Jeff Head's 2013 Report on the PLAN

Next Type 052D coming off the ways

I recently saw the following picture for the first time:


I know that some time ago it was indicated that the 2nd Type 052D had launched. But I never saw a picture clearly indicating it. I believe this picture is that picture...either from those several weeks ago, or more recently. At any rate, it is clear that the 2nd Type 052D is out and I am wondering how many more are on order? I personally expect them to build more of these than they did of the Type 052C...which would point to eight perhaps, but I would expect the number could go as high as twelve.

They have produced a number of vessels, and contemplate producing quite a few more that will need this level of anti-air potection in addition to normal opertional duties of the various fleets they may be assigned to.

Re: Jef Head's 2013 Report on the PLAN

I do have a question regarding the rumored Type-055. It is rumored that the Type-055 is suppose to be a Destroyer-Class Combat Ship. Is there any validity to this claim. Also, is there any indication as to whether China would continue to go about with the trend of producing half a dozen or so ship of one type before shifting to different design production? And also, the Type-055 Destroyer, would it have any incorporation of High-Energy Laser Air-Defence System and/or a new, long-range Air Defence Ship-Launch SAM?

Re: Jef Head's 2013 Report on the PLAN

Dizasta1 said:

I do have a question regarding the rumored Type-055. It is rumored that the Type-055 is suppose to be a Destroyer-Class Combat Ship. Is there any validity to this claim. Also, is there any indication as to whether China would continue to go about with the trend of producing half a dozen or so ship of one type before shifting to different design production? And also, the Type-055 Destroyer, would it have any incorporation of High-Energy Laser Air-Defence System and/or a new, long-range Air Defence Ship-Launch SAM?

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We should not even be thinking about "lasers" until the Chinese shipbuilding industry has demonstrated that it can build all electric ships. Once this hurdle has been breached, all kinds of new technologies are enabled (or at least facilitated) like EMcats, lasers, railguns, etc.

Re: Jef Head's 2013 Report on the PLAN

Mysterre said:

We should not even be thinking about "lasers" until the Chinese shipbuilding industry has demonstrated that it can build all electric ships. Once this hurdle has been breached, all kinds of new technologies are enabled (or at least facilitated) like EMcats, lasers, railguns, etc.

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Yep, the fact that the PLAN is now serially producing such an improvement as the 52D is quite impressive.

I mean the apparent more powerful PARS and their probable increase in capability (range, tracks, etc.), the probablility that they have a common VLS now that can fire more than their AAW missiles, the new gun system...all of these are significant improvements to the vessel and producing 4-6 of them very quickly and perhaps up to 16 of them altogether will mark a huge improvement for tHe PLAN...very impressive quite frankly.

Whne you add to that the impressive ongoing production of the Type 054As, the continued production now of another Type 071, the unbelievably rapid production of the Type 056, in essence their Littoral Combat Ship...I mean WOW. The PLAN is popping.

There's no need for PLAN enthusiasts to go overboard when what they are proven to be doing is so impressive in its own right.

As you said, when they get all electrical drives and systems in place with enough power to drive those other exotic technologuies, then will be the time to seriously start discussing them.

Re: Jef Head's 2013 Report on the PLAN

Jeff Head said:

Yep, the fact that the PLAN is now serially producing such an improvement as the 52D is quite impressive.

I mean the apparent more powerful PARS and their probable increase in capability (range, tracks, etc.), the probablility that they have a common VLS now that can fire more than their AAW missiles, the new gun system...all of these are significant improvements to the vessel and producing 4-6 of them very quickly and perhaps up to 16 of them altogether will mark a huge improvement for tHe PLAN...very impressive quite frankly.

Whne you add to that the impressive ongoing production of the Type 054As, the continued production now of another Type 071, the unbelievably rapid production of the Type 056, in essence their Littoral Combat Ship...I mean WOW. The PLAN is popping.

There's no need for PLAN enthusiasts to go overboard when what they are proven to be doing is so impressive in its own right.

As you said, when they get all electrical drives and systems in place with enough power to drive those other exotic technologuies, then will be the time to seriously start discussing them.

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055 is rumoured to have a all-electric propulsion system. It makes sense this would be the case with since it's given a whole new designation. There is certainly a lot to dream on. 052D is going to stop at 8 units.

Re: Jef Head's 2013 Report on the PLAN

tphuang said:

055 is rumoured to have a all-electric propulsion system. It makes sense this would be the case with since it's given a whole new designation. There is certainly a lot to dream on. 052D is going to stop at 8 units.

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TPH, what do you mean by it being given a whole new designation? are you saying PLAN has already designated it a cruiser instead of a destroyer or are you saying something else?

Re: Jef Head's 2013 Report on the PLAN

tphuang said:

055 is rumoured to have a all-electric propulsion system. It makes sense this would be the case with since it's given a whole new designation. There is certainly a lot to dream on. 052D is going to stop at 8 units.

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A new designation could exist for any number of reasons having nothing to do with the ship's propulsion. And to be perfectly honest, "055" is not even known to be a correct designation in the first place. Let's just wait and see.

Re: Jef Head's 2013 Report on the PLAN



I think, maybe, that the first pic shows the aft section for the 4th 052D.