055 DDG Large Destroyer Thread

[Blitzo]

Using google earth, I measured the width of the foundations to be 23m... almost on the dot.

The photo on the ground shows the superstructure's breadth to reach right over the concrete foundation, so assuming the edge of the foundation from the satellite photo is indicative of the concrete width, then we might be able to claim the width of the superstructure (and thus, the beam of the ship) will be 23m.


Yep, that's a reference to the 055 masterpost from a week or so ago.


Whatever the case, in a few months we will probably get clear pictures of this competed facility, likely revealing a large, stealthy superstructure with some form of integrated mast, and that'll probably catch the eye of mainstream western defence news sites.

And not long after, I expect a flurry of analysis and speculation about what the facility is meant to be, before eventually settling that this is a test facility for a rather large surface combatant.

 

[no_name]

Doesn't look to aesthetically pleasing, but just my personal opinion.

drawn by somewhere else:

Maybe the back part is meant to represent hangar. Can't see any funnels so maybe it is buried in the large blocks. Wonder if the middle gap is where the aft VLS section is. Maybe the structure is not yet finished.

 

[Blitzo]

Oh it definitely ain't finished.

And the smog doesn't do the structure any clarity.


We should also note that the facility probably won't feature VLS, hangar, smoke stacks, etc, and will be less polished and have more handrails, more windows, and less detail than the real thing.

The superstructure might not even be fully "deck level" if you understand my meaning.

 

[Blitzo]

The other superstructure that was mentioned is probably this one. The terrain (and smog) suggests this mast is taken not far from the 055 structure and the liaoning facility. And the fact that it isn't on the 055 structure makes me think it is not for 055, but possibly for the new frigate.

Via xyz, CDF

 

[by78]

LOL, Bltizo, you beat me to these by seconds...

Well, at the very least we now know that PLAN is going for enclosed masts.

 

[Blitzo]

@by78, got there before you, muwahaha

 

[SinoSoldier]

Amazing day for the navy watchers, apparently. New photo of 055 test building, a second photo of a stealthy superstructure, new submarine.

 

[by78]

This particular enclosed mast might not be for the 055 DDG. The location of this test article seems to pre-date the test aparatus of 055 DDG. In fact, it appears to situate some meters behind 055's 'electromagnetic compatibility testing platform'.

 

[Blitzo]

The size of that integrated mast does suggest it is for a smaller ship, like a frigate.

I wonder if this photo also means they took a clearer photo of the 055 test structure too.


On satellite we can see that the frigate mast is slightly north of the carrier, and the 055 structure is South. Also, we can see on satellite that the frigate mast was constructed at least as early as when the 055 facility's foundations were still being dug.


Edit: also interesting to see the liaoning island has been stripped of its radars — I suppose they don't need it anymore, considering most tests should've been finished and any other tests will simply be done out at sea on the ship itself. I bet the carrier site will be rebuilt accordingly to test the sensors and islands for future carriers.

 

[by78]

Another view: