Type 051C destroyer

The Type 051C or "Luzhou" class destroyer is the latest air-defense guided missile destroyer built by China in response to creating a true blue water navy. The ship uses the hull design of the older Type 051B ("Luhai" class), but is equipped with the advanced Russian S-300F/RIF air defense missiles systems. Currently, two ships of this class have been launched and deployed by People's Liberation Army Navy North Sea Fleet.

Program

The construction of the "Luzhou" class destroyer at of the China’s northern Dalian Shipyard was discovered in 2004 with the help of Internet photographs. A key flaw in the Type 051C is that it lacks the evident stealthy radar cross-section found on the newer Chinese warships. The ship also possesses less advanced steam turbine propulsion than the other ships built by Dalian during the same time period. This is most likely reflected in the lack of funds received by the PLAN. The ship also lacks the active phased array radar onboard the Type 052C ("Lanzhou" class) destroyers.

Missiles

The "Luzhou" class fully utilizes the advance Russian S-300F/RIF air defense missile system with 48 semi-active radar homing. The missile has been proved in several missile evaluation tests. The missile has a maximum range of 90 km and an operating altitude of 25 m ~ 30 km.

The anti-ship abilities possed by the "Luzhou" class includes 8 indigenous YJ-83 Anti-ship missiles. The anti-ship missile has a range of 120 km and approaches the target in sea skimming mode at a speed of 0.9 Mach. As a secondary role, the missile can also be used against land targets.

Guns

The ship uses two Type 730 CIWS guns for air defense. The Type 730 is a highly effective CIWS that is also installed on the Type 052B ("Guangzhou" class) and Type 052C destroyers, and the new Type 054A ("Jiangkai" II class) frigates. The ship also have a 100mm gun based on a French design to act against surface targets.

Propulsion

The ship is powered by two indigenous steam turbine engines.

External links

*http://www.sinodefence.com/navy/surface/type051c_luzhou.asp
*http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/ddg-x.htm