FFG 054/054A Thread

[tphuang]

more photos of these guys, btw, notice all of the type 022 FACs around 054A. I forgot HP is also producing this, lol.

from this picture, it looks to me like the main gun is smaller than the 100 mm one that we saw on other ships, so 76 mm one is a possibility for sure.

 

[ying1978]

another 054a, the type 730 is clearly visible.

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[tphuang]

another 054a, the type 730 is clearly visible.

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wow, thanks ying. I love this one, because it's more clear than the ones I posted. Plus, we can clearly see the type 730 CIWS on this one.

I think huitong also posts a zoomed in version.

The SSM launchers look like square tube ones (although still a little hard to tell).

Also, there is some kind of orange cover over where the air defense VLS cells are.

seems to be 4 illuminators as indicated on the model. Not sure if they are orekh or not.

anything else, guys?

 

[chicket9]

So there are at least 3 054As under construction?

And how many yards can exactly build these things? Can Dalian and Jiangnan (though they are contracted to build destroyers, these massive yards are more than capable of churning out 054s at faster rates)

 

[tphuang]

So there are at least 3 054As under construction?

And how many yards can exactly build these things? Can Dalian and Jiangnan (though they are contracted to build destroyers, these massive yards are more than capable of churning out 054s at faster rates)

we saw that at least two are in construction in Huangpu and 1 is in construction in Hudong. Most likely, there is a second in construction in HD (since China builds things in pairs). That means, probably 4 right now. I think once Jiangnan is available, it should build 052Ds rather than worrying about 054A. And Dalian should just stick with its 051 series and Varyag.

 

[swimmerXC]

.....

 

[tphuang]

darn, now I feel like an idiot commenting on the orange thing, it just turns out to be CMC propoganda banners!

:nono: :nono: :nono: :nono:

Note, I took a look at that one image I posted with the ASROC type missile launchers and compared it with the one on huitong's site, it looks like a PSed photo. I apologize for that.

 

[chicket9]

Its funny to read the author's notes at the beginning of Janes Fighting Ships, in the recent 5 years on China.

It has been actually good to see a separate subsection titled 'CHINA' in the author's fore notes...this would not have been the case say before 2000 when no body really seriously contended China to be the next big naval power.

Anyway, the guy writing these notes seems constantly changing his position on PLAN etc...

Eg, 2005-2006, writes ofa rapid modernisation programme bla bla bla

then 2006-2007 edition, he says basically 'oh yea, they are now slowing down and this year will be unlikely to induct new ships until sea trials are completed...Type 022 missile FAC is only coming out slowly, and production of the destroyers and 054 seems to have halted for now...."

Problem with writing Janes, is that information especially on PLAN could change very suddenly...as we did see in the last 2 months...

054A started production (4 ships...thats considerably fast)
071 LPD
and HUGE number of 220X....contrary to what Janes said. Though this year is truly not as astounding as the last 3, this is still some considerable programme of building new ships. I mean, Russia would love to have the money to build even four new corvettes, and Italy/France would love to have seen their new FFG programme in service by now.

 

[tphuang]

I think this year's activity has actually been greater than last years. I haven't been following the SSK production, kind of wondering if improved Songs are still getting produced or what. In terms of surface combatant. Last year, we just saw 051C getting fitted. This year, we saw the second one launched and then 1 054A launched already, the LPD getting built and unknown number of type 22s.

Anyhow, just something on Type 730.
basically, just stating that it requires one deck level.

you can probably see with the image on the bottom.

On a side note, for those who can read Chinese, there is this thread on war-sky on type 730 CIWS vs AK-630. Apparently, one of the posters actually knows 730 quite well.

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- claims that 730 has much better performance than Goalkeeper
- 730 is expensive but cheaper than 2 630, electro-optic director is expensive
- there is a difference between AK-630 and the domestic 630 with upgraded fire control
- claims that facing multiple targets, within the 120 degree engagement envelope of 730, its killing ability is unmatched by other CIWS.
- a general distaste toward the performance of Kashtan, apparently many PLA people has been to the Russian testing center

 

[chicket9]

Wow,

If all that was true, I'd be too impressed and too happy...

But sounds overrated. I am confident that Type 730 is superior to AK630, but even if it is better than Goalkeeper, can't be better by miles...

And besides, even if it is 'superior' in killing power than other CIWS, one has to wonder that China is one step behind considering many modern navies have now resorted to RAM and the Russians have successfully integrated SAM with their Kashtan. The new generation of CIWS is no longer the gun, but the missile...so Type 730 cannot compete in that sense.