Aerial view of Type-054 class at sea. Note the four AK-630 CIWS systems along the superstructure.
Source: Sinodefense -
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The Type-054 is a modern class of frigates of Chinese origin. The Type-054 was developed as a new generation of frigate with stealthy features. The design is heavily inspired by the French La Fayette class. Type-054 itself is an interim design with only two ships produced. Lessons were incorporated in the improved Type-054A class, of which 30 ships were produced.
The Type-054 has a conventional layout and looks somewhat similar to the French La Fayette class. The main gun and octuple SAM launcher 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 hanger and helicopter deck are located at the rear.
Surface targets are engaged using the subsonic YJ-83 anti-ship missile or 100mm H/PJ87 dual purpose main gun. Medium range air defense is provided by the HHQ-7 system, but only a single target can be engaged at a time. Submarines are targeted with six barrel Type 87 ASW rocket launchers, Yu-7 lightweight torpedoes and the Ka-28PL helicopter. Four locally produced 30mm AK-630 CIWS and two decoy launchers are used for self defense.
Practically all sensors are of French or Russian origin. The main sensors are the Type 363S 2D air search radar and MR-36A surface search radar. Submarines are detected using the MGK-335 active/passive sonar system. There is no towed array sonar. Additional systems include a combat data system, fire control radars, navigation radar, SATCOM and a datalink.
The Type-054 uses CODAD propulsion using four Shaanxi diesel engines. Maximum speed is about 27 knots. At a more economic speed the range is about 4.000 nm. Maximum range is 8.000 nm at low speed.
Two ships were produced to Type-054 standard. These remain in active service with the PLA Navy. At first 20 of the improved Type-054A class were planned, but this number was increased to 30 ships during the production run.
Hangar and helicopter deck for Ka-28 or Z-9C naval helicopter.
Hangar and helicopter deck for Ka-28 or Z-9C naval helicopter.
The Type-054A class is an improved version of the Type-054 and is produced in much larger numbers. 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.
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