056 class FFL/corvette

KangarooPriest said:

Looks like Shugart might have noticed it under construction at Dalian back in August.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1727344484730507446

Honestly I thought a Visby or Pr.22160 was making a port visit at first. If the estimate of 1500-3000t is correct, 056 successor seems like a good bet. Going through twitter looks like none of the usual people have found a good match with models shown off at defence expos.

Click to expand...

More from @tshugart3 on Twitter:




Which is an obvious step-up from the 056A in terms of size and displacement. Could be an entirely new ship class instead of being just a 056A-upgrade.

Also, just a word of caution here for everyone: Considering that this warship is largely expected to be capable of sailing at very high speeds (30+ knots), kindly do not anticipate this warship to be heavily armed like their Russian counterparts.

Temstar said:

Something like a giant-ified Visby-class corvette? Chinese Independence-class?

View attachment 121797

Click to expand...

VLS?

is this one real? 56B?

Those are some large windows, practically a full man's height.

escobar said:

VLS?
View attachment 121810

Click to expand...

The front looks pretty interesting as well. Stealthy main gun turret with hidden barrel ala Visby?

And the turret looks smaller than the usual 76mm too. Maybe 57mm? Does PLAN even have modern 57mm in active service?

better quality photos

Looks like a raised VLS between the bridge and the gun.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's a new 57mm gun but I think it could also be a new compact version of the 76mm.

Is that a MR-90 style illuminator at the aft end of the superstructure?

KangarooPriest said:

I wouldn't be surprised if it's a new 57mm gun but I think it could also be a new compact version of the 76mm.

Is that a MR-90 style illuminator at the aft end of the superstructure?

Click to expand...

China fielded 57 mm as SPAAG and naval gun in the past. But it was so many years ago. And I don't see any reason why they would return it.

Yes, the last vessel I can think of that used them were the 037s. Even if this is a 57mm gun, I doubt it'd be the old S-60 based one.