Just a nitpick but I think the Sovs only have 2 HHQ-16-style VLS launchers directly behind the HHQ-10 launcher. There may be a single third UVLS launcher one level up behind the other two.
PLAN Sovremenny DDG 136, 137, 138 & 139 Thread
- Thread starter FarkTypeSoldier
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I am sure tht they have 16 celles in place of both single arm launchers.
They hen have another 8 cells on the higher levle just forward of the bridge.
That is what I am showing. I do not have the proper PLAN VLS cells, and am making do for nw with what I have.
I also have the 24 cell HH10 launcher forward of the VLS, and the two CIWS on either side of he hanger.
Ultimately I will get the orrect pieces (for instance, the proper 1130 CIWS).
But for now I am making do with what I have in place of the older Sov pieces.
What we have here is a model of the Nigbo, which is the later Sov. I expect they will be similarly upgraded as 136 is being upgraded now.
In fact, I believe ultimately they will also upgrade the Type 052B vessels in a similar fashion...but leaving them with 16 box launhers for ASMs.
We shall see.
I is a good question.
I am keeping the main gun in expectation of it being put back on. They may have had to take it off to do some of the work internaally to facilitate the other changes.
If they come back with one of their own 130mm guns (which they may do), then I will either scratch build, or find one of those guns to put it its place.
It would make since to replace it really since they seem intent on making all of the weaponry Chinese made which ensures they can repair, maintain and operate them for the long term with no dependencies.
See my DDG-139 Ningbo 1/350 scale model build thread...including the anticpated refit to it like the current DDG-136 refit:
DDG-139 Ningbo in 1/350 Scale with Refithttps://www.sinodefenceforum.com/plan-ddg-139-ningbo-in-1-350-scale-with-refit.t8154/https://www.sinodefenceforum.com/plan-ddg-139-ningbo-in-1-350-scale-with-refit.t8154/
DDG-139 Ningbo in 1/350 Scale with Refithttps://www.sinodefenceforum.com/plan-ddg-139-ningbo-in-1-350-scale-with-refit.t8154/
Removing stuff also takes time and so does rebuilding parts of the structure to make space for new equipment. Fewer people can work on refitting that can be employed in building a new ship so it is to be expected that a great refit costs more time.That is one thorough refit. I'm pretty sure the PLAN could've churned out a brand new 052D in the amount of time they've been refitting the Sov.
kwaigonegin
Colonel
That is one thorough refit. I'm pretty sure the PLAN could've churned out a brand new 052D in the amount of time they've been refitting the Sov.
If the hull is good and has good seakeeping qualities there is no need to scrap it. The Sov has a very good design and the displacement is also well suited for PLAN's current and future operational needs.
The internal structure and compartments may also make it very ideal for refurb and installation of modern subsystems therefore it made sense for them to retrofitted instead of scrapping.
It has very little to do with picking one in lieu of another. The 052D is an entirely different and separate project under an entire different procurement cycle (my guess) so it's not a case of robbing peter to pay paul or cannibalizing one over the other.
I believe the Chinese will refit all four before it is said and done...which is why I built 139 with the refit.
...and they will add years to the usefulness of those hulls and make them more effective in the future.
32 VLS cells for AAW. Eight canister SSMs plus 8 VLS SSMs. That's a heavier anti-surface and anti-air load than they had, especially since they can mix and match the VLS and quad pack them.
I am interested in seeing if they ultimately do the same type of refit to the Type 052Bs, which were basically a Sino version of the Sov.
I think they will...but it will be a while before they do.
...and they will add years to the usefulness of those hulls and make them more effective in the future.
32 VLS cells for AAW. Eight canister SSMs plus 8 VLS SSMs. That's a heavier anti-surface and anti-air load than they had, especially since they can mix and match the VLS and quad pack them.
I am interested in seeing if they ultimately do the same type of refit to the Type 052Bs, which were basically a Sino version of the Sov.
I think they will...but it will be a while before they do.
They are newer and are not in need of coming in for a long term overhaul.
My guess is that they will do the Sovs, each one in order as they reach their scheduled big overhaul, and then do the two Type 052Bs after that.
Each Navy has a schedule for its ships that involves periodic maintenance and overhaul.
Generallly, every couple of years there will be a maintenance period, and then every 5-6 years a larger maintenance-overhaul. Most of them have a half life major refit if necessary. That way, the cost, manpower, parts, technology, etc. can all be budgeted and scheduled in an orderly way to keep the entire fleet up to speed.
I am sure the PLAN has its own parameters and way of doing this like the US Navy and every other major navy does.
Anyhow...time will tell.