Type 051C destroyer (Luzhou class)

Chinese PLAN 2002-2007 CNS Shenyang, Shijiazhuang DDG 115, 116

The Type 051C destroyer (NATO Luzhou class) is a long-range air-defence guided-missile destroyer (DDG) for the Chinese PLAN in the early 2000s as a new step to constitute a true Blue Water Navy. The hull design is essentially a very modified version of the older Type 051B (NATO Luhai class) armed with the Russian S-300FM air defence missiles system. There are two ships in class, CNS Shenyang, and CNS Shijiazhuang (DDG 115 and 116), built 2002-2007 and assigned to the North Sea Fleet.
PLANS_Shijiazhuang_DDG-116_entering_Vladivostok_2017

Development

Construction of the Type 051C at the northern Dalian Shipyard was first revealed in 2004 by satellites, and studying Internet photographs. Construction was well advanced by that stage. It showed ships that were different in appearance, than earlier destroyers, but still lacked stealthier radar cross-section shapes found on the later warships. This was a transitional class. NATO assigned it the “Luzhou class” denomination, and so far, two in class have been identified. Development probably started in 1998 already, as construction of the previous Type 051B (NATO Luhai class) CNS Shenzhen was well advanced and nearing completion. She was indeed completed in 1999. This left a gap of several months to study trials results, and bringing more precise requirements for a successor.

The new destroyers were envisioned as a development of the previous class with better air-defence systems, long range. The Type 051B indeed only had a short range HQ-7 launcher (A Chinese crotale SAM), plus anti-ship missiles and gunnery. It’s only in 2016 it was upgraded with a VLS sporting sixteen HHQ-16 with a range of 70 kilometres (43 mi), versus 8-15 km. One key aspect of the new design was to integrate a long range SAM system, the S-300FM Fort-M (DoD SA-N-20), the naval version of the S-300 system (1978), already installed on the Kirov-class cruiser Pyotr Velikiy. On paper this was quite formidable, with a missile speed of approximately Mach 6 and target engagement speed of up to Mach 8.5 for a 150 kgs warhead (330 lb) and max range of 150 km (93 mi), altitude envelope of 27 km (16.8 mi). After negociations probably in 2000-2002, two Rif-M systems (the export name) were purchased by China in 2002 to be installed on the new Type 051C air-defence guided-missile destroyers.

With that secured, engineers only had to adapt the Type 051B hull to the new missile system, which came in quite unique barillet groups of eight missiles each, six in all. They occupied a sizeable real estate space. The other challenge was to design a radar able to guide these, and for this, China also acquired from Russian probably also in 2002, the Fregat-MAE-5 (Top Plate) 3D air search phased array radar to scan for targets at long range. This was assisted by the Russian Mineral-ME (Band Stand) over-the-horizon targeting radar and the Tombstone 3D phased-array target tracking radar. Past this, and the powerplant was no longer the Type 051B steam turbines, fully Chinese design model, but two modern Gas Turbines from Ukraine (CODOG system). The rest of the armament was about the same as the Type 051B. Again, this choice against more modern gas turbines ensured a proven solution in order to concentrate on other, more innovative areas. Electric power was also raised with more powerful diesels and their backups to ensure full power at all times, engines shut, and a margin for future upgrades.

The Type 051 Charlie registered in the global effort to modernize the PLAN, replacing the now obsolete (despite many modernizations) Type 051 (Luda) class destroyer still making the bulk of the southern and northern fleets. The idea was to test various hulls, weapons systems and propulsion types in order to determine the best standards for a future, larger production destroyer. The Type 052 Luhu class of 1990 capitalized on western systems, then the Type 051B defined standards for future hulls and structures. The next 051C was thus an improvement in air defence range, ideal to protect the new Chinese carriers in construction, notably the future CNS Liaoning or Type 001 purchased back in 1998. Overall, the Type 051C is a stop gap design procuring to the fleet a larger air defense area, mating the mature 051B hull design with a proven SAM system (to be replicated later) making for a package far more capable than that of the Type 052B. Two ships were built instead on a single one for the 051B, CNS CNS Shenyang DD115 and Shijiazhuang DD116 at Dalian, in 2002-2007. Both are now part of the Northern Fleet. The next step is the Type 052C, even more versatile.

Design of the class

Hull and general design

The Type 051C is subtantially larger than the Type 051B, with a displacement of 7,100 tons (vs. 6,096 tonnes), but only a tad longer at 155 m (508 ft 6 in), but much beamier at 17.1 m (56 ft 1 in) versus 16m and about the same draught at 6 m (19 ft 8 in). In general appearance, this was a very similar design, with a blocky, simple forward bridge pushed back a bit above the raised forward structure aft of the main dual purpose gun on the forecastle. This “B” position was occupied by two SAM system barillets, one after the others. The bridge roof sported a dome-covered band stand (Mineral ME) radar, and a structure supported at the rear the foremast, on top of which was located the Chinese Type 364 Surface Search Radar. Next came the first blocky funnel, with an IR-reduction system for the exhausts. Abaft the funnel on deck level, after the forward structure stopped, were installed two 324 mm ASW torpeod tubes.

Immediately after were installed the two Quad C802 Saccade ASHM angled up and point port and starboard. Next came the mainmast, supporting the Sea Eagle (NATO Top Plate) ET radar. On both sides of the mainmast on extensions were fitted the two CIWS (NATO Rice Bowl). Then came the aft funnel, same general shape as the forward one, exhausting the rear boiler group. Then a large hangar like structure ended the superstrcture. It had the size and shape to house a large helicopter but in reality housed the main SAM system (SAN-20 Gargoyle), preceded by a Tobstone Fire Control Radar for these SAMs. The ship had service cutters on davits either side of the funnel and the usual containerized life rafts located fore and aft (abaft the bridge and abaft the Tombstone radar. In general shapes were rather conservatives and not optimized for radar signature reduction.

Powerplant

There are conflicting sources about this. For most sources, the Type 051B was rather conservative for its powerplant, opting for a pair of steam turbines unlike its predecessors, a rather safe choice, but with the usual tradeoffs of the type compared to Gas turbines. These two Chinese steam turbines would be able to deliver a total of 94,000 hp, fed by four 4 boilers. Top speed would be of 30 knots (56 km/h) and range of 6,500 nmi (12,000 km) at 15 knots (28 kph). There were also auxiliary diesels, likely 1000 hp+ MTU diesels to power the on board systems when the steam turbines were cold, and two smaller emergency backup diesels plus batteries.

However others sources points out to a CODOG system consisting in two modern gas turbines, notably according to navypedia, these would be Ukrainian Zoria-Mashproekt DT-59 gas turbines, producing an estimated 24,300 hp (KW) each, completed by two large German MTU 12V1163 TB83 diesels rated for 4,400 hp each. This made for, respectively, 48,600 and 8,800 hp, 57,400 hp (KW) total combined. Whatever the powerplant, this was enough for a top speed of 30 knots and range estimated to c5000 nautical miles at 15 knots.

Armament

There is more certainty on this chapter: The weapons array comprised a Vertical Launching System (VLS) of the S-300FM (SA-N-20) surface-to-air missiles (SAM) comprising a total of six VLS-canisters of 8 each for a total of 48 long range missiles. Two are located in front of the bridge, and four aft in two series emerging from the “hangar”. Anti-ship strike is ensured by the presence of two quad YJ-83 (C-803) anti-ship missiles (SSM). The main multipurpose artillery is on display on the forecastle, with a single H/PJ-87 100mm naval gun. The close-in defence (notably missile hard kill system) is ensured by the presence of two Type 730 H/PJ-12 CIWS covering port and starboard. The ASW suite is rather limited, with only two triple 324mm torpedo tubes for Yu-7 torpedoes, and an utility or ASW helicopter, not resident (see below) as possible long range complement. For this size and 7,000 tonnes this might be still considered a bit underarmed compared to an Arleigh Burke, but the SAM system is a real advantage over the Type 051B.

S-300FM

The Type 051C’s main asset is the advanced Russian S-300FM air defence missile system. It has track-via-missile homing, guided by a single Tombstone radar. Maximum range 150 km, operating altitude of 10 m-27 km.

Ying Ji-83 anti-ship missiles

The (likely) armoured canisters are located in two pairs facing port and starboard at an elevation angle behind the fore funnel. No reloads.
The YK-83 is an exocet in disguise, a sea-skimming subsonic model that has the following specs:
6.38 x 0.36 m(20.9 ft x 14 in), wingspan 1,22 m (48 in).
Warhead 190 kg HE-Frag or optionally with the 83K 165 kg HE-SAP.
Engine: CTJ-2 turbojet 180 km range at Mach 0.9, 20-30 m high, Mach 1.4 terminal at 4-5m high.
Guidance: Inertial navigation/active radar homing terminal guidance.
They were upgraded to the UJ-8A or C802 with better performances.

100mm/55 H/PJ-87

Another improvement over the Type 051B Type 79 twin barrel 100mm. The H/PJ-87 is an automatic single 100 mm stealth naval gun, a modification of the French Compact 100 mm naval gun. The Type H/PJ-87 100 mm was developed from the Type 210 but has a stealth modified turret to reduce radar cross-section. It is also installed on the Type 052B, and 052C destroyers, 054A and 054B frigates. It was appreciated as an AA, AM and short bombardment gun. Compared to original western eletronics, the Chinese had to alter the electronic suite, combined to fire laser and infrared-guided shells, requiring magazine changes. Rate of fire is 90 rpm, switchable between ammo types.

Type 730 H/PJ-12 CIWS

7-barrel 30 mm H/PJ-12 or H/PJ-11 Gatling gun
This type fires a 30×165mm HEI-Frag, Frag-T, APFSDS shell through elevating +85° with a depression of -25°.
Rate of fire is 5,800 rounds/minute and muzzle velocity 1,000–1,150 m/s (3,300–3,800 ft/s).
Effective firing range is 3–4 km (1.9–2.5 mi) aerial and 4–5 km (2.5–3.1 mi) surface, max 5 km (3.1 mi).
The Feed system is a single ammunition box holding 1,280 rounds.
Guidance system is mount-integrated, a type 347G (EFR-1) I-band radars with an OFC-3 electro-optical fire control system.

324 mm Whitehead B515

Yu-7 Torpedo:
Mass 235 kg (518 lb), 2.7 m (8.9 ft) x 324 mm (12.8 in).
Otto fuel II, range 14.1 km (7.6 nmi) at 45 knots (83 km/h) down to 400 m (1,300 ft)
Warhead HE 45 kg (99 lb) shaped charge.
Guidance active/passive acoustic homing, steered by CIACIO-S seeker.
It can also be deployed on board helicopters (2).

Sensors

Fregat-MAE-5 (Top Plate) 3D air search phased array radar
Type 364 (SR64) surface search radar
Type 362 (MR-36) air and surface search radar
Mineral-ME (Band Stand) over-the-horizon targeting radar
30N6 Tombstone 3D phased-array target tracking radar
2x Type 347G I-band fire-control radars
SJD-9 active/passive bow sonar
TAVITAC-2000 CCS

The S-300FM missile is guided by the Volna (NATO Tomb Stone) 3D phased-array target tracking radar on top of the stern deckhouse, having the ability to direct 12 missiles, engaging 6 targets simultaneously. Since a single one is located aft, there is a blind gap in the forward quadrant, causing significant tactical restriction. The air search radar is a Fregat-MAE-5 (NATO Top Plate) 3D air search radar on top of the mainmast for two channels in E-band, track up to 40 targets simultaneously at up to 120 nmi for aircraft, 20 nmi for sea-skimming missile.
In the large round radome on top of the bridge is the Mineral-ME (NATO Band Stand) providing anti-ship missile control, over-the-horizon radar acquisition, target designation for surface ships.

Electronic Warfare

The ship comprised two 15 tubes Type 946 decoy launchers and two 18 tubes Type 726-4 decoy launchers as a soft kill antimissile system, located behind the bridge on the upper deck, facing port and starboard, close to the SSM canisters. This could be completed by two HZ-100 ECM suites, facing each side.

Air Group:

It is limited to a helideck large and strong enough to support an halicopter of the Ka-28 (NATO Helix) type. But there is no hangar. Thus, if the use of such an helicopter could bring better ASW capabilities like a dipping sonar, buoys, depht charges or YU-7 torpedoes than the torpedo tubes, it needs to be covered by a tarpaulin when not in use, and this complicated maintenance greatly. Most photos rarely shows any helicopter carried. It remains optional.

⚙ Type 051C specifications
Displacement	7,100 tons
Dimensions	155 x 17.1 x 6 m (508 ft 6 in x 56 ft 1 in x 19 ft 8 in)
Propulsion	2 turbines, 4 boilers 94000 hp. +2 aux. diesels
Speed	30 knots
Range	Estimated 5,000 nm at 15 kts
Armament	6×8 S-300FM SAM, 2×4 YJ-83 SSM, 100 mm, 2× 30 mm CIWS, 2×3 324 mm TTs
Active Protection	2× 15 Type 946, 2× 18 Type 726-4 decoy launchers
Sensors	Fregat-MAE-5 3DR, Type 364 SSR, Mineral-ME OHTR, Tombstone 3D PATTR, Type 347G FCR
Air Group	Optional Kamov Ka-28 Helix-size helicopter (no hangar)
Crew	c250

Career of the Type 051C so far

CNS Shenyang (沈阳) DDG-115

CNS Shenyang was laid down at the northern Dalian shipyard (former Port Arthur) in 2003, launched on 28 December 2004 and completed on 8 October 2006. She was named after the City of Shenyang,
provincial capital of Liaoning. The system installation was completed in late 2005 and commissioned on 1 January 2006. On April 23, 2009, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy, Shenyang served in the naval parade. On July 5, 2013, 4 destroyers, 2 frigates, and 1 supply ship including the Shenyang (formation command ship) and Shijiazhuang arrived in Vladivostok, Russia for the Naval Cooperation 2013 Russian maritime joint military exercises. More to come.

CNS Shijiazhuang (石家庄) DDG-116

Shijiazhuang (named after the City of Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital of Hebei) was laid down in 2003 (date unknown) ar Dalian, launched later than her sister on 26 July 2005 with the system installation completed in late 2005, and totally completed on 22 January 2007. She was commissioned on 1 January 2006. On April 23, 2009, she celebrated the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy, as the main review ship. On April 12, 2018, she appeared at the maritime parade in the South China Sea, in the Carrier Strike Echelon. No more logs, more to come.