On the PLAN Aircraft Carrier thread we had a discussion about helos for the Carrier and other PLAN vessels (Frigates and Destroyers). The question was raised whether a PLAN Type 054A could carry a SH-60 helo. I was asked if I would use my 1/350 scale models to check it out.
It just so happens in my own HP Shipyard annex in Idaho, I am building two Type 054A FFGs in 1/350 scale now as escorts to my PLAN CV-16 Liaoning and to accompany the DDG-171, Haikou I have already built. (.) So I took a 1/350 scale SH-60 and played with it:
Here's the results. 1st, will it fit on the flight deck with its rotors operating:
Next, would the SH-60 fit into the hanger? As you can see, with the rear aileron in the horizontal position, it is a no go. But once folded, watch what happens.
Finally, would it fit all the way into the hangar, or be too long. Here's the answer to that...and it is a yes too.
So, yes, physically a SH-60 will fit onto and into a Type 054A Frigate. If the hangar on the Type 052C is large enough, it would fit there too. Clearly, it could fit and operate off the carrier.
Now, the question is, will some of those twenty-four S-70 helos (the export version of the UH-60 Blackhawk, which is the Army version of the SH-60 Seahawk) that China purchased be refitted for naval work...or, has the PLAN been working on building their own helo from those exampes?
It just so happens in my own HP Shipyard annex in Idaho, I am building two Type 054A FFGs in 1/350 scale now as escorts to my PLAN CV-16 Liaoning and to accompany the DDG-171, Haikou I have already built. (.) So I took a 1/350 scale SH-60 and played with it:
Here's the results. 1st, will it fit on the flight deck with its rotors operating:
Next, would the SH-60 fit into the hanger? As you can see, with the rear aileron in the horizontal position, it is a no go. But once folded, watch what happens.
Finally, would it fit all the way into the hangar, or be too long. Here's the answer to that...and it is a yes too.
So, yes, physically a SH-60 will fit onto and into a Type 054A Frigate. If the hangar on the Type 052C is large enough, it would fit there too. Clearly, it could fit and operate off the carrier.
Now, the question is, will some of those twenty-four S-70 helos (the export version of the UH-60 Blackhawk, which is the Army version of the SH-60 Seahawk) that China purchased be refitted for naval work...or, has the PLAN been working on building their own helo from those exampes?
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