Type 055

The People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Type 055 existence was disclosed by Japanese Internet media in 2013 referring to a new class frigate being developed in China. The ship's displacement of 12,000 tons seems to be more likely a destroyer or a cruiser equipped with missiles and with fully oceanic capabilities allowing it to operate far beyond the Sea of China in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Its primary goal may be to operated as part of the future Chinese aircraft carriers battle groups, serve as command and control ship and/or to operate alone or within surface combatants formations. This multi-purpose ship may be equipped with a new gas turbine, QC280, and is intended as a multipurpose surface combatant with some sort of modularity. Besides the traditional Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), the ship will feature land attack capabilities as part of a fully multi-functional design. The ship will also feature greater firepower with far more Unai vertical launching system (VLS) cells than provided to the Type 052D destroyer, 64 cells on Type 052D and 160 cells on Type 055. The lead ship of the new frigate or destroyer would be commissioned by the PLAN in the 2015-2020 timeframe. The Type 055 class of global destroyers are intended to enjoy longer range and longer endurance at sea than the Type 052D class as well as improved living conditions for the crew. The ship will feature improved stealth characteristics in the electromagnetic, infrared and acoustic spectrums with very low radar, heat and noise signatures. The flight deck and hangar will allow operation of two Z-15 (a version of Airbus Helicopters EC 175) anti-submarine (ASW) helicopters. The propulsion system based on the QC280 gas turbine may allow a top speed in excess of 30 knots. The Type 055 destroyers may be equipped with 10 sets of Unai VLS with 16 or cells each four at the bow and the remaining six at the castle before the helicopter hangar. Each Unai VLS can be fitted with either HHQ-9B surface-to-air missile (SAM), anti-submarine rocket (ASROC), land attack cruise missile, anti-ballistic missile (ABM) interceptor or YJ-18A advanced anti-ship missile. Besides, the ship is fitted with a 130mm single barrel PJ38 naval gun, HQ-10 short-range anti-missile system and 11 30mm guns. A key feature of the Type 055 destroyer is a greater load of electronics including more powerful, radar antennas, telecommunications, multi-functional integrated stealth masts, and electronic warfare equipment.

deagel.com: https://www.deagel.com/x/x/a002885