TYPE 052C (LANZHOU CLASS) AIR DEFENCE MISSILE DESTROYER
Two Type 052C (Lanzhou class) air defence missile destroyers have been built by Jiangnan Shipyard of Shanghai for the PLA Navy. The destroyers, based on the same hull of the Type 052B (Guangzhou class) destroyer, feature the Aegis AN/SPY-1-style phased array radar system and vertically launched HQ-9 naval version long-range air defence missile system. The first-of-class 170 Lanzhou was commissioned in 2004, followed by the second hull 171 Haikou in 2005.
PROGRAMME
Following the launch of two Type 052B (Guangzhou class) multirole missile destroyers in 2002, Shanghai-based Jiangnan Shipyard started to build two Type 052C destroyers based on the same hull design, but with more advanced weapon systems and sensors specifically for fleet air defence role. The first-of-class 170 Lanzhou was laid down in late 2002 and launched on 29 April 2003. The ship was commissioned in July 2004. The second ship, 171 Haikou was launched on 30 October 2003 and was scheduled to enter the service in 2005.
Unlike the Type 052B destroyer which is equipped with a mixture of Russian and indigenous systems, the Type 052C is completely based on indigenous technology (apart from few sensors). The most notable feature is the four-array multifunction phased array radar (PAR) similar to the U.S. AN/SPY-1 Aegis system. Additionally, the destroyers are also fitted with the vertical launch system (VLS) for the indigenous HQ-9 long-range air defence missile system, and the latest YJ-85 (C-805) anti-ship missile, both of which are not seen on previous Chinese surface warships.
DEPLOYMENT
|
No.
|
Name
|
Fleet
|
Launch
|
Commission
|
| 170 | Lanzhou | South | 29 Apr 03 | July 04 |
| 171 | Haikou | South | 30 Oct 03 | 2005 |
DESIGN
The destroyer is based on the same hull design and propulsions as the Type 052B destroyers which were launched earlier in the same shipyard. This modular approach would have saved construction time and costs. Compared to the Type 052B, the Type 052C has a much taller bridge, embedded with four fixed phased array radar antennas on the four sides. There is a stern helicopter flight deck and a hanger to accommodate two Russian Ka-28 Halix-A ASW/SAR helicopters.
COMBAT SYSTEM
The destroyer’s overall air defence, surface strike, and antisubmarine warfare (ASW) capabilities will largely depend on how well different weapon systems and sensors are integrated together by the combat system. Most Chinese warships use the command and control system derived from the French Thomson-CSF TAVITAC, but the Type 052C might have a newly developed system with improved processing power to engage anti-ship missile threats.
Although the detailed information on the combat system of the Type 052C is unknown, it is likely that the system will comprise the multifunction phased array radar system, command and decision system, battlefield display system, and weapon control system. The command and decision system receives data from ship sensors and provides command, control and threat assessment. The weapon control system receives engagement instruction from the command and decision system, selects weapons and interfaces with the weapon fire control systems.
In together with its long-range air defence missile and close-in weapon system (CIWS), the Type 052C is the first Chinese-made surface combatant with a true fleet air defence capability. The combat system will ensure that the ship can engage multiple air targets such as sea-skimming missile and aircraft simultaneously. The ship might also be able to transmit combat information to other ships and aircraft via datalink and satellite communications to form a maritime combat network.
MISSILES
A total of 48 HQ-9 naval air defence missiles are carried in and launched from eight 6-cell vertical launch systems (VLS). In contrast to previous reports which suggested that the system may be based on Russian technology, the VLS onboard the Type 052C appears to be an indigenous design. Unlike the Russian-style revolver VLS, each missile launch cell of the Type 052C VLS has its own lid. The missile system utilises the so-called ‘cold launch’, in which the missile was first ejected from the launch tube, and then ignites its rocket engine at low altitude. This launch style avoids the complex flame and gas exhausting pipes on the Western-style ‘hot launch’ VLS.
The HQ-9 is China’s new generation medium- to long-range, semi-active radar-homing air defence missile. The missile is said to be developed in the 1990s on the basis of the Russian S-300, but with a guidance system developed from the U.S. Patriot missile technology. The naval HQ-9 appears to be identical to the land-based variant.
The destroyer also carries two 4-cell YJ-85 (C-805) anti-ship missile launchers installed between rear mast and the helicopter hanger. Unlike previous YJ-8X/C-80X series anti-ship missiles which are launched from box-shape launchers, the missile is launched from a new tube-shape launcher. The missiles are guided by the Band Stand radar installed on top of the bridge and a Light Bulb datalink forward of the hanger. Unconfirmed reports suggested that the missile may have a max range of 200km, and may be supersonic.
GUNS
The Type 052C has two (one front, one rear) Type 730 close-in weapon system (CIWS) for short-range air defence. Two seven-barrel 30mm Type 730 CIWS are located both sides behind the bridge. The weapon system has a maximum rate of fire of 4,600~5,800 rounds/min.
The ship has a single-barrel 100mm gun developed by 713 Institute on the basis of the French Creusot-Loire T100C design. The gun can be used against surface targets and air targets such as aircraft and low speed missile, with a maximum rate of fire of 90 rounds/min. The gun can be operated in fully automatic mode from the radar control system, from the shipborne optical sighting system, or laid manually. The turret design incorporates strong radar cross-section reduction features.
ANTI-SUBMARINE SYSTEMS
The ship is fitted with two triple 324mm Yu-7 (Mk-46 Mod 1) antisubmarine torpedo tubes. Additionally, the destroyer has four 18-barrel multiple rocket launchers (MRLs) installed on the front deck. The purpose of these MRLs remains unknown but is thought to be used to launch antisubmarine rockets, ground- attack rockets and/or decoys/chaffs.
SENSORS
The ship is fitted with four multifunction phased array radar antenna. The radar is reportedly developed by Nanjing Research Institute of Electronic Technology (also known as 14 Institute). There is also a Type 517H-1 (NATO codename: Knife Rest) long-range 2D air search radar; a Russian Band Stand fire-control radar (for anti-ship missile and main gun); and two Type 327G (EFR-1, NATO codename: Rice Lamp) fire control radar for the CIWS.
HELICOPTER
The ship’s stern hanger accommodates 1~2 Kamov Ka-28 (NATO codename: Helix) antisubmarine warfare (ASW) helicopter. Carrying various weapons including torpedoes and deep charges, the helicopter can operate in all weather conditions up to 200km from the host ship.
PROPULSIONS
The ship’s propulsion is in the form of CODOG, consisting of two Ukraine-made DA80/DN80 gas turbines rated at 48,600hp and two Shaanxi diesels (Chinese copy of the MTU 20V956TB92) rated at 8,840hp (6.5 MW).
SPECIFICATIONS
Displacement: 6,500t
Dimensions: Length 154m; Beam 17m, Draft 6m
Max Speed: 29kt
Crew: 280
