China's Type 055 (Renhai) destroyer ("cruiser")

[Ayoshi]

Administrator's note: This is Type 055 thread index

Nanchang (101)
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From: globalsecurity.org

The Type 055 guided missile destroyer [cruiser] must be one of the most anticipated platforms in the Chinese Navy, apart from the aircraft carrier. By 2014 photographs of a radar test installation apparently associated with this programs had finally surfaced on the Chinese internet. It remains unclear whether the Type 055 would prove to be a 160-meter long DDG-57 counterpart or a 180-meter DDG-1000 counterpart.

In marach 2016 Chinese media reported that the 175-meter-long vessel would be outfitted with four new types of missiles, including medium-range air defense and antisubmarine missiles, as well as long-range air defense missiles and supersonic long-range anti-ship missiles. The Type 055 destroyers would also brandish long-range land attack cruise missiles and a sea-based missile interceptor. It would have ninety-six vertical launching systems, meaning the ship would not only be able to carry more weapons, but also larger missiles.

Artist's impression of type 055 destroyer
image taken from sputniknews.com

[MCentaur]

Mizokami continues to call this project a "destroyer" when other sources call it a "cruiser".

Popular Mechanics

China's New Guided Missile Destroyer To Be Its Biggest Yet
By Kyle Mizokami
Oct 24, 2016


Chinese shipyards are reportedly busy constructing what will be the largest destroyers in Asia. The yet-unnamed destroyers, tentatively called the Type 055 class, will be stealthy and packed with firepower. Despite the hype on the internet, it's unlikely to be a super-ship. Instead, China's next jump forward will likely have the Chinese Navy merely catching up with the rest of the region.

The first reports of the Type 055 emerged in 2014, when photos of a giant land-based mockup of the ship's superstructure—particularly the bridge and radar mast—were spotted in Wuhan, China, hundreds of miles from the ocean. The location is the same place where a mockup of China's first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, was constructed in 2009.

(...SNIPPED)

[Ayoshi]

Modules for two Type055 DDG/CG spotted in Shanghai

From China Defense Blog

2014 - New Chinese Cruiser in Wuhan update: 130mm H/PJ-38 main gun, 1130 CIWS and FL-3000N SAM

[LionFlyer]

The RENHAI (that's the new DoD designation) class cruiser is reported to have launched.

[40niner]

LH -- is that translated as 'People's Seas' ?  If so -- it seems that US DOD is 'amplifying it's value' .

[LionFlyer]

Not sure. Without the tonal marks,  it is impossible to tell the characters. The photos of the launch are out. Massive ship, plenty of new antennas for systems which we have not seen before. At 180m in length with a probable displacement well in excess of 10,000 tons, this is a cruiser type vessel.

[40niner]

SCMP: Asia’s biggest, most advanced warship finally launches as China strengthens naval presence

China launched what it calls the most advanced and largest warship in Asia on Wednesday, billing it as a major step forward in the modernisation of its navy, the official military newspaper said.

The first of the new type 055 guided-missile destroyers, which has a displacement of more than 10,000 tons and was built at the Jiangnan shipyard in Shanghai, is equipped with air defence, anti-missile, anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons, the PLA Daily reported.

...
The new destroyer will be similar in size to the 8,000-10,000 tonne Arleigh Burke class destroyers, the main type currently in use with the US Navy.

Previously, the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s most advanced destroyer was the type 052D, a 7,500-tonne vessel.

The new ship will undergo equipment and sea testing, and is expected to enter service next year.

[Ayoshi]

Interaksyon

The state-run Global Times newspaper said the ship was believed to be the first Type 055 destroyer, which is considered to be a successor class to the smaller Type 052D guided missile destroyers.

China is still producing the latter and commissioned one, the Xining, in January.

Chinese media showed photos of the new ship covered in streamers and flags and flanked by rows of sailors. The vessel will have to undergo planned testing before it is commissioned into use.

China's new type of domestically-built destroyer, a 10,000-tonne warship, is seen during its launching ceremony at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, China June 28, 2017. Reuters/China Stringer Network

[Ayoshi]

Photos taken from Navy Recognition via HSH


Detailed view of the integrated mast aboard Type 055
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Detailed view 64x forward VLS, H/PJ-38 main gun and H/PJ-11 CIWS fitted aboard Type 055
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Detailed view 64x forward VLS, H/PJ-38 main gun and H/PJ-11 CIWS fitted aboard Type 055

Navy Recognition

Type 055: A destroyer according to the PLAN
It should be noted that NATO has already classified Type 055 in the category of cruiser (CG). The classification of the vessel defined by the Chinese Navy is clear and unambiguous however: A destroyer, and that is how it should be considered.

In addition to protecting the country's interests against all malicious acts, the other main role of the Type 055 is to escort PLAN carrier strike groups (CSG) that are used to project force, now limited to one with aircraft carrier Liaoning, But it will soon be expanded with the arrival of a new STOBAR carrier and also a conventional CATOBAR carrier in the next 10 years.

Due to its relatively high cost - 6 times that of LPD Type 071 of 20,000 tonnes - and also in relation to its current missions, the number of Type 055 should not exceed that of Type 052D. 26x Type 052D have reportedly been ordered.

Apart from the first Type 055 which was launched this week, there is another vessel under construction in Shanghai and two more in Dalian. All four should be delivered to the Chinese Navy before the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020).

Knowing that according to the PLAN standards, all equipment chosen in a new vessel project must be available (therefore fully developed at the time of vessel launch), what we see today aboard the first four Type 055s should is likely to represent the level of maturity achieved at least three years ago.

It is therefore more than likely that the Type 055 platform will continue to evolve, perhaps starting with on-board propulsion and energy management. For now, Type 055 is fitted with a classic combined gas turbine and gas turbine (COGAG) type of propulsion system with 4 gas turbines and no integrated electrical management system.

[Ayoshi]

China launches second Type 055 destroyer | Janes - 30 April 2018

Photographs posted on Chinese online forums indicate that a second Type 055 destroyer on order for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) was launched on 28 April at the Jiangnan Changxingdao shipyard in Shanghai.

Recently published images indicate that China launched its second Type 055 destroyer on 28 April at the Jiangnan Changxingdao shipyard in Shanghai. (Via haohanfw.com)

[dr demented]

https://thediplomat.com/2018/06/all-you-need-to-know-about-chinas-new-stealth-destroyer/

All You Need to Know About China's New Stealth Destroyer

Addressing misconceptions about China’s latest surface combatant, the Type 055 guided-missile destroyer.
By Rick Joe
June 08, 2018

Approximately one year ago in June 2017, the lead Type 055 large destroyer was launched from Jiangnan shipyard.

With the recent launch of the second Type 055 from Jiangnan and two subsequent Type 055s at Dalian shipyard likely to launch in coming months, it is an instructive time for a proper analysis into this class of warship.

This piece will examine the general characteristics of the Type 055 destroyer informed by the latest open source information and imagery available, and address some mistakes and incorrect interpretations of the ship that has been reported over the last year.

One of the more common errors surrounding the Type 055 is the ship’s size, namely its displacement. Multiple articles from multiple outlets have described the 055 as a “10,000 ton” destroyer. This was likely sourced from the original Chinese state media reports describing the Type 055 as a “10,000 ton destroyer” surrounding its launch. Unfortunately, this figure seems to have been interpreted as the ship’s full displacement.

However, even a cursory glance at the 055’s dimensions and its configuration reveals a 10,000 ton full displacement is unlikely. From satellite imagery, it is possible to see that the Type 055’s length is between 178 to 180 meters, with a beam of 20 to 21 meters. By comparison, the full displacement of a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is about 9,100 tons (with a much smaller length of 155 meters and a beam of 20 meters), and a Ticonderoga-class cruiser displaces about 9,600 tons (with a smaller length of 173 meters with a much smaller beam of 16.8 meters). Therefore it is very unlikely for a Type 055 to only displace a few hundred tons greater than a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke or Ticonderoga despite boasting a significantly greater length and/or beam than both classes.

The Type 055 also has more integrated topside superstructures (smoke stack and amidships structures), therefore the ship’s overall volume and thus its displacement should be significantly greater than that of a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke or Ticonderoga, perhaps up to a third. A 13,000 ton full displacement was suggested by an official PLA affiliated website in 2017, and this ballpark figure has also been suggested by some credible insiders in the Chinese-language defense watching community.

For the sake of brief comparison, at 13,000 tons full displacement, the Type 055 is smaller than the 15,000 ton Zumwalt class destroyer, but a good 2,000 tons larger than the next largest modern “Aegis type” surface combatant, the 11,000 ton South Korean Sejong-class destroyer.

As an aside, the reason why Chinese state media described the 055 as a “10,000 ton destroyer” is likely less a reflection of the ship’s actual technical displacement (whether it be full, standard or empty), and more related to the linguistic shorthand and cultural appreciation of the number “ten thousand” in Chinese culture. Ten thousand is considered a number of triumph. For example, Chinese emperors in antiquity were often hailed by their subjects to live for 10,000 years, and even in the modern age, the Forbidden City’s gates are emblazoned with characters hailing the People’s Republic of China to last for 10,000 years.

Design

The Type 055 adopts a conventional flared hull with distinctive stealthy features including an enclosed bow, where mooring points, anchor chains and other equipment are hidden belowdecks. The bow armament adopts a similar configuration to the 052C/D, with the main gun located most anterior, followed by a 64 cell block of VLS, and the eleven barrel H/PJ-11 30mm close in weapons system (CIWS).

The main deckhouse is similar to the proven configuration that the preceding 052D adopts, with fixed four face phased array radars (PARs) arranged for overlapping 360 degree coverage. However, the mast atop the deckhouse is a more advanced integrated mast, with sensors and datalinks integrated into a single structure.

Similarly, the amidships area and the smoke stack is a continuous single structure extending from the main deckhouse. A continuous integrated structure not only provides additional volume for various uses (such as amidships RHIB davits), but also reduces deck clutter and the ship’s associated radar cross section. The single integrated smoke stack is notable, as it appears to shield the exhausts from the ship’s gas turbines to a greater degree, likely to reduce infrared signatures and radar cross section.

Moving posteriorly, there is a 48 cell block of VLS, leading to the aft helicopter hangar structure featuring two helicopter hangars. A step structure atop this hangar was once suspected to possibly accommodate a volume search radar, but instead will likely be equipped with a small dome or other electronics. A 24 cell HHQ-10 missile CIWS and four decoy turrets are equipped atop the hangar. A large stern helipad, greater in size than that on the 052C/D destroyers, accommodates the ship’s organic helicopter complement.

There have been some reports that the Type 055 may involve aluminium in its construction, however at this stage there are no credible indicators for this suggestion.

Armament

The bulk of the Type 055’s firepower – as in all modern surface combatants – resides in its missile armament that can be judged in its VLS.

The Type 055 uses the same universal VLS on the Type 052D, but with a larger total cell count of 112. As written elsewhere, the Chinese Navy’s universal VLS can fire missiles in a cold launch method, or a hot launch using concentric canister launch. Each individual square VLS cell has a diameter of 0.85 meters, significantly greater than that of the Mk-41 VLS at 0.635 meters or even the Zumwalt class’ Mk-57 PVLS at 0.71 meters. The universal VLS comes in three lengths, the greatest being 9 meters, which is longer than the Mk-41’s largest strike length variant at 7.7 meters or the Mk-57’s 7.81 meters. The Type 055’s beam and draft is likely sufficient for all 112 VLS to accommodate the largest 9 meter variant.

What this means in practice, is that an individual Chinese universal VLS cell can accommodate larger missiles than other international equivalents. In the case of Type 055, its 112 VLS count is lower than the Ticonderoga-class’ 122 or Sejong-class’ 128, but each cell has a larger internal volume, with the potential to carry a larger missile.

The Type 055’s VLS will likely field existing weapons that have been integrated into the Type 052D, such as the YJ-18 anti ship missile, and current variants of HHQ-9 naval SAMs (thought to be the B variant). But the nature of the universal VLS, means any future payloads could be potentially integrated into the system, such as future SAMs, AShMs, LACMs, ASROCs or even ballistic missile defense payloads.

Aside from VLS, the H/PJ-38 130mm main gun is the same type which equips the Type 052D, but curiously lacks a muzzle brake as opposed to the Type 052D. The aforementioned H/PJ-11 and HHQ-10 CIWS and decoy launchers provide last ditch air defense, and panels on the sides of the amidships region likely hide standard triple 324mm torpedo tubes for short range last ditch ASW.

Future Type 055 variants may alter the VLS count and adopt more exotic armament such as rail guns or directed energy weapons.

Sensors

The Type 055’s integrated mast is suspected to likely mount a type of X band active phased array radar in four fixed panels.

The Type 055 is equipped with a further evolution of the Type 346 active phased array radar, dubbed Type 346B. The original Type 346 was a dual band radar in the S and C bands, however it is unknown if the Type 055 retains the C band radar given the likely presence of an X band radar. There are some suggestions Type 346B may use Gallium Nitride technology, which would likely be within China’s current industrial capabilities.

Some publications have mentioned the low placement of the 055’s main Type 346B arrays as a limitation or flaw in its design, which warrants some consideration. Warships such as the Royal Navy’s Type 45 and Indian Kolkata-class mount S band arrays atop a high mast, to provide greater radar horizon detection range against low flying targets. However, mounting arrays in a higher position also limits the size of the array, meaning the absolute power of the radar system is also reduced.

The Type 055, Type 052C/D, and Burke class adopt a “lower mounted” configuration. Some ships such as the Japanese Kongo/Atago-class, and the Spanish F100 and Australian Hobart-classes mount their main radar arrays at a slightly higher level than Burkes, Type 052C/D or Type 055 but lower than Type 45 or Indian Kolkata-class destroyers.

For the Type 055, the limitations of mounting their Type 346B at the level of the main deckhouse does not inherently compromise the ship’s overall radar horizon range, as the integrated mast above the deckhouse will likely mount the aforementioned X band radar. X band radars are better suited for horizon search and discrimination of low flying targets compared to S band radars, and having a dedicated high mounted X band radar allows the benefits of a larger and more powerful S band radar in the form of the Type 346B. Overall, the radar configuration of any warship is a compromise between various competing requirements, and each configuration has different advantages and disadvantages.

Outside of radars, other arrays and mounts for ESM, ECM and EO sensors and datalinks have also been identified around the ship, but the designation of these systems are not known. Based on the external mounts that can be identified they are likely a newer generation than what was present on existing ships like Type 052D.

In terms of subsurface sensors, an opening in the Type 055’s similar to that of Type 052D and Type 054A suggests it contains a variable depth sonar, with a linear towed array sonar expected as well. Images during the launch of the first Type 055 also demonstrate a large bulbous bow indicate of a large bow sonar, significantly greater than what existing Chinese surface combatants have been equipped with.

Powerplant

The Type 055 does not field an integrated electric propulsion system.

For propulsion, the Type 055 is equipped with four QC-280 gas turbines, each rated at 28 MW, in a COGAG arrangement. For generating electricity, a brief view of a CAD image in 2017 indicated it is equipped with two pairs of three generators, likely small gas turbines, for a total of six generators. It has been suggested that these gas turbines may be QD50s rated at 5 MW, which would provide a total of 30 MW to the ship. By comparison, the Flight III Burke is equipped with three 4MW gas turbine generators for a total of 12 MW.

The greater power generating capacity is likely to supply the variety of new generation sensors aboard the ship, which are likely to consume substantial amounts of power. Future variants of 055 are expected to field IEPS, which would enable the ship to field even more powerful sensors and weapons such as rail guns and DEWs.

Total production run

A total of six Type 055s have been visually identified up to this point. Two Type 055s have been launched and are being fitting out at Jiangnan (the first likely to start sea trials later this year), with modules for another Type 055 identified at Jiangnan as well. Two Type055s in late stages of assembly at Dalian will likely be launched later this year, and modules for another Type 055 have been identified at Dalian.

Credible rumors over the years have put the first batch of 055s at greater than 8 ships, so in the foreseeable future it is likely that we will see additional 055 modules at both Jiangnan and Dalian.

We have no indications for the total number of Type 055s the Chinese Navy may seek, but some rumors have suggested the South Sea Fleet’s 9th Destroyer Flotilla may receive the first four Type 055s, followed by the North Sea Fleet’s 1st Destroyer Flotilla. Based on this pattern, it may suggest that the Navy either intends to equip one Destroyer Flotilla of each of their three fleets with four Type 055s, which would indicate a 12 strong Type 055 fleet. However, the Navy may also intend each of the Navy’s six Destroyer Flotillas to be equipped with four Type 055s, which would indicate a 24 strong Type 055 fleet.

[adroth]

China launches two Type 055 destroyers simultaneously in Dalian
Andrew Tate, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
03 July 2018

http://www.janes.com/article/81499/china-launches-two-type-055-destroyers-simultaneously-in-dalian?utm_campaign=CL_%20Jane%27s%20360-July-4-2018_PC5308_e-production_E-12155_KP_0704_0601&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua
   
Two 10,000-tonne Type 055 destroyers were launched simultaneously by the Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) on 3 July in a move that reflects the rapid pace at which China is building this new class of warship. The latest ships are the third and fourth to be launched, with all four entering the water in a little over a year.

The first Type 055 was launched at the Jiangnan Changxingdao shipyard near Shanghai in June 2017 and the second one in April 2018.

< Edited >


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[dr demented]

https://thediplomat.com/2018/07/china-launches-two-next-generation-destroyers/

China Launches Two Next-Generation Destroyers

Type 055 destroyers are bigger than US cruisers but carry fewer missiles.

By Steven Stashwick
July 05, 2018

On July 3, China launched two new Type 055 destroyers in Dalian, at the same yards that refit and built the PLA Navy’s two aircraft carriers. The Type 055 brings significantly greater capabilities over the Type 052D destroyers that preceded it and are closer in size and capability to U.S. Ticonderoga-class cruisers.

At nearly 600 feet long and 13,000 tons displacement, the Type 055 is larger than the U.S. Navy’s Ticonderoga-class cruisers, but smaller than its new Zumwalt-class destroyers, which are roughly 9,800 tons and 16,000 tons, respectively. The Type 055’s primary armament are its 112 vertical launch tubes capable of launching air defense missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, or strike cruise missiles for attacking targets on land. This is a significant increase in capacity over the China’s Type 052D destroyers, which have 64 vertical launch tubes, but not that many more than U.S. Arleigh Burke destroyers’ 96 launch tubes, and still less than the Ticonderoga cruiser’s 122 launch tubes.

The Type 055’s superstructure appears to borrow heavily from later U.S. Arleigh Burke designs, but mated with a high-freeboard hull more commonly seen on advanced amphibious ships like China’s Type 071 LPD and the U.S. San Antonio-class. U.S. analysts and ship designers have previously considered using the San Antonio hull-form for the U.S. Navy’s next generation cruiser.

Some Chinese analysts claim that the Type 055 may one day be armed with an advanced electromagnetic railgun. The ships appear to have been built with significant excess electric generation capacity, suggesting that the hulls were envisioned to accommodate some sort of future energy weapon. Earlier this year photos appeared suggesting that China may have installed a prototype railgun on a small amphibious vessel for at-sea testing.

The Type 055’s 130 millimeter gun is similar to the U.S. Navy’s 5 inch gun, which has an advertised range of about 13 nautical miles, though both are believed capable of firing advanced munitions with longer ranges. The U.S. Navy’s electromagnetic railgun prototypes are envisioned to shoot projectiles at ranges between fifty and one hundred nautical miles.

Since the Type 055 is closer in size to a U.S. cruiser, it is possible that the PLA Navy intends to use them to escort its growing fleet of aircraft carriers. In the U.S. Navy, cruisers typically accompany aircraft carriers and coordinate air defense for the overall strike group.

China has now launched four Type 055s but none are yet in commissioned service with the PLA Navy. The first two were built in Shanghai; the first was launched last June, and the second this past April.

While the pace of China’s warship construction is extraordinary, the PLA Navy still lags behind the U.S. Navy in the number of advanced large surface combatants. China operates about 16 advanced destroyers in addition to the four Type 055s not yet in service, and about 10 more are under construction, including several more Type 055s.

The U.S. Navy currently operates sixty-five Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, with another 12 planned or under construction. A new “Flight III” variant of the Arleigh Burkes with an entirely new advanced air defense radar and substantially increased electrical power generation are planned to enter service in the early 2020s.

The United States also operates 22 Ticonderoga-class cruisers, though these ships are rapidly nearing the end of their intended service life. The U.S. Navy has considered decommissioning the class before, but are now likely to be extended until a replacement cruiser has been chosen and funded.

[adroth]

China's new destroyers: 'Power, prestige and majesty'
Brad Lendon-Profile-Image
By Brad Lendon, CNN

Updated 0335 GMT (1135 HKT) July 14, 2018

https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/13/asia/china-new-destroyers-intl/index.html


Hong Kong (CNN)China's navy is getting bigger and better and doing it at a speed unmatched by any nation around the globe.

Earlier this month, the People's Liberation Army Navy launched two 13,000-ton Type 055 guided-missile destroyers -- Asia's largest, most sophisticated and most lethal combat ships.

"This ship in particular has a sophisticated design, stealth features, radars, and a large missile inventory. It is larger and more powerful than most US, Japanese, and South Korean destroyers," said Rand Corp. senior analyst Timothy Heath.

The double launching shows Beijing's unmatched military shipbuilding ability and its desire to project naval power far from Chinese shores, said Heath and other military analysts.

< Edited >

[adroth]

China launched two more massive Type 055 warships
Another Record

By Jeffrey Lin and P.W. Singer  July 17, 2018

https://www.popsci.com/china-type-055-warships-launch#page-2

On July 3rd, China launched two gigantic "Renhai" Type 055 guided missile destroyers (DDG). Along with one 25,000 ton Type 071 landing platform dock, another 13,000-14,000 ton Type 055 DDG launched this April, and one 7,500 ton Type 052D, China has launched nearly 80,000 tons of major surface combatant warships.

< Edited >

The ships were launched at the sprawling Dalian shipyard (also were the CV-17 aircraft carrier was built). Each Type 055 destroyer (classified as a cruiser by the US Navy due to its large size and arsenal) is 590 feet long and 65 feet wide; it is the world's second largest Post-Cold War surface combatant, after the Zumwalt stealth destroyer. The ships' primary combat systems are giant Type 342X radars and 112 vertical launch system (VLS) cells. The Chinese 'universal' VLS are 2.1 feet wide and 29.5 feet long, making them much larger than the 2.3 feet wide and 25.9 feet long Mk 57 VLS, the largest US VLS system. While the Ticonderoga cruisers and South Korean KDX-III destroyers have more VLS cells than the Type 055; the Type 055 can carry more ammunition mass in its larger VLS.

< Edited >