Jiangdao Type-056 Frigate/Corvette (FFL) - Design
The Jiangdao Type-056 design is similar to the two ships built for Thailand, HTMS Pattani and Naratiwat, which look a little different. So the design has already been exported, and more can be expected. The Type-056 frigate is said to have good seakeeping ability, it is relatively cheap, and it fully meets the requirements to patrol Chinese waters.
The features include good stealth performance, strong electromagnetic compatibility and wide application of advanced technologies. The new-type frigate will be mainly responsible for implementing missions such as patrolling, guarding and escorting as well as anti-submarine operations and operations against sea targets independently or in coordination with other forces.
Although specific features of the Type-056 frigate have not been disclosed, it can be seen from its outside appearance that it is big enough to patrol Chinese waters, and is equipped with only a small number of weapons, which helps to keep its production cost under control. Overall, the Type-056 frigate is suitable for patrolling Chinese sea areas.
The new frigate requires only one-third of the crew needed by its predecessor, the Type 053. The vessel features a main gun, anti-ship missiles, air defense missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes.
The fine folks over at the indispensible Information Dissemination note that "While it is referred to as light frigate by Chinese news, it really should be classified as a corvette or OPV [offshore patrol vessel] based on its size and displacements. This class is expected to be the next mass produced PLAN shipping class. The type 056 class fills the gap [in ship sizes] between the 4000-ton [Type] 054A class frigate and 220-ton [Type] 022 class FAC [fast attack craft].
"In many ways, the type 056 hull is based on the Pattani class OPV that China built for Thailand from 2005 to 2006, although more signature reduction work is done such as the shielding of the funnels.
Generally speaking, the 056 frigate draws on some mature devices and technologies of the last-generation destroyer and frigate, but it has its own innovations. For instance, it is designed in a deep-V shape, which is usually adopted by vessels under 1,000 tons and is applied to a domestic combat ship for the first time. Such a shape boasts high speed and excellent seaworthiness and ensures safe voyage under Level-8 sea conditions.
Compared with other new destroyers and frigates of the PLAN, this frigate doesn’t adopt many new stealth technologies for the main consideration that it is mostly used for inshore tasks, but certain measures have been taken for its stealth performance. For instance, it draws on and applies the mature radar wave stealth technology of destroyers and frigates, and the hull and deck superstructure use inclined outer plates for stealth purpose.
During an interview with People's Daily Online February 21, 2014, Major General Yin Zhuo made particular mention of the vessel's stealth performance. On the stealth performance of F91, Yin Zhuo pointed out that the ship's bows lean slightly inward, and bevels are superimposed on the upper part of the deck; as a result, the radar reflection points are few and the radar image is small. He pointed out that an 1,800-ton ship with stealth capacity will have the radar reflection area of a ship of about 500 tons. It can be detected only when it is close to the radar of enemy, and cannot be observed if an appropriate distance is kept from the enemy radar.
The 056 frigate is relatively light in the frigate family, but it is equipped with all the “five regular systems” of destroyers and frigates, with complete combat configurations in particular. Some devices are appropriately simplified on the premise of meeting basic functions. For instance, a standard cabinet is used for the display and control console in the combat commanding room to save space.
The flying deck has the function for helicopter takeoff and landing but without the helicopter hangar, and the saved room is mainly used to deploy missile weapon system. Once a helicopter is needed, the frigate can call the shore base.
It has a small crew and features high automation level. The number of crew members of the new-type frigate is only one third of that of the type-053 series frigate Many devices, such as satellite radio navigation equipment, have been integrated through design optimization. Several people used to be on duty in the engine room, but now no one is needed there.
It is meaningless to compare it with foreign frigates simply in terms of function and performance. Weaponry is aimed for battles, and it is the cooperation between people and weapon that decides the result of a battle. No matter how good the equipment is, one cannot win a battle without good tactics. On the other hand, the proper use of various tactics can make up for the weaknesses in backward equipment.
From a technical perspective, the Chinese 056 guided missile frigate emphasizes overall balance and isn’t necessarily superior to similar frigates of surrounding countries in any single combat performance or indicator. However, it does feature an advanced technical standard, at least the most advanced among similar frigates of surrounding countries.
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