Forward view of Chinese Type-054A class frigate.
Source: www.chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com -
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The Type-054A is a modern class of frigates of Chinese origin. These multipurpose frigates are a further development of the Type-054 class. The same hull is used, but weapons and sensors are significantly improved. The Type-054A is the most numerous class of surface combattant in the Chinese navy. Although 20 were planned at first, this number was increased to 30.
The Type-054A has a conventional layout and looks somewhat similar to the French La Fayette class. The main gun and VLS are mounted on the bow. The sensor mast and anti-ship missiles are mounted behind the main superstructure. Propulsion system and funnel are in the middle. A hangar and helicopter deck are located at the rear.
The main armament is a 32 cell VLS for the HHQ-16 medium range surface to air missile and standoff ASW rockets. Surface targets are engaged using the subsonic YJ-83 anti-ship missile or dual purpose 76mm H/PJ26 main gun. Submarines are targeted with Type 87 ASW rocket launchers, Yu-7 lightweight torpedoes and the Ka-28PL helicopter. Two 30mm Type 730 CIWS and decoy launchers are used for self defense.
The main sensors are the Type 382 3D air search radar and Type 344 surface search radar. Submarines are detected using the MGK-335 active/passive sonar system. Additional systems include a combat data system, fire control radars, navigation radar, SATCOM and a datalink. At some point during the production run a towed array variable depth sonar was added.
The Type-054A uses CODAD propulsion using four Shaanxi diesel engines. Maximum speed is about 27 knots. At a more economic speed the maximum range is about 4.000 nm.
The Type-054A is used only by China. It was ordered in massive numbers, 30 units make up the mainstay of the Chinese fleet. The first units entered service in 2008 and the 30th became operational in 2018.
Top view of Chinese Type-054A class frigate.
Source: www.chinesemilitaryreview.blogspot.com -
© copyright lies with original owner
The Type-054A frigate is a modern looking frigate due to its vertical launch system on the bow and stealth signature. It has a similar layout as the French La Fayette class. It is also known under the NATO reporting name Jiangkai II.
The easiest way to distinguish the Type-054A from the older Type-054 is the VLS on the bow instead of the octuple HHQ-7 launcher. Otherwise both ships look rather similar, although they differ significantly in armament and sensors. From the sixth ship onward various improvements have been incorporated into the Type-054A design.
The final fourteen ships feature the faster firing Type 1130 CIWS instead of the Type 730.
The Type-054A is a further development of the Type-054 (Jiangkai I) class, of which 2 ships were produced. The easiest way to distinguish the Type-054A from the older Type-054 is the VLS on the bow instead of the octuple HQ-7 launcher.
2x 30mm H/PJ12 7-barrel close-in weapon systems amidships in the first and second production batch.
2x 30mm H/PJ11 11-barrel close-in weapon systems amidships in the third production batch.
2x 6-tube Type 87 anti-sub maine depth charge launchers located on the bow.
Facilities for 1 medium size naval helicopter. Z-9C is most commonly used on Type-054A.
Facilities for 1 medium size naval helicopter. Some Type-054A have been spotted with Ka-28 helicopter.
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