tphuang, is this pic of the second 054A coming out of HP? If it is, then it looks like a third is already under construction to the left
FFG 054/054A Thread
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Hey Jeff, that picture is the picture of second 054A from HP. I also think that the 3rd one is under construction to the left, but I think we might need to wait a couple of more months to be sure. There are some speculations that this 5th 054A might have some changes compared to the first 4. But yeah, we will see with newer pictures coming out.
Pointblank
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It means that something is running in the hull, mostly likely the engine. I think what was happening was a engine test run, with the gearbox disengaged, like this picture:
Gas turbines will belch out a lot of smoke when lit. I've seen many ships powered by gas turbines do this when the turbines are lit after a while resting.
Thanks...that was what I thought. It sure looks like another 054A, the cut of the hull is just right. Looks like the Type 054A is going into series production sure enough...I wonder how many they will build in all. It seems like a very modern and effective design and they have had the service and experience with the Type 054 to refine their needs, procedures, and operations.
I'm a bit confused about the difference between 54A and 52B now. I know there are in different segerment. But in terms of 'fire-power' they are quite even. I mean they all carry the same YJ-83s and medium-range SAMs (52B just simply carries 1/3 more missles than 54A). But again I guess that's why PLAN only built two 52Bs. It is really hard to indentify the differences between frgates and destroyers nowadays.
That's because everyone is increasing the tonnage on their ships. But as far as 052B and 054A is concerned, the 052B was just another step in PLAN's incremental upgrade evaluations, while the 054 series will prolly get serial/mass production.
In terms of technology, the 054A is one step forward with VLS SAM system, which is better than the traditional arm launchers.
Pointblank
Senior Member
Also purpose is different between the Type 52B destroyer and the Type 54A frigate. The Type 52B is meant to be an area air defence warship, meant to project a large anti-air bubble around the ship to protect high value assets (such as a carrier), while the Type 54A is meant to be a general purpose warship, that is intended to fulfill most needs of the PLAN, such as convoy escort, and as such, their air defence capabilities is more limited because the air defence system is more limited to protecting the warship itself, and is meant for mass production to flesh out fleet numbers.
Actually, in terms of PLAN thinking, the role of 052B and 054A are extremely similar. They are both basically general purpose warship. 054A having less missiles due to its smaller size. Which begs the question why they needed 052B in the first place. I guess it's too much a leap to go directly from 052/051B to 052C. 052B allowed them to at least get some experience with the new hull before putting the more modern combat system and air defense system into 052C. Whereas 054A, it's here to stay. You are most likely not going to see more 052B coming out with the availability of 054A.
yeah, 054 was basically a test platform imo to get them used to the new hull. In terms of armament, it wasn't that much better than later jiangwei hulls. A stepping stone for 054A.
this is interesting
Anyway, more pictures from HP shipyard.
First, the aforementionned 2nd 054A at HP.
And this interesting, 054A and 526 together in HP, looks like they are the same length
basically, as we know, HP's second one is going really well and near launch status. According to this guy (Pretty reliable source), he passed by HD shipyard and the second in HP is going really well. Despite the fact it's only been in the docks for over 4 months, it's also getting close to being launched.
Anyway, more pictures from HP shipyard.
First, the aforementionned 2nd 054A at HP.
And this interesting, 054A and 526 together in HP, looks like they are the same length
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