China launched its 4th Type 071 LPD, its 21st Type 054A Frigate and its 5th Type 815G ELINT vessel

: Posted On Thursday, 22 January 2015 14:30

Naval Forces News - China

China launched its 4th Type 071 LPD, its 21st Type 054A Frigate and its 5th Type 815G ELINT vessel

Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, a wholly owned subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC, the largest shipbuilding group in China), launched on the same day near Shanghai three new vessels for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN or Chinese Navy): The fourth Type 071 landing platform dock (Yuzhao-class LPD), the twenty-first Type 054A Frigate (Jiangkai II class) and the fifth Type 815G ELINT/SIGINT vessel.

On the same day China launched 3 military vessels (representing over 32,000 tons combined) showing to the world its naval shipbuilding industry's might.

The fourth Type 071 LPD for the PLAN is launched on 22 January 2015 at Hudong shipyard in China.

Type 071 landing platform dock
Type 071 (Yuzhao-class) LPD are the main amphibious platforms of the PLAN. They displace approximatly 25,000 tons, measure 210 meters long and 28 meters wide. The ship complement is 156 sailors plus 23 officers.
Each Type 071 has the capacity to accomodate one marine battalion, including 500 to 800 troops. During a recent visit in the UK, it was announced that the ship can carry up to 65 amphibious armored vehicles. The well deck was designed to hold four Yuyi-class LCAC. In addition, Type 071 LPDs can also supposedly carry 6 Z-8 medium (10 tons class) helicopters.
The ship is armed with one 76 mm gun and four 30 mm close-in weapon systems.

The head of Type 071 class, Kunlun Shan (hull number 998), was launched in December 2006 and commissioned in November 2007. The second vessel of the class, Jinggang Shan (hull number 999), was launched in November 2010 and commissioned in October 2011. The third Type 071 LPD Changbai Shan was launched in September 2011. All three vessel are deployed with the PLAN's South Sea Fleet.

The 21st Type 054A Frigate launched on 22 January 2015 at Hudong shipyard in China.

Type 054A Frigate
Based on the Type 054 Frigates, the Type 054A incorporated a larger number of more-advanced indigenous systems. The first of class entered service with the PLAN in 2007.

Type 054A Frigates are fitted with 32 VLS (Vertical Launch System) cells for HQ-16 surface to air missiles, 8x YJ-83 (export designation C-803) anti-ship missiles, a H/PJ-26 76mm main gun, two H/PJ12 (export designation Type 730) 30mm CIWS guns (for frigates 1 to 16 in the series), two triple YU-7 torpedo launchers and anti-submarine rocket launchers for ASW warfare.

The 5th Type 815G ELINT/SINGINT vessel launched on 22 January 2015 at Hudong shipyard in China.

The Type 054A Frigate (right) and Type 815G ship (left) in the same picture

Type 815G ELINT/SINGT vessel
The Type 815G is a 6,000 tons ELINT (Electronic signals intelligence) SIGINT (Signals intelligence) class of ship in service with the PLAN. Four vessels of the class have already been produced for the PLAN.

Meanwhile the 20th and 23rd Type 056 Corvette for the PLAN and the second C28A Corvette for Algerian Navy (from left to right) are at systems outfitting stage at Hudong shipyard.

Hudong shipyard
Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding is a wholly owned subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the largest shipbuilding group in China and the second largest in the world. The shipyard is fulfilling civilian and military vessel orders alike, both for the domestic market (it is a major supplier of PLAN vessels of all classes including the Type 056 Corvette) as well as export.

In August 2014, Hudong shipyard launched the first Algerian Navy C28A Corvette. As can be seen in the picture above, the second unit is currently at "systems outfitting" stage. Algeria signed a contract with China Shipbuilding Trading Co (CSTC) for construction of three C82A corvettes in March 2012.

Pakistan Navy's F-22P Frigates were also built at Hudong shipyard.