PLA Navy news, pics and videos
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Lethe
Captain
A handful of additional 054As could certainly be explained as filling a gap left by a delayed 054B, but talk of "double digit" numbers stretches that explanation, and "parallel production" kills it entirely.
If this information is accurate, I think it reinforces the rumour that "054B" is to be a significantly larger and more capable vessel than 054A, more akin to a FREMM or Akizuki-class vessel. Parallel production in particular, but also "double digit" numbers of additional "054As" (presumably built to a similar standard as the 054APs for Pakistan) are much easier to explain if the two types are in fact substantially different ships intended for different roles.
If this information is accurate, I think it reinforces the rumour that "054B" is to be a significantly larger and more capable vessel than 054A, more akin to a FREMM or Akizuki-class vessel. Parallel production in particular, but also "double digit" numbers of additional "054As" (presumably built to a similar standard as the 054APs for Pakistan) are much easier to explain if the two types are in fact substantially different ships intended for different roles.
That's what I was thinking when I saw this.
If they add a ski jump on the straight deck it's dangerous for pilots cause the planes are too fast when they miss all the wires and have to take back off. Unless they add an angled deck but that's too much work... And the ski jump makes the front of the deck unusable for normal LHD tasks.
EM catapult doesn't take that much space compare to steam catapult. As long as they have sufficient electricity supply on the 076 I feel like this could be a feasible solution. Adding a catapult still allows the deck to operate like a normal LHD when needed. It does cost extra but maybe they decide the value of having these little carriers outweigh the cost.
I guess this is still a much more economic solution compare to designing a brand new STOVL jet only to make dozens of them... Especially when they don't have a powerful enough engine like the F135.
Double digit I take it would be at least 10 ships or more. It means ships with long production cycles and large numbers.
I would agree with you that 054B is a bigger ship, more complex, and likely, longer to make. And I think that is why the 054A production has restarted. The ship can be built quicker, cheaper, and its already proven. From the beginning to steel cutting to training to putting the ship in service, the cycle can be faster. The reason for this is the sudden urgency to put as many ships into service because the circumstances around China has heated up.
Previous to that, the danger of investing in large 'double digit' fleets is the risk that over time, you end up with a huge inventory of obsolete ships. However, China now is going to take that risk, because of circumstances. None of the other programs however, are cancelled, and they will go through with their momentum. From the way I read it, more 052D and 055 will also be produced. The 054B program may already have been signed on and significant development and investment have been made, so this is going to go through. But because of the circumstances, the 054B numbers and time of delivery may not be enough, so they plan on producing more 054A, which they have proven they can produce quickly like hot potatoes.
And yes, very likely the new batch of 054A and the 054B will be built simultaneously because of this. I am going to add that MLUs on the remaining older ships (Sov, 051C, 052B, 054) are going to happen and speed up.
They were quoted as $330 million when offered to the Thai Navy some time ago.
Plus given they are actively developing both Type 382 and Type 364 radar replacements, they intend to upgrade the frigates. I don't think you are seeing the old generic Type 054A, but an improved Type 054A with these rotating dual faced AESAs both in the front and back --- a similar radar setup I envisioned might happen for the Type 076. The improved Type 054A will also serve as a model for MLU with older 054A, and perhaps the 054 and 052B still waiting to get MLU.
Another thing is that once you slap YJ-12 to the 054A, they also become more potent ASuW threats. I wonder if 056 can be fitted with YJ-12 too.
I doubt the PLAN would sign into a danger of having a potentially large fleet of obsolete ships when there is a way out for these large fleet to not be obsolete.
I also have a take that the 054B will have a more ambitious radar setup than the improved or MLU 054A, possibly integrated mast with multiple fixed radars. Hence the delay, the additional costs and complexities of the new ship type.
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Im not sure if POP3 is a fanboy or not. He seems rather aggrasive then most of the fanboy can ever dream of
1. 中国的军舰，设计和装备、建造全是自主的，而且技术水平也已进入世界前列。同类型舰艇，美日的建造费用是我们的数倍甚至十多倍，我们的成本优势巨大。
1. Chinese navy vessel have complete autonomously for design, equipment and construction. And the technological level has also entered the forefront of the world. The US and Japan cost several times or even ten times more to build the same type of ship. We have great costing advantages;
2. 媒体在传什么什么2035年前中国将拥有6艘航母的消息，该打鸡血的时候又战战兢兢不敢鸡血了，海军是按10艘以上航母进行规划的。 ——转自鼎盛pop3
2. The media all rumor about how China owns 6 CV before 2035. When it comes to brag they kind of back down. The navy is planing for 10 CV above till that time.
1. 中国的军舰，设计和装备、建造全是自主的，而且技术水平也已进入世界前列。同类型舰艇，美日的建造费用是我们的数倍甚至十多倍，我们的成本优势巨大。
1. Chinese navy vessel have complete autonomously for design, equipment and construction. And the technological level has also entered the forefront of the world. The US and Japan cost several times or even ten times more to build the same type of ship. We have great costing advantages;
2. 媒体在传什么什么2035年前中国将拥有6艘航母的消息，该打鸡血的时候又战战兢兢不敢鸡血了，海军是按10艘以上航母进行规划的。 ——转自鼎盛pop3
2. The media all rumor about how China owns 6 CV before 2035. When it comes to brag they kind of back down. The navy is planing for 10 CV above till that time.
Pop3 is not a fanboy to the extent that he's our most authoritative source on PLAN affairs. Especially since most of the original big shrimps are 'retired'.
The first point is believable enough. The PLAN is undisputably at the forefront of the world when it comes to naval radars, launch systems, and ship design in general. They still need to work on the missiles, but the ship and sensors are solid. IEPS will be out very soon, so the PLAN certainly is not lacking in the propulsion department either. How can you be more advanced than that?
US ships being ten times the cost sounds ridiculous, but it's also true. The Zumwalts are sitting on a per-unit cost of 7.5 billion. So does a Type 052DL cost more than 750 million USD or not? Yeah, exactly.
On his second point, 10 CV by 2035 is possible. Our projections from 3 years ago to now has been 4-6 CVs by 2030. 003/004 can be in service by 2023-2025, while 005/006 can be in service by 2028-2030.
So, 10 CV in service by 2035 is a stretch, but 8 in service + 2 launched/fitting out by 2035 is not only possible, it should be expected!
lcloo
Captain
Pop3 posted his type 87 naval shoulder strap years ago, 2 straps and three stars. That was his navy rank before he switched his career. Any doubt of him being a fanboy?
Pop3 joined PLAN in 1974 and joined CSSC when he retired. This was posted by him on one of his article around 2016, saying he hold this rank the longest in his PLAN career.
First class Award received for contribution to science and technology to CSSC in year 2XXX.
Pop3 joined PLAN in 1974 and joined CSSC when he retired. This was posted by him on one of his article around 2016, saying he hold this rank the longest in his PLAN career.
First class Award received for contribution to science and technology to CSSC in year 2XXX.
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