056 class FFL/corvette

no_name said:

Maybe the type 056 can be used to direct type 022 FACs ?

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The doctrines for the 022 FAC is far different from something like the 056 corvette - the 022 FAC more in line with the old Soviet's missile boat attack doctrine, 056 corvette is more conventional, geared for low-intensity operations. And if needed over-the-horizon targeting assistance, datalink from aerial platform would be more suitable.

no_name said:

Maybe the type 056 can be used to direct type 022 FACs ?

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Any platform that works with FAC's need to have good air defence capabilities, since the biggest threat to to FAC's remain aircraft.

Re: »Ø¸´: Re: Type 056 OPV/Corvette

Australia is looking to build up to 20 "offshore combat vessels" that will serve similar roles as the 056:




Like the StandardFlex system that I mentioned earlier, the Aussies are looking into plug-in container modules for add multi-role capability/flexibility.

IMO if the PLAN was willing to develop such a system for the 056, it'd allow the 056 Corvette to be built in base configuration inexpensively, and add mission modules on as-needed basis.

As for UAV's, ship-based UAV's usually don't have the payload for sonar and torpedoes. They're useful for surveillance since a UAV can fly much faster than a ship. For ASW role you still need a real ASW helicopter.

tphuang said:

You really do overestimate Z-9C production. They have been producing for so many years and still only have 3 regiments. If the production for 056 goes up to 30 to 50 like some sources are saying, then they are really not going to have enough Z-9Cs.

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There are many reasons why there are 3 regiments of Z-9C's, limited production capacity being only one potential reason. I personally have no reason to believe they could not equip every single one of those "50" corvettes with its own Z-9.

tphuang said:

This may surprise you, but PLAN does believe in using submarine chasers in green water ASW operations.

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It surprises me that you know that since I doubt you have personal acquaintences in the PLAN ASW community.

duskylim said:

The forward 76 mm rapid-fire gun is a good weapon, well-suited to the ship's role, but the 4-box launcher missile load for a ship of her tonnage is just too small.

That lack of armament seems to be a disturbing trend in the newer PLAN vessels.

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Not really. The Flight IIA AB's have NO AShM launchers at all. No VLS cells house antiship missiles ever since the antiship Tomahawks were all converted to LACM's many years back. The only thing an AB can do antiship-wise is to try and pump some air defense missiles into enemy ships. The ESSM can only do this within visual range of the fleet, and the SM-2 can only do this OTH if it has external cueing (like from an aircraft) or possibly via IR tracking if it is the latest version (Block IIIB). The USN's antiship mission has been relegated to fighters only at this point. In this day and age it has become progressively more difficult for surface ships to get within launch range of their antiship missiles before being attacked by the enemy's defenses. Especially the latest YJ-8 with a range of 180km which is what this class is likely to carry.

duskylim said:

This ship should mount from 8 to 12 box-launchers with a load out of say 8 AShM and 4 ASW missiles.

To be more effective in dealing with multiple axes attack from AShM's, another 2 RAM-like missile launchers should also be mounted on either beam, so complete coverage can be attained.

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I have no idea where you think you can put all that. Those "RAM-like" launchers require an entire deck below the launcher for additional hardware, and there is no deck space to boot.

ZTZ99 said:

There are many reasons why there are 3 regiments of Z-9C's, limited production capacity being only one potential reason. I personally have no reason to believe they could not equip every single one of those "50" corvettes with its own Z-9.


It surprises me that you know that since I doubt you have personal acquaintences in the PLAN ASW community.

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I don't profess to know exactly how they think, but they are still continually upgrading Type 037 sub chasers at the moment. For example, a while ago, they put TAS on some of them. Up until now, PLAN relies on diesel submarines and sub chasers to do ASW missions since they have been extremely lacking in aerial assets. They are changing that in the coming years as they have more fixed wings and rotary ASW assets coming into service, but that takes time and experience.

As I've said before, I believe 056's role is to replace Jianghu and Type 037. I would not judge 056 based on some CGs from magazines.

tphuang said:

I don't profess to know exactly how they think, but they are still continually upgrading Type 037 sub chasers at the moment. For example, a while ago, they put TAS on some of them. Up until now, PLAN relies on diesel submarines and sub chasers to do ASW missions since they have been extremely lacking in aerial assets. They are changing that in the coming years as they have more fixed wings and rotary ASW assets coming into service, but that takes time and experience.

As I've said before, I believe 056's role is to replace Jianghu and Type 037. I would not judge 056 based on some CGs from magazines.

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I think the more likely explanation is that they are making due with what they have, including upgrading 037's. I mean look at Ludas and Jianghus, those things are still in service and they wouldn't last a day in a modern shooting war. Far more effective is sending helos or shooting long-range and fast-acting rocket-boosted torpedoes to an enemy sub's location. The PLAN is starting to develop this capability more, and until these systems fully mature, they will continue using Type 037's. But that is a far cry from believing in the doctrine of sub-chasing with depth charges. I would say that they tolerate the Type 037's more than they believe in their effectiveness in modern ASW ops. Which is why I do not believe the Type 056 has an ASW mission. I think this class is mostly for green water patrol and escort duties, drug interdiction, anti-piracy, etc. like most other OPV's/corvettes, especially those without helicopters.

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Well it looks there is a warship under construction there, I do hope its not the OPV model we have seen before. If it is I hope it is better equipped. A hangar at least, even the Indian Kamorta class has a hangar.