Hangzhou class Destroyer (1994)

Chinese PLAN Project 956E/EM: Hangzhou, Fuzhou, Taizhou, Ningbo

In short, the Chinese PLAN alongside its own destroyer construction lineage, purchased four ex-Russian (first two ex-Soviet) Sovremenny class Destroyer. They were the very last in class, the first in construction since 1988-89, Vazhny and Vdumchivy, and two started in 2002 as Vnushitelny and Vechny, purchased by the PLAN. Albeit they are the only export variants of the Sovremenny class destroyer (hence the Project 956E/M). All were modernized with Chinese armaments and sensors recently.

Development

Project 956 started in the late 1960s when the Soviet Navy naval staff realized that despite all its efforts on missiles, naval guns still had an important role to play, particularly for supporting amphibious landings. The second drive, was to replaced existing, now obsolete gun cruisers and destroyers, the Sverdlov and Skoryi/Kotlin, showing their age. This brand new design adopted two of the brand new 130 mm automatic gun turret as its centerpiece, completed by plenty of missiles and armaments to deal with A/S, AA and ASW threats as well, making them a well-rounded design. The Sovremenny class built in he 1970s measured 156 metres (512 ft) and became the largest Soviet destroyers in service when completed. NATO was aware of their size and modernity and it started to spawn answers, notably from the USN, pressing onwards on a replacement for the Spruance, which appeared underarmed in comparison.

The construction of the Sovremenny proceeded from March 1976 to December 1993 when the last ship was completed, after a major interruption, the end of the USSR and creation of the Russian Federation. The last hulls were laid down in 1988-89, and construction was suspended for years. Post-cold war, China seemed also to open more to the West and even (prior to the Tiananmen events) looked poised to join the “western democracies club” as Russia seemed to do, fully embracing economic competition and a large, dynamic private sector as well as openness to western investors and their markets. However two events went on to shatter this idyllic “end of history” picture:

First, the Tiananmen massacre dissipated any doubts the West could nurture about the regime, which hardened politically, despite its economic revolution towards capitalism. The immediate effect from the West was to stop any technological transfer and collaborations. China later had to go for economic spying, and return to full military cooperation with Russia. The latter had a hard time transitioning to capitalism, and desperately needed exports to maintain its own military-industrial complex, including the Navy. There were in 1992 two incomplete hulls, laid down in November 1988 and 22 April 1989 at Severnaya Verf, Saint Petersburg. Work was stopped and not ready to resume as the new Russian Federation just did not have the budget to launch and complete them. They were surplus.

Meanwhile the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Surface Force (PLAN) was in full swing for a major transition from the Kotlin-based 1970s Luda class destroyer, to the modern fleet we know today. This major effort, that took two decades, towards a fully national design, was slow in coming. The first step was the Type 053 Luhu class destroyers, the first true Chinese design, festooned with Western System before the Tiananmen events shut the door to western systems. They were both launched in 1994. Then came the sole Type 051B Luhai class (launched 1999) CNS Shenzhen, which built the basis for the next Chinese designs, it had all the halmarks of next generations, but was essentially a prototype validating a lot of indigeneous systems, armaments like sensors, generally derived and improved from Western systems. The next generation, the Type 052B Luyang I class would not be launched before 2002, the first modern destroyer design (2 ships) incorporating a true medium-range air defence capability, the Russian Shtil-1. The looked like Gorshkov class Frigates and leaned more towards that rank, rather than destroyers. The Chinese intention was to continue with the larger Type 051C, clearly a derivative of the Type 051B (2 ships launched in 2006) bringing again a lot of improvements.

However as it proceeded, the PLAN playing a “long game” to completely replace the old Luda class (c17 ships), from which the last batches were scheduled for modernization. As an “insurance” policy to have a solid, proven design alongside to ensure the fleet had the means of this slow run modernization, the Chinese PLAN staff decided to acquire two modified Sovremenny-class destroyers by then in slow completion. The Russian Federation managed to have the first, Vazhny, launched on 27 May 1994 and the second, Vdumchivy, on 16 April 1999. The Chinese wanted them completed with a few Chinese modifications (moslty all Russian caracters translated to Chinese, etc.) and they were delivered in December 1999 and November 2000 to the PLAN, changing names for Hangzhou and Fuzhou. They were evaluated with their Chinese armament and in 2002, the PLAN ordered two improved versions, designated 956-EM. The first was launched in late 2005, the second in 2006, both started in 2002. By that time, the Sovremenny design went all the way back to 1969…

All four vessels were assigned to the East Sea Fleet for a global project cost estimated 600 million US$ (mid-1990s price), the price paid for Project 956A (two ships), and 1.4 billion US$ (early-2000s price) for Project 956EM also two ships, named Taizhou and Ningbo, ex-Vnushitelny and Vechny as they were first officially laid down for the Russian Navy. This post is about these four destroyers.

Design of the class

Hull and general design

Project 956E were still stock Sovremenny, they displaced 6,600 tons standard, 8,480 tons full load for an overall length of 156 m (511 ft 10 in), a beam of 17.3 m (56 ft 9 in) and a draught of 6.5 m (21 ft 4 in). The full crew was of 350 oficers and ratings. The overall appearance was that of the Sovremenny, as they shared their sensors, armament configuration as well, even down to the detail. They were far more conservative than the next Project 956EM pair of destroyers that still leaned to towards the latest Russian sensors and armaments. Initial plan to have more Chinese systems integrated was toned down to lower costs. The Project 956EM (or Taizhou sub-class) displaced officially the same, had the same dimensions as Project 956, but they had a more modern version of the same Russian radar, but otherwise, they were pretty close.

Powerplant

Project 956E/EM destroyer had the same machinery as the Sovremenny class, still old school for the 1980s standards, more so for the 2000s, but the Chinese purchased a trusted system. After all, the Luda also had similar steam turbines. Each destroyer had two shaft GTZA-674 geared steam turbines, fed by four KVG-3 boilers rated for a rounded total of 75,000 kW (100,000 hp), passed on two fixed propellers. When the ship was cold, there were turbo generators, and two diesel generators to continue powering on board systems.

Top speed was a generous 32.7 knots (60.6 km/h; 37.6 mph). They carried 1,740 tonnes of fuel oil for a max range of 3,920 nmi (7,260 km; 4,510 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) down to 1,345 nmi (2,491 km; 1,548 mi) at max speed, 33 knots (61 km/h; 38 mph). Other sources points our 4,900 nm at 19 knots. The Chinese had no issue finding experienced chief engineers in their own fleet, due to the relation to the Luda class powerplant. The Type 052B Luhai class were the first to adopt CODOG but the adoption process into the fleet took time.

Armament (Original)

On this chapter, no surprise, it was “stock” Sovremenny, each of thsee four destroyers brought to the table two AK-130 guns (making them quite useful in a Taiwan invasion scenario for shore operations), two Kashtan CIWS for close-in defence, while their missile strike power went to two quad Chinese YJ-12 anti-ship cruise missiles, and 32 cell (2 x 16) vertical launching systems (VLS) for the HQ-16 or Yu-8 SAM on the Project 956E. Taizhou and Ningbo in contrast (Prject 956EM) only had the original quad launchers for the original P-270 Moskit (SS-N-22 ‘Sunburn’) anti-ship missiles.

AK-130-MR-184

main guns supplied by the Ametist Design Bureau and the Frunze Arsenal Design Bureau in Saint Petersburg. Controlled by fire-control radar and TV sighting, the gun can be operated fully automatically from the radar control system, or under autonomous control using the turret-mounted Kondensor optical sighting system, or fired manually. Rate of fire is between 20 and 35 rounds/min.

AK-630 CIWS (956E).

The ship also has four six-barrel 30mm AK-630 close-in weapon systems (CIWs). The maximum rate of fire is 5,000 rounds/min. Range is up to 4,000m for low flying anti-ship missiles and 5,000m for light surface targets. The gun is equipped with radar and television detection and tracking.

P-270 Moskit

Soviet supersonic ramjet powered anti-ship cruise missile (GRAU 3M80, NATO SS-N-22 Sunburn) produced from 1983. Mass 4,500 kg (9,900 lb) for a lenght of 9.745 m (31 ft 11.7 in), diameter 0.8 m (31 in) and wingspan 2.10 m (6 ft 11 in). It carried a warhead of 300 kg (660 lb) and was powered by four ramjets for a range of 120–250 km (75–155 mi), flying below radar at 20 m (66 ft) above sea level at Mach 2-3 through inertial guidance plus terminal active radar homing. The EM were equipped with the improved 200km-range 3M80MBE variant.

M-22 Shtil'(SA-N-7 Grizzly) SAM

Two single air defence 9M38M1E missile launchers are installed on the raised decks behind the 130mm main guns. The launchers can fire a semi-active, radar-homing, medium-range air defence missile. The missile uses the ship’s Top Plate 3D circular scan radar for target tracking, and the Front Dome (three radar for each launcher, each radar with two guidance channels) indication radar for missile guidance. Up to three missiles can be aimed simultaneously. The range is up to 25km against aircraft and 15km against anti-ship cruise missile. The ships carries 48 missiles each.

Kashtan CIWS (956EM)

The improved Project 956EM is also armed with the SA-N-11 short-range air defence missiles as a part of the Kashtan air defence gun/missile system. The missile is armed with a 9kg warhead and has a range of 1.5~8km.

ASW suite

The destroyers has two twin-barrel 533mm torpedo tubes and two six-barrel RBU-1000 Smerch-3 antisubmarine rocket launchers, with 48 rockets. The rocket is armed with a 55kg warhead and has a maximum range of 1,000m. Fixed sonar includes Bull Horn (Platina) and Whale Tongue hull-mounted, medium frequency sonar for active search and attack. They also had two seven-tubes 55 MRG-1 Ogonyok grenade launchers notally used to launch chaff, but also smoke rounds. Additionally the ship can also carry 22 to 40 mines.

Sensors

Original Sensors 956E

Air search radar Top Plate 3D E/H band, range 230km or 50km for a sea-skimming missile.
-6x Front Dome, F-band for the SA-N-7 SAM.
-Kite Screach H/I/K-band for 130 mm gun control.
-Bass Tilt H/I-band for 30 mm AA CIWS.
-Band Stand for the datalink SS-N-22 Sunburn
-Bell Nest, two Light Bulb, two Tee Pump datalinks.
-MGK-335MSE Platina-MSE sonar, +SSN-137, 2x MG-7 Braslet sonars
-Sapfir-U CCS

Original Sensors 956EM

-MR-760MA Fregat-M2EM ASR
-Mineral-E ASR
-2x 3R91E FCR
-MR-184E Lev-218 FCR
-MR-212/201-1 Vaygach-U FCR
-MR-212/201-3 Vaygach-U FCR
-MGK-335MSE Platina-MSE sonar
-SSN-137 underwater detector
-2x MG-7 Braslet sonars
-Sigma-E CCS (956EM)

Electronic Warfare

-2x Spektr-F laser detectors
-E/O sensor (NATO Codename “Squeeze Box”)
-MP-401E Start, MP-407E Start-2 ECM suites
-8x PK-10 Smelyy decoy dispensers
-2×7 55 MRG-1 Ogonyok smoke grenade/chaff launchers
-2x PK-2M decoy dispensers (200 rockets)

Air Group:

It comprised a single Ka-28 series helicopter (other sources Ka-27) with a helipad but no hangar, making its operation complicated. The Ka-27 was used as main ASW long range asset, equipped with MG-7 Braslet sonars.

⚙ specifications
Displacement	6,600 tons standard, 8,480 tons full load
Dimensions	156 x 17.3 x 6.5m (511 ft 10 in x 56 ft 9 in x 21 ft 4 in)
Propulsion	2 shaft steam turbines, 4 boilers 75,000 kW (100,000 hp)
Speed	32.7 knots (60.6 km/h; 37.6 mph)
Range	3,920 nmi (7,260 km; 4,510 mi) at 18 knots
Armament	2 AK-130 guns, 2 Kashtan CIWS, 2×4 YJ-12, 32 VLS HQ-16/YU-8*
Protection	2 PK-2 decoy dispensers (200 rockets)
Sensors	ATR radar, 3× navigation radars, 130 mm gun and 30mm CIWS FCS, sonar Active/passive under-keel
Air Group	Ka-27 series helicopter
Crew	350

Modifications (c2016-2021)

Around 2016, the four ships were taken in hands one after the other in a way to keep at least three vessels operational with the East Sea Fleet, for a complete modernization and refit. The main goal was to replace all original sensors and armaments for their Chinese aquivalents, notably to standardize them with the PLAN. The full suite for the first two ships in 2019-2020 was comprising the removal of the following:
Moskit-E SSM (the two quad canisters), two M-22 Shtil SAM, the four 6-tubes 30mm/54 CIWS, and MGK-335MSE Platina-MSE sonar
And addition of the following:
Two quad YJ-12A SSM (8 YJ-12A), two 24 VLS YJ-18 SSM/HQ-16 SAM (48), two 10-VLS HQ-10 SAM (20), two 11-tubes 30mm/80 type 1130 CIWS, and the Chinese SJD-18 sonar.

Armament (PLA Modified)

YJ-12

Chinese supersonic anti-ship cruise missile manufactured by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC). 205–500 kg (452–1,102 lb) with an integrated ramjet/booster propulsion system for a max range of 250–270 nmi (290–310 mi; 460–500 km) at max speed Mach 2.5 to 4, flying close over water, guided by BeiDou satellite navigation with mid-course updates, terminal active radar homing. The canisters are straight angle boxes.

HQ-16 SAM

Carried by the VLS of Project 956E ships: The ‘Red Banner-16’ (NATO CH-SA-16) are medium-range surface-to-air missile developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) of CASC), derived from earlier versions of the Russian Buk missile system. Made to be carried by VLS. Powered by a rocket motor with solid fuel for a range of 40 kilometres (25 mi) (HQ-16/HQ-16A) (slant) and up to 160 kilometres (99 mi) for the later HQ-16FE. Alttude range from 15 to 27km, guided with Semi-active radar homing.

YU-8 ASWM

Optional missile in the VLS of Project 956E ships: The Chang Ying is a Chinese anti-submarine missile which development went back to the Luda class missile destroyers, Jiangwei class missile frigates. Already an old design in 1988. Litte data available. This “Chinese ASROC” is the main medium-range ASW asset. Mass is about 0.6 ton for 1.2 x 0.4 x 1.2 meter in size, carrying as payload a 324mm Lightweight torpedo using a Semi-armor-piercing system. The rocket motor use solid fuel for a c20 km range, supersonic, guided by inertial in flight, passive and active sonar in water for the torpedo when delivered. Its payload is the new lightweight torpedo (LWT) likely based on the Russian APR-3E torpedo. The YU-8 was only operational in the 2010s and not installed on the Hangzhou class vessels on delivery.

HQ-10 SAM

The first two ships were given two 10-tubes launchers for these. The HQ-10 or ‘Red Banner-10’ is a short range SAM designed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) as point defense missile system, strongly inspired by the US RAM CIWS. Missile mass is 20 kg for 2 m long, 127 mm diameter (same as standard rockets), for a warhead of 3 kg HE FRAG using infrared proximity fuse, with a rocket motor with solid fuel for a range up to 9 km, 6 km altitude, guidance Imaging infrared (IIR).

30mm/80 type 1130 CIWS

With 11 30mm barrels, it had been described as the largest Gatling cannon in the world, firing up to 11,000 rounds a minute (Nearly 200 rounds a second). It fires NATO 30x173mm API (Armor Piercing – Incendiary) round (425 grams). Derived from the Type 730 it is designed to protect warships against anti-ship missiles and other aerial threats. Similar layout to the Type 730, with the centrally mounted gun flanked by an electro-optical sensor ball at the right rear of the turret and a fire-control radar at the left rear. Its two drum shaped canisters are fitted one on either side of the gun in the turret, each holding 1,280 rounds.

Kashtan-M

The remainder is the same as above, but with the Kashtan-M CIWS (two launchers) on all ships. The Kortik (NATO Kashtan) combines guns and short range missiles, similar to MANPADS.
Mass: 12,500 kg (27,600 lb), Height 2,250 mm (89 in) above deck.
Fires either the HEI-Frag, Frag-T, APDS-T 0.39 kg (0.86 lb) or 0.30 kg (0.66 lb) for the APDS-T, 30×165mm AO-18.
Barrels: Two AO-18K autocannon and two quad launch tubes. The Gas-operated rotary cannons ara capable of 10,000 rounds/min (guns).
Each missile could be fired per 3–4 sec. Shells have a muzzle velocity of 960 m/s (HEIF, FT) or 1,100 m/s (APDS-T)
Gun Range is 1,500–10,000 m (4,900–32,800 ft) and altitude 300–5,000 m (980–16,400 ft).
The Feed system is Link-less, helical for 1000 rounds, the shells has either a Continuous-rod or frag layer
Radar/TV-optical provided guidance, 6 targets simultaneous tracking.
The eight 9M311K are reloadable with a stock of 24 missiles per system, 48 overall per ship.
The missile altutude is 6,000 m (20,000 ft) and speed 910 m/s (3,000 ft/s).

Modified Sensors:

-Air target acquisition radar
-3× navigation radars
-130 mm gun fire-control radars
-30 mm air-defence gun fire control radar
-Active and passive SJD-18 under-keel sonar
Tactical situation plotting board with AS FCS, air defence, torpedo FCS, all Chinese.

Career of the Hanzhou class (so far)

Hangzhou (1994)

Hangzhou (DDG-136) in 2023/02/20

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Surface Force acquired a modified Sovremenny-class destroyer, initially planned by the Soviet Navy as Vazhnyy when ordered at the Severnaya Verf, Saint Petersburg and laid down on 4 November 1988. Construction was suspended with the fall if USSR and resulmed slowly. She was launched for the Russian Navy on 27 May 1994, but after negociations, sold to China and delivered in December 1999 ads commissioned. In 2002, the PLAN ordered two improved versions (956-EM) see below launched 2005-2006. Undr her new name of Hanzhou, she was commissioned to the East Sea Fleet, purchased and modified for an approximative clost of 300 million US$ (mid-1990s) for Project 956A per ship ship.

As of 2016, Hangzhou was reported in refit with domestic systems installed: Russian Electronics and sensors were replaced (no detail given) and armament upgrades with the replacement of the 3M80E Moskit anti-ship missiles canisters by YJ-12A supersonic missiles, and the original two launchers replaced by two VLS, for a total of 48 SA-N-12 SAMs (four sets of 8-cell), in detail, 32 cells for HQ-16C or Yu-8 anti-submarine missiles plus a 24-cell FL-3000N short-range anti-air missiles. On 29 March 2021, Taizhou, Hangzhou and Suzhou were seen in common live firing exercise. She is still active today.

Fuzhou (1999)

Fuzhou (DDG-137) in 2023/09/11

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Surface Force (PLAN) acquired her second modified Sovremenny-class destroyer in November 2000. She was the former Soviet-ordered Vdumchivyy from Severnaya Verf, Saint Petersburg, laid down on 22 April 1989, construction suspended with the fall of USSR. Resumed in 1998 and launched on 16 April 1999. Acquired after negociations that same year, renamed Fuzhou (福州市) and assigned to the East Sea Fleet. Her cost was 300 million US$ as a Project 956E keeping all her original sensors and armaments.
However in 2016-2018 she was likely completely overhauled and modernized like her sister Hangzhou with Chinese sensors and armaments (see above). Currently in service with the East Sea Fleet.

Taizhou (2004)

Taizhou (DDG-138) in 2015/08/17

Taizhou was part of a specific ordered for two Sovremenny class destroyer tro the Federation of Russia, modified as the Type Project 956EM. Albeit they were intended for the PLAN, they were originally ordered as Russian ships, named Vnushitelnyy and Vechny, acquired officially by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Surface Force (PLAN) as modified Sovremenny-class destroyers. Renamed Taizhou, initially laid down at St Petesburg’s Severnaya Verf on 3 July 2002, she was launched in late 2005 and commissioned on 28 December 2005 for the East Sea Fleet.
Her cost was 700 millions US$ in early-2000s price. At that time she had the latest sensors and armament suite from Russia. In addition the modified 956EM had the aft 130mm gunmount replaced for an additional space for an, extended helicopter deck and proper hangar. They kept the two Kortik missile/gun CADS modules.

On 17 August 2015, Taizhou, Linyi, Hengyang, Taihu and Yunwu Shan took part in Joint Sea 2015 II in the Sea of Japan. Taizhou was likely modernized and standardized with Chinese sensors and armaments (see above) between 2017 and 2020. She was spotted on 29 March 2021, with Hangzhou and Suzhou for East Sea Fleet live firing exercise. Currently active with the latter.

Ningbo (2004)

Ningbo (DDG-139) on 02/03/2023

The ship was originally laid down at Severnaya Verf, Saint Petersburg as Vechny on 15 November 2002, launched on 23 July 2004 under her final name Ningbo for the PLAN and commissioned on 27 September 2006 for a cost of 700 million US$. She was the very last Sovremenny class destroyer ever built, a design formulated in the early 1970s. She had the latest of Russian sensors and armament in the class however. At some point between 2016 and 2020 she was refitted and modernized with Chinese senesors and armaments. On 15 March 2021, Taiyuan, Ningbo and a Type 054A of the East Sea Fleet were seen in a live firing exercise. On 14 November 2023 Ningbo engaged divers from HMAS Toowoomba, activating her sonar as the divers were removing a fishing net entangled in one of the propellers of their ship. The concussion had them slightly injured. International laws stricky forbade the use of an active sonar close to divers for that reasons due to eardrum damage, even worse for nearby marine fauna (can be fatal). Ningbo is currently in service with the PLAN.