Accroding to this, both of these ships are in service. They are currently being evaluated in terms of cpabilities, but its not very clear. Can anyone confirm that both ships are in service? Or are they just acting as test platforms? And does anyone also have any info as to if more hull s are going to be built?
Those referenced are the original two Type 054, Ma'anshan frigates. They are in service.
Since then, a newer, upgrade class has started building, the Type 054A, some are calling the Jaingkai. They are heavier (4,000 tons est.) and carry a 32 cells VLS launcher for medium range missiles, while the original carried an older (many would say out of date) 8-cell short range missile launcher. The new upgrade also has a marginally larger helo deck plus some other changes, particularly in sensors and CIWS.
Here are some pics.
Original Class Type 054 Ma'anshan (2)
New class Type 054A Jiangkai (4, more building)
Altogther there are now 6 of these new frigates, two to the original Type 054, and four to the Type 054A. More of the Type 054A are building.
Hope that helps. Here's another link that details the differences:
NOTE: Somehow, the original post showed up as the last post in my browser...as a single post on the last page. I thought it was a new post and so repsonded to it. Turns out, it was the first post. Wierd.
054AHD-VLS-June22.jpg
054AHD-June22.jpg
