If the range estimate is correct that would make this missile one of the only, if not the only, currently active ASROC-type weapon that can reach out to the first convergence zone. That would be perfect for a ship like the 056A whose ability to embark a helicopter is not guaranteed.
PLAN ASW Capability
- Thread starter shen
- Start date
I believe there has been speculation that the 056As actually do not carry YJ-83s and actually carry this long range ASROC weapon in lieu. Based on the video we have of this weapon being test fired, it does appear to use the same canister as YJ-83, so I think all ships which can carry YJ-83s should be considered with the possibility that some of their AShMs may potentially be this new ASROC type weapon.
I also would not be surprised if this new weapon is also compatible with the universal VLS, to make use of the larger diameter of the universal VLS vs the 054A's VLS which limits the size of the VL ASROC type weapon that those ships use.
This is the reason why I would have liked to have seen 2 quadruple slant launchers instead of 2 double slant launchers on the 056A. It clearly has the room to do so:
This would afford it some antiship as well as ASW coverage with 4 of each type.
As for its suitability for vertical launch, this would obviously depend on how much thrust the booster has. Though no doubt this would not be a difficult task to accomplish.
antiterror13
Brigadier
With 2 quadruple slant launchers the 056A could go with 4 ASW + 4 antiship or 6 + 2 or even all 8 ASW depending on the desired mission. 8 ASW would be a reason for a 056A to be grouped with a 056 for light antishipping contingencies.
..following are clearer pictures of the antisubmarine platform..
.. up to now, China has constructed at least 8 GX 6 anti-submarine patrol aircraft..
..4 already commissioned, the rest awaiting commissioning...this will increase the hunting for subs capability..please see my #1694 (
.. up to now, China has constructed at least 8 GX 6 anti-submarine patrol aircraft..
..4 already commissioned, the rest awaiting commissioning...this will increase the hunting for subs capability..please see my #1694 (
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..following are clearer pictures of the antisubmarine platform..
.. up to now, China has constructed at least 8 GX 6 anti-submarine patrol aircraft..
..4 already commissioned, the rest awaiting commissioning...this will increase the hunting for subs capability..please see my #1694 (
That's an most interesting image ! Any info on where the first and third was taken ?
This is the unblurred set. However, I haven't found out where it was taken. He also made a point that the 4 in this set preceded the 4 spotted at Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation so the total number of GX6s is at least 8; 4 in service + 4 imminent delivery.
This is the unblurred set. However, I haven't found out where it was taken. He also made a point that the 4 in this set preceded the 4 spotted at Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation so the total number of GX6s is at least 8; 4 in service + 4 imminent delivery.
interesting if true, although it may be that the aircraft in this set were later moved back to Shaanxi (though unlikely).
If the aircraft in this set were indeed in a later stage of flight testing/delivery readiness, and the previous Shaanxi photo with 4 KQ-200s and 4 KJ-500s don't have any overlapping aircraft in both pictures then I think the total number of KQ-200s that are in service or about to be in service is probably over 8, considering at least 2 entered service in late 2015 and another couple or so were said to have been inducted last year.
So if the photos don't show any overlap of airframes I think there's a possibility of 12 or so KQ-200s in service/delivered/imminent delivery.
anyway, it's good that Shaanxi seems to be producing quite a few KQ-200s now. They need to dumplingize KQ-200s as fast as possible, not only for their immensely important ASW utility but also for their MPA and general ISR role.
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This is the unblurred set. However, I haven't found out where it was taken. He also made a point that the 4 in this set preceded the 4 spotted at Shaanxi Aircraft Corporation so the total number of GX6s is at least 8; 4 in service + 4 imminent delivery.
I think I've found the place. It's lingshui. 18°29'41"N 109°59'21"E
that particular photo was taken on 10th May this year, and are in service aircraft.
Considering that, and considering the Shaanxi 4 KQ-200 4 KJ-500 photo was taken on 16th May this year, I do believe all of the aircraft in the photos are probably all unique airframes. It means there is a minimum of 8 confirmed in service or to be delivered Y-8Q airframes (four at Lingshui in this photo, four at Shaanxi). But I'm not sure if there are any other, or if the ones at Lingshui are meant to be the first KQ-200 unit.