055 DDG Large Destroyer Thread

[by78]

my *guess* is, if the cells are located on a rectangular pattern, it is better geometrically for T sideways or up-down sweeps. if it is on a hex pattern, then it is better for Y axis sweeps which means better 2D sweeps as you less interpolation as you have one more core axis.

Right, that must be one of the reasons.

 

[by78]

Is that so?
I believe 346's array is rectangular and fills the full area of the cover, I don't think 346A would change from that. More importantly, i think if 346A was indeed hexagonal they would have a cover shaped accordingly too.
Edit: well, I was half right. The 346s array doesn't fit the full area because there are four cover mounting holes, however its overall outline can be considered a rectangle. I suspect 346A is similar, with mounting points near the vertical and horizontal edge but with space between the mounting Points and the outer edge for additional roles of TR modules. Certainly its overall outline probably isn't hexagonal. Of course, if there is information to the contrary, I'd be interested in seeing it

Edit2:
SPY-1s actual radar array isn't hexagonal either, and is sort of a weird semi circle. I never knew this. Neat

Well, I did say 'roughly'.

 

[Solaris]

Well, 346's array is definitely hexagonal, as we have photos of it before the cover was installed. I'd expect 346A's array to be of the same shape.

In fact, most large, non-airborne phased arrays have hexagonal shape. I don't know why, but there must be a reason for it.

If by hexagonal you actually mean octagonal, then maybe I would (mostly) agree.

This is really a roughly square-shaped arrays with parts cut out for the 4 vent openings. If there were no vent openings this array would definitely be square (or rectangular).

 

[by78]

If by hexagonal you actually mean octagonal, then maybe I would (mostly) agree.

This is really a roughly square-shaped arrays with parts cut out for the 4 vent openings. If there were no vent openings this array would definitely be square (or rectangular).

Ooops... yes, I did mean octagon. Lol, my bad.

 

[Blitzo]

Well, I did say 'roughly'.

Right, fair enough.

Although I think it would be fair to call the "overall" array outline for 346 a rectangle, and assuming 346A follows similar mounting/TR module distribution, it could be called to having an array outline like that of a square.

Of course, if we apply the same logic to SPY-1 it would be fair to say it is not actually a octogonal array but more of a modified semicircle.

 

[Blitzo]

If by hexagonal you actually mean octagonal, then maybe I would (mostly) agree.

This is really a roughly square-shaped arrays with parts cut out for the 4 vent openings. If there were no vent openings this array would definitely be square (or rectangular).

Good point, the mounting points are just as likely if not more so to be the vents for the gas cooling system... 346A of course has no gas cooling and is only liquid cooled, so there is a good chance it is a true square.

 

[by78]

Right, fair enough.

Although I think it would be fair to call the "overall" array outline for 346 a rectangle, and assuming 346A follows similar mounting/TR module distribution, it could be called to having an array outline like that of a square.

Of course, if we apply the same logic to SPY-1 it would be fair to say it is not actually a octogonal array but more of a modified semicircle.

Agreed... They all kind of resemble a rectangle or square with all four corners lopped off, which might give the impression of being octagonal.

 

[Jovian]

This new mast reminds me of the CEAFAR phased array radars installed on the Australian's Anzac Class HMAS Perth (eight faces at the top). Although this one is more elegant in its design.

... kind of makes me feel that one of the requirement the Chinese has for their newer ship designs, is that the design should look good. I guess they have in mind, the possible export of these ships?

Anyway, thanks for posting these photos!

Jovian

 

[Solaris]

Hard to get a good view of the flat space between the rear hangar area and the presumed middle stack section. I wonder if there is enough space to put 8 of the new VLS modules there. Perhaps in a 2x4 configuration, with 2 modules stacked lengthwise going bow to stern and 4 stacked widthwise going port to starboard.

With these new photos it is now looking to be similar in layout to the 052D, just bigger. The rear mast will house some kind of early warning or volume search radar. The hangar is going to be about 2.5 decks high, with room for probably 2 helos. The next section going forward will house a bank of VLS modules. Then the stacks section. Then the deckhouse. Then the CIWS, the second bank of VLS modules, and the gun. I wonder if the deck is going to be 'clean'. If the height of the forward deck of that model ship means anything, perhaps it will end up being the height of the clean deck. This would require that the main gun be nested somewhat lower, though, to give some clearance to the CIWS.

This new mast reminds me of the CEAFAR phased array radars installed on the Australian's Anzac Class HMAS Perth (eight faces at the top). Although this one is more elegant in its design.

The CEAFAR has panels on the exterior surfaces. This mast looks more like it is trying to stealthify some internal rotating radar located where the bulbous part is.

 

[Jovian]

I guess that's why I said "... it reminds me of...". Thanks for pointing out to everyone the differences between these two systems.

Jovian