antiterror13
Brigadier
Is it 055A for new 8 order? I am expecting 054B for the next batch order .. extra 20 seems a lot for old 054A
055 DDG Large Destroyer Thread
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Is it 055A for new 8 order? I am expecting 054B for the next batch order .. extra 20 seems a lot for old 054A
don't know were they 055s or 055As.
But usually if the modifications of the vessiles are not very significant they won't get a new type code.
During the 30 vessels construction, Type 054A had been modified their sloped hull design, changed their French diesel engine to domestic products, upgraded their 730 CIWS to 1130, upgraded the towed array and variable depth sonar from type 206 to type 311, and upgraded their electronic warfare for the last batch but they are still called 054A not 054B.
Type 052Ds were lengthened by several meters but they are still 052D not 052DL, DL is not an official type code.
So mabe there won't be a type 055A immediately.
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Damn, in ten years that would give China pretty much the same number of modern cruisers/destroyers as the USN Pacific forces.
More like the entire USN. All Ticos are going to retire in the coming decade.
Since 2003 PLAN had launched 3 Type 075, 8 Type 055, 25 Type 052D, 6 Type 052C, 32 Type 054A, 50 Type 056/056A. I think it's more than the USN did during the cold war ( if CVs and SSNs not taken for consideration ).
PLAN's growth has been very impressive, but I wouldn't go that far. The US built 31 Spruance destroyers alone, not to mention their many amphibious ships. Maybe in terms of sheer hull numbers, but that's not exactly an apples to apples comparison.
antiterror13
Brigadier
I am expecting the "new" 054A would have UVLS, in line with other newer Chinese destroyers
I would be very surprised if these new 054As would have UVLS.
But even so they are building two Burkes per year. Looks like they are going to add another $25 billion to the overall budget, much to the Navy, plus they already added tens of billions to shipyard and dockyard construction, overhaul, repair, etc. Of course we'll see if this results in expanded production rate but it's not a guaranteed no.
By end of decade I assume they will still be >90 in the destroyer/cruiser class of ships. They have median estimates of 112 in some publications but the worst case probably won't be lower than 85.
So, do you think China will have >85 destroyers/cruisers in the coming decade? I don't think so but then again I'm not as well-informed.
antiterror13
Brigadier
well, I should have made my comment clearer .. by "new" 054A I meant 054B
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