Type-022 class
NATO: Houbei class
Overview
Type 022 (Houbei) class
Top view of Type 022 (Houbei) class moving at high speed.
Source: www.chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com -
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Description
Introduction
The Type 022 is a modern missile boat of Chinese origin. It is also known in the West as the Houbei class. These ships have a very distinctive stealth design and feature a colorful disruptive camouflage pattern. The Type 022 was developed to replace the myriad of older and obsolete patrol craft. They also provide near shore protection and free up frigates and other vessels for duties further away from shore.
Layout
The Type 022 has a very distinctive design. It is a catamaran with a wave-piercing bow. This design is believed to provide a stable launch platform and is better suited to handle difficult sea conditions. The multi-facetted "stealth" superstructure should result in a reduce radar signature. The rear superstructure houses the launchers for the anti-ship missiles. Since the Type 022 is a small vessel with a limited amount of weapons, sensors and mechanical systems it requires a crew of only 12 people.
Firepower
The predominant role of the Type 022 is to saturate enemy fleet defenses with anti-ship missiles. The main armament consists of eight launchers for YJ-83 subsonic anti-ship missiles. For self-defense and patrol duties a 30mm H/PJ-13 gatling type autocannon is fitted on the bow. This can be used to engage surface targets and nearby helicopters. Unlike a true CIWS it cannot be used against incomming missiles and fast moving aircraft. Presumably man portable SAM systems are carried as well.
Sensors
The Type 022 has a basic sensor suite. The H/LJQ-362 surface search radar and H/ZFJ-1A fire-control system provide firing solutions for the anti-ship missiles. As a standalone weapon system the Type 022 cannot use the full range potential of its anti-ship missiles. For longer range target acquisition the Type 022 relies on external sensor information. This can be provided via datalink by certain types of aircraft and surface vessels with more capable sensors. The 30mm autocannon on the bow is aimed using an H/ZGJ-1B optronic sensor and tracking system.
Mobility
The propulsion systems consists of two diesel engines that power four waterjet propulsors. The maximum speed is said to be around 36 or 38 knots. In heavy seas the unique hull design should result in better performance than traditional hull designs.
Users
The Type 022 class is used by China. At least 80 of these ships have been delivered, spread over three fleets. The number in active service may have been reduced to about 60 ships. Unlike the older types of ships it replaces the Type 022 is less suited as a patrol craft. Reportedly an export version of the Type 022 is being marketed, with several nations showing interest. The export version may be modified ex-PLAN vessels instead of new built ones.
Media
Type 022 (Houbei) class
Rear view of Type 022 (Houbei) class missile boat.
Source: www.chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Type 022 (Houbei) class
Several Type 022 (Houbei) class missile boats moving in line.
Source: www.chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Type 022 (Houbei) class
Forward view of Type 022 (Houbei) class missile boats docked side by side.
Source: www.chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Type 022 (Houbei) class
Type 022 (Houbei) class missile boat launching a YJ-83 anti-ship missile.
Source: www.chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Details
Subsystems
YJ-83
The YJ-83 subsonic anti-ship missile is the main armament of the Type-022 missile boat.
30mm H/PJ13
A single 30mm H/PJ13 close-in weapon system is located on the bow.
Related articles
Type-037-II class
The Type-037-II (NATO: Houjian) class was the most recent class of Chinese missile boats before the introduction of the Type-022.