What second has started?
Yes, the 2nd batch of 055 has started construction.What second has started?
The next batch of 8?
I would be a bit surprised of the second match remains exactly the same as the first. One of the minor changes the second batch could make is upgrading the propulsion from COGAG to Combined gas turbine-electric and gas (COGLAG). The only thing you need to do is to add several (like 2-4) electric motors (which China is good at manufacturing) and two diesel engines. The Japanese did that when they built the Maya class DDG. Compared to the Atagos' four LM-2500 gas turbine engines, the Mayas added two electric motors and two diesel engines for the electric generators. The result is a drastic reduction in noise and more electricity for the radars/sensors. With more power and electricity, maybe the midsection of the vessel could be elongated to add 16-48 more VLS, as well as more powerful sensors to track hundreds of incoming stealth anti-ship missiles like LRASM. Just a guess.Great news. any info, rumors of possible upgrades of the 2nd batch?
The kind of significant improvements you're talking about would justify a change to 55B designation.I would be a bit surprised of the second match remains exactly the same as the first. One of the minor changes the second batch could make is upgrading the propulsion from COGAG to Combined gas turbine-electric and gas (COGLAG). The only thing you need to do is to add several (like 2-4) electric motors (which China is good at manufacturing) and two diesel engines. The Japanese did that when they built the Maya class DDG. Compared to the Atagos' four LM-2500 gas turbine engines, the Mayas added two electric motors and two diesel engines for the electric generators. The result is a drastic reduction in noise and more electricity for the radars/sensors. With more power and electricity, maybe the midsection of the vessel could be elongated to add 16-48 more VLS, as well as more powerful sensors to track hundreds of incoming stealth anti-ship missiles like LRASM. Just a guess.
The kind of significant improvements you're talking about would justify a change to 55B designation.
Good point. For some reason I was thinking the current 55 was already A.I have a feeling the next major variant would be called 055A instead, rather than 055B.