2009 Update to Jeff Head's PLAN pages

Jeff Head said:

I had another poster on another forum indicate to me that he thought that the TY-90 was a rolling airframe. I indicated that I had read nothing at Jane's, on the Chinese blogs, on Chinese Defense sites, or anywhere else that said this...and that to the contrary they indicated that this missile had always been strictly fin stabilized.

Are you aware of anything different?

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I don't know or don't think the TY-90 is a rolling airframe.

I'm pretty sure the FL-3000N as shown here has to be a rolling airframe. Note again the two receivers. I believe its meant for passive radar seeking. In order for it to scan and locate the radar emitting target, the receivers have to roll around. Its a process similar to conical scanning.

I apologise if I'm jumping into a discussion. I'm fairly new here, but I'm an ol' navy salt from the Cold War.

In regards to the PLAN "Gonzo Station" (Indian Ocean) deployment. As with any naval deployment, there is usually a shore party that shadows the fleet handling the basic logistics duties (i.e. mail, fresh provisions, personnel transfers and medical emergencies).

With the US Fleet, these shore parties are located at overseas bases. However, given the location and lack of overseas bases, how does the PLAN fleet is able to provide shore based support services?

With the US Fleet, these shore parties are located at overseas bases. However, given the location and lack of overseas bases, how does the PLAN fleet is able to provide shore based support services?

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Hi ordie welcome to our forum. Of course I know you from MP.net.

It's my guess that the PLAN is running logistics through Pakistan or some sort of shuttle by using the replinishment ship as a shuttle for supplies.

Ordie said:

I apologise if I'm jumping into a discussion. I'm fairly new here, but I'm an ol' navy salt from the Cold War.

In regards to the PLAN "Gonzo Station" (Indian Ocean) deployment. As with any naval deployment, there is usually a shore party that shadows the fleet handling the basic logistics duties (i.e. mail, fresh provisions, personnel transfers and medical emergencies).

With the US Fleet, these shore parties are located at overseas bases. However, given the location and lack of overseas bases, how does the PLAN fleet is able to provide shore based support services?

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I read somewhere that they'd been given logistical priveleges somewhere in Africa. Pakistan is also an option for them...but it is somewhat further away. I'll try and find the reference.

...and BTW, along with popeye, welcome to SD!

i would believe it would be yemen. pakistan would be no problem but like you said it is farther away. i saw news report from phoenix tv and they interviewed the chinese ambassador to yemen and he was talking about the preparation his embassy has done for this naval deployment and the support from local chinese community.

maybe also ethiopia and soudan

Chinese government has a working relationship with the Somalia government. That's another way they can get provisions there. And its not like Chinese ships are only once in a while passing through that straits. Its like a stream of shipping coming in and out.

crobato said:

Chinese government has a working relationship with the Somalia government. That's another way they can get provisions there. And its not like Chinese ships are only once in a while passing through that straits. Its like a stream of shipping coming in and out.

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The problem becomes what does the Somalian government represent? There hasn't been a fully functional Somali central government for well over 2 decades.

crobato said:

Chinese government has a working relationship with the Somalia government. That's another way they can get provisions there. And its not like Chinese ships are only once in a while passing through that straits. Its like a stream of shipping coming in and out.

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I found quotes where the Somalia government officially welcomed the Chinese mission, but nothing official in terms of logistic support.

I believe the Chinese could certainly use any poert in Somalia based on the quotes, but am not sure what form of support Soamli ports would provide under current conditions. Certainly R&R and food...but I suspect the Chinese would be reluctant to have their sailors go ashore there under the circumstances.

Pakistan is there and could provide a place for the Chinese fleet and sailors to find R&R. Kenya is another possibility. But at this point, I do not believe there will really be any R&R until after the three month exercise is complete and the other three ships rotated in.

Virtually all of the articles speak of the Weishanhu providing the mecial, food, fuel, and logistic support. I believe if that is indeed the case that the Weishanhu herself would have to be relieved or replenished within the 3 month time frame...particularly for fuel.

the gwadar port is mutually beneficial to china and pakistan as it will make India more hesitant to attack the area around it and gives china access to the Indian ocean