Type 052 Luhai-class / Luyang-class Multirole Destroyer
The Type 052 Luhai-class multirole destroyers represent a significantly enlarged development of the Luhu-class destroyer design with some evident radar signature reduction features, and [eventually] significant air defense enhancements.
The Luhai-class is 2000 tons larger than the previous Luhu-class, and is equiped with 16 C801/802 SSMs, an 8-cell HQ-7 SAM launcher, and two Z-9A helicoptors. The HQ-7/Crotale short-range SAM appears ineffective against modern sea-skimming missiles attacking from multiple directions.
Construction on the first ship, DD-167 Shenzhen, began in May 1996. This first unit was launched in 1997 and entered sea trials in October 1998. The first Luhai was equiped with only the short-range HHQ-7 SAM, prompting speculation that the next generation DDG (Type 052B?) would have an improved fleet-wide air-defense capability. The configuration of the ship indicated that a vertical launch system [VLS] will eventually installed, though this was not fitted on the initial unit apparently due to delays in the development of the HQ-9 anti-aircraft missile. It was completed in 1999 and entered service, though subsequently may have gone under refit to install VLS for HQ-9 SAM.
There is almost complete confusion concerning the type designation of this class, vastly complicated the already complex task of understanding these ships. Some sources refer to the Luhai as Type 051B, others as Type 52B, and others as Type 54. The Type 051 nomenclature is associated with the very different Luda-class, and it is improbable that the Luhai would be designated as a variant of this class, skipping over the well-attested Type 052 designation of the Luhu-class of which the Luhai-class is a further development. The Type 054 nomenclature now appears to be associated with the new FFG Jiangkai class of frigates.
Equally obscure is the relationship between the Luhai and Luyang classes. Prior to 2005 the Luyang nomenclature was extremly poorly attested. In 2001 it was reported that China had begun building a new-generation Luyang-class guided missile heavy destroyer, similar to Sovremennyy-class ships and designed to provide sector air defense for the PLA’s first-generation aircraft carrier group. At that time, this was projected to materialize as early as 2003-2005 [which did not]. As of 2002 the Luyang-class missile destroyer was said to be in the design process, characterized at that time as an improved variety of the Sovremenny. China was reportedly acquiring the technology for manufacturing DN-80 turbine engines from Ukraine.
By 2005 it became apparent that the Luhai was built at Dalian, while the Luyang units were built at Jiangnan. The later were readily distinguished from the former by their slab-sided hull.
Another notable difference between the previous Luhu-class and Luhai-class and the Luyang is the replacement of the diesel-gas-turbines with gas-turbine engines. This follow-on to the Luhu destroyer has a wider hull (broader beam) to accommodate the different and somewhat larger and bulkier marine gas-turbine engine. The post-Tiananmen sanctions imposed by the US precluded acquisition of additional GE LM 2500 engines like those in the Luhu. These follow-on ships use Ukrainian G525000 gas turbines, selected due to a combination of technical and political factors.
Type 052? Luzhou
Matters were further confused when Bill Gertz reported in June 2005 that two Luzhou guided-missile destroyers were under construction. This nomenclature, not previously attested, appears to reference new construction at Dalian of some variant of the Luhai. It was not immediately apparent whether this was the long awaited DDG-X, or a low-end substitute for this ship.
Type 052B Luyang I Guangzhou
The second unit [hull number 168, initially thought to possibly be named Yantai, but actually named Guangzhou], started building in 1999, with initially completion expected in 2001. By mid-2002 it appeared that this unit was fitting out, and was evidently constructed along modified lines to reduce radar signature. Although the PLAN had claimed that Shenzhen was the first indigenously-produced warship to be designed with stealth as a primary design feature, measures to further reduce radar signature from the hull and superstructure are far more pronounced in this second unit of the class. The large smooth and angled surfaces, a common feature among the new generaton of European FFGs such as French La Fayette class, represent a considerable innovation for China.
Initial speculation was that the anti-aircraft missiles may be the new HHQ-9 medium/long-range SAMs, possibly vertically launched like Russian SA-N-6, and a new 3D multirole phased array radar combing electronic and mechanical scans like French ARABEL. Other features may include a single raised helicopter hanger (housing Ka-28?) relocated on the port side (the starboard side may be fitted with HHQ-7 VLS?), Type 730 CIWS similar to Dutch Goalkeeper, and a CODOG propulsion system with DA80/DN80 gas turbines from Ukraine.
Initially it was expected that the second unit of this class would enter service in 2000, with two more following with commissioning dates in 2002 and 2003. Since 1999, only two hulls had been constructed at Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai, with the first ship [168] launched on 25 May 2002. The second ship [169] was launched in October 2002.
By April 2003 it became apparent that the ships would carry new Russian weapons -- the effective SA-N-12 anti-aircraft missile plus a long-range Russian search radar, and another radar similar to the Russian BAND STAND over-the-horizon targeting radar. The latter indicated that a new, long range anti-ship missile will be carried. These ships are basically comparable to Taiwan's new U.S. KIDD class destroyers in size and capability, but much more stealthy.
In June 2005 it was reported that two Luyang I destroyers were operational or undergoing sea trials.
Type 052C Luyang II
The fourth unit of the Luhai class (probably Type 052C or possibly Type 052BK?) was also constructed at Jiangnan Shipyard, as the two Type 052B DDGs were being fitted out. The Type 052 series has evidently embraced a modular design featuring spiral development, with new variants being introduced after only one or two units of the previous version.
The Type 052C Luyang II is generally similar to 052B, with the notable addition of four fixed phased array antennas in the foreward superstructure. Two antennae cover the forward hemisphere while the other pair covers the rear hemisphere, the arragement adopted on the US Navy's Arleigh Burkes and the Japanese Kongos. Reports indicate this radar may be a co-development program with the Kvant-Radiolokatsiya company of the Ukraine. The band and performance of this radar have not yet been publicly reported. The radar may be a developed version of that first seen on the No. 970 weapons development ship, and could either be S-Band or Russian-style X-Band.
The two Type 730 CIWS have been relocated to the raised platform in front of bridge and atop the rear helicopter hanger. The phased array radars indicates that the Type 052C will be the first Chinese DDG equipped with the new HHQ-9 vertically launched long-range SAM system
Using the same stealthy hull and engine configuration of the No. 168 class, this destroyer is armed with forty-eight new type vertical-launched anti-aircraft missiles of either Russian or Chinese origin. As such they will be the first dedicated long range air defense ships for the PLAN.
The forward VLS station (possibly 6 revolver launchers, each with 6 missiles) will probably be between the forward CIWS platform and the main gun, while the aft VLS station (possibly a pair of six-pack revolver launchers) will likely be forward of the helicopter hanger. A pair of quadruple semi-cylindical racks for the new YJ-62 long-range SSM are between the rear mast and the helicopter hanger. The missiles are guided by the Band Stand radar on top of the bridge and a Light Bulb datalink forward of the hanger. The same guidance package was also found onboard 052B. A metric-wave radar with Yagi antenna is midship, for long range detection or ECM. A new EW suite featuring phased array antennas similar to AN/SLQ-32 EW system is on the side of the forward mast. The ship is also expected to have a new generation of Aegis-like C3I system.
As of early 2004 a pair of 052Cs were under construction (170 & 171) with the first ship launched on 29 April 2003 and the second on 30 October 2003. The building of two 052Bs and two 052Cs in such a short time frame reflects the PLAN's need to replace the obsolete air-defense systems of its surface ships. In June 2005 it was reported that two Luyang II missile destroyers were undergoing sea trials.
Additional construction is possible, depending on results with the initial units.
