a brand new hull design… How can they build 4 initial units simultaneously without a real predecessor class? The answer: the lesson learned, no matter what one likes it or not, China has made some critical steps in shipbuilding methods and technology. Does that give any indication about the IEP on the 055, for sure not. And I would agree, that building 4 at a time is likely an indication that China is not going the risky step of IEP integration.