FarkTypeSoldier
Junior Member
HI, I have been absent awhile... I reporting back for duty.
PLAN Sovremenny DDG 136, 137, 138 & 139 Thread
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FarkTypeSoldier
Junior Member
More photos of Sovs under refitting.
Looking forward to seeing exactly how they end up refitting these vessels.
FarkTypeSoldier
Junior Member
Many Chinese are speculating the possibilities of fitting the Chinese-VLS systems on the current forward and aft single arm launcher site. I am not quite inclined to this thinking. as there might not be enough room for 16x launcher for HHQ-9. But lets wait.
Meanwhile, Chinese sites reports that several other 90s-era built DDGs of PLAN in the likes of Type 052B are doing mid term refitting like the Sovs.
antiterror13
Brigadier
so does it mean 2 x 16x HHQ-9 (forward and aft) ?
I would be very surprised if PLAN would go that far
But like Jeff always says ... Time will tell
Type 052B is Chinese Sovs anyway, very similar
Would it be possible (and make sense) to replace the current launchers with a 32cell HQ-16 each ?
If there is enough space this might be possible without completly changing the radar systems and other electronics as the current systems are similar to the 054a.
plawolf
Lieutenant General
There is surely not enough room for a 32 cell VLS block at the front launcher position at least.
There may be enough room at the back to squeeze in a 32 cell block if they can expand the original arm launcher footprint a little.
TBH, I would be very surprised if they put in the old style HQ16 VLS considering the universal VLS is not taking over as the new standard. So if anything, I would expect them to transition towards that.
I think the main limitation with upgrading the Sovs for VLS is going to be the lack of real estate, but the removal of the arm launchers and below deck loading system and magazine could potentially create significant free depth space.
That would lend more to the installation of strike length CCL VLS tubes to make the best use of available internal space while also upgrading the ships to the newest standard and adding considerable flexibility to the load-out options.
They could still hold HQ16s in those CCL cells and not have to significantly upgrade the radar package (although since that also looks to be on the upgrade list, maybe the thinking is why not make them HQ9 compatible while they are at it), but CCL will allow them the option to add things like cruise missiles, HQ9s (they can use co-operative engagement even if they don't upgrade the Sovs to the extent that they could take full advantage of the extended range of the HQ9, and quad packed PL12s etc).
If they are going to install VLS on the Sovs, the most logical thing to do would be to install the universal CCL VLS over the 054A's first gen cells.
Depending on how much they want to spend in the upgrades and scheduling, they may well decide to field test future gen sensor packages like the rumoured top mast mounted 360 ASEA array, or a version of the integrated mast intended for the 055 cruisers. Although the latter may be a bit of a stretch.
As Jeff said, it would be interesting to see what they end up doing.
There may be enough room at the back to squeeze in a 32 cell block if they can expand the original arm launcher footprint a little.
TBH, I would be very surprised if they put in the old style HQ16 VLS considering the universal VLS is not taking over as the new standard. So if anything, I would expect them to transition towards that.
I think the main limitation with upgrading the Sovs for VLS is going to be the lack of real estate, but the removal of the arm launchers and below deck loading system and magazine could potentially create significant free depth space.
That would lend more to the installation of strike length CCL VLS tubes to make the best use of available internal space while also upgrading the ships to the newest standard and adding considerable flexibility to the load-out options.
They could still hold HQ16s in those CCL cells and not have to significantly upgrade the radar package (although since that also looks to be on the upgrade list, maybe the thinking is why not make them HQ9 compatible while they are at it), but CCL will allow them the option to add things like cruise missiles, HQ9s (they can use co-operative engagement even if they don't upgrade the Sovs to the extent that they could take full advantage of the extended range of the HQ9, and quad packed PL12s etc).
If they are going to install VLS on the Sovs, the most logical thing to do would be to install the universal CCL VLS over the 054A's first gen cells.
Depending on how much they want to spend in the upgrades and scheduling, they may well decide to field test future gen sensor packages like the rumoured top mast mounted 360 ASEA array, or a version of the integrated mast intended for the 055 cruisers. Although the latter may be a bit of a stretch.
As Jeff said, it would be interesting to see what they end up doing.
I tend to agree.
That would be a big change...and there would be all sorts of ballasting/displacement/stability issues they would have to study.
But...we shall see.
I'd be happy if they even installed one 16 cell CCL VLS strike length, to replace each arm launcher forward and aft for 32 CCL VLS total for LACM carriage.
No need to give the Sovs any updated air defence capabilities -- strip everything apart from point defence and install datalinking and CeC (no new mast means less topweight). Replace the old AK-130s with new PJ-38 in a double barrel turret.
Also replace the old Moskits with an equal or greater number of slanted YJ-18s.
Sovs will thus be some dedicated NGFS ships with LACM carrier role... not dissimilar to the Spruances which had ASROC launchers replaced with Mk-41
No need to give the Sovs any updated air defence capabilities -- strip everything apart from point defence and install datalinking and CeC (no new mast means less topweight). Replace the old AK-130s with new PJ-38 in a double barrel turret.
Also replace the old Moskits with an equal or greater number of slanted YJ-18s.
Sovs will thus be some dedicated NGFS ships with LACM carrier role... not dissimilar to the Spruances which had ASROC launchers replaced with Mk-41
