054B/next generation frigate

[Blitzo]

Tom helpfully added some updates on the 052D in Dalian too, so we can somewhat compare them (sorry just a basic snip rush job on the picture).

Its probably too early to tell but it may only have a forward VLS and the other openings are all related to engines or other subsystems. Given its duties as frigate and perhaps a strong focus on ASW it may well make do with 32 cells, with UVLS just for added ordnance flexibility.


View attachment 105966

That 052D satellite picture doesn't give us any new information or clues about how the 054B may have its VLS arranged based on its satellite image.

After all, we have had many past images of 052Ds at similar stages of construction, so this DL photo is nothing new.


As for the 054B, there are one or two slightly strange aspects to the spaces it has.
Most notable is that there is only a singular rectangle bow hole. Given we know 054B will definitely have a main gun on the bow, the question we need to ask is whether that rectangular bow hole is for the main gun or for the bow VLS.

If it's for the main gun, then it means it may not have a bow VLS area (and thus only have an amidships VLS area).

If it's for the bow VLS, then we have to ask where the hole is for the main gun is, because we should be able to see it by now.

 

[para80]

I didnt mean the image shows new info on 052D, it was merely handy to use it for comparison insofar as it was part of the same thread, so saved me digging through older imagery to give a basic idea of the open compartments.

Fair point on the gun placement.

 

[ACuriousPLAFan]

That 052D satellite picture doesn't give us any new information or clues about how the 054B may have its VLS arranged based on its satellite image.

After all, we have had many past images of 052Ds at similar stages of construction, so this DL photo is nothing new.


As for the 054B, there are one or two slightly strange aspects to the spaces it has.
Most notable is that there is only a singular rectangle bow hole. Given we know 054B will definitely have a main gun on the bow, the question we need to ask is whether that rectangular bow hole is for the main gun or for the bow VLS.

If it's for the main gun, then it means it may not have a bow VLS area (and thus only have an amidships VLS area).

If it's for the bow VLS, then we have to ask where the hole is for the main gun is, because we should be able to see it by now.

I didnt mean the image shows new info on 052D, it was merely handy to use it for comparison insofar as it was part of the same thread, so saved me digging through older imagery to give a basic idea of the open compartments.

Fair point on the gun placement.

Well, if this souvenir coin is anything to go by, then I think the 054B should have a main gun.



Judging by the spacing between the gun mount and the raised deck for the CIWS, perhaps the UVLS should be housed in between them as well. Though I'm still curious as to what the large gap in between the two superstructures amidships could be housing.

 

[Blitzo]

Well, if this souvenir coin is anything to go by, then I think the 054B should have a main gun.

View attachment 105973

Also judging by the spacing between the gun mount and the raised deck for the CIWS, perhaps the VLS should be in between them as well. Though I'm still curious what's the gap in between the two large superstructures amidships could be housing.

We don't know how accurate that coin is, given it seems to be based on a well known set of CGIs.


That said, we don't need a coin for us to be able to be fairly confident in saying that 054B should have a main gun.


The whole point of my post wrt the opening in the bow, is that we can see how there is only one opening in the bow, so, if that opening is for the main gun then we will not have an opening for a bow VLS (i.e. there may be no bow VLS).

Alternatively, if that bow opening is for the bow VLS, then it means that at present we cannot see an opening for the bow gun for some reason, which is odd.


At this moment, there is no indication for us to believe 054B will lack a bow gun.

 

[ddd...]

Is the claim that this is this is a 054B reliable? Or the hull can be an auxiliary ship?

 

[Tam]

Thinking in radical terms at the moment, what if the ship doesn't have a front VLS at all, and instead, only a mid-aft VLS.

 

[Kejora]

Thinking in radical terms at the moment, what if the ship doesn't have a front VLS at all, and instead, only a mid-aft VLS.

You mean like Iver Huitfeldt and Type 31?

 

[Blitzo]

Thinking in radical terms at the moment, what if the ship doesn't have a front VLS at all, and instead, only a mid-aft VLS.

That is what I'm suggesting in posts 744 and 741

 

[Tam]

You mean like Iver Huitfeldt and Type 31?

Yeah.





The ship is over 6,500 tons and is powered by four diesel engines. Each of these diesel engines are more powerful than the 054A's at 8.2 MW each compared to the 054A's 5MW something, but they are still diesel, so it keeps its 054 designation. PLAN loves their diesels and it keeps the costs down.

The difference is that for the 054B, the engines and the funnels are ahead of the VLS, the VLS being the last set of holes to the left, followed by two engine funnels to the right of it. Towards the bow, the hole is there is only for the main gun.




The size of the alleged VLS to the rear and left looks bigger than the 054A, and given the displacement, a high certainty this might be a U-VLS. I could just imagine what is behind the VLS is a small mast for the secondary radar, and the mast is integrated to the hanger in structure. Its not in contradiction to the image in the coin.



If you look at it, there may not be a VLS between the main bow gun and the platform with the CIWS. But there is a deep valley between the two radar masts, which may have the two funnels that are partly obscured, and then a deeper valley which maybe where the main VLS is, before rising to the secondary radar.

 

[Lethe]

The ship is over 6,500 tons and is powered by four diesel engines. Each of these diesel engines are more powerful than the 054A's at 8.2 MW each compared to the 054A's 5MW something, but they are still diesel, so it keeps its 054 designation.

Where is this information coming from?