The first Type 054B-frigate built by Hudong in Shanghai has started builder trials. This key step saw confirmation through imagery shared on Chinese social media. The Chinese Navy next generation frigate got caught by enthusiasts sailing up the Huangpu River, apparently returning from a trial back to Hudong’s construction facilities further upstream on the river. The ship still features the red anti-rust coating prominently on its deck. The unfinished state suggests further painting and other work is yet to follow, before the frigate will be handed over to PLAN for service trials and commissioning. The frigate was originally launched on August 26 at the Hudong-Zhonghua-yard in Shanghai.
Further confirmation on armament specifications
The new images reveal further details and characteristics of this successor to the venerable Type 054A-frigate, which saw production in large numbers over the past 15 years. For weaponry the VLS is the H/AKJ-16-design with 32 cells similar to 054A featuring HQ-16-type medium range surface to air- and Yu-8 ASW-missiles. Furthermore the Type 054B design features slant carriers supporting two quadruple box launchers for anti-ship missiles amidships. An exact type remains unconfirmed and YJ-83 or YJ-12 AShM are both plausible candidates. Other already confirmed armament includes the 100mm main gun, a gun CIWS, likely the Type 1130, a HQ-10 missile CIWS, and lightweight torpedo-launchers.
Propulsion arrangement will not include gas turbines
Significantly the new images also settle speculation on the type of propulsion. A closer look at the smokestack arrangement clarifies that Type 054B will indeed feature CODAD – combined diesel and diesel-propulsion. As such the new design remains in line operationally with the preceding Type 054A. Earlier speculation including here on Naval News considered a switch including a gas turbine in the setup. The selection of CODAD however may represent PLAN preference for careful and considered evolution in modern ship designs over too many radical shifts in short succession. This choice likely also reflects the intention to mass-produce a modern frigate design while ensuring affordability and reliability in equal measures.
Signature reduction efforts observable throughout the hull
A prominent design element of Type 054B appears to be widespread optimization of the hull, resulting in a more stealthy combatant. This includes shielding for both radar- and infrared-signatures, beyond overall hull shaping. The most obvious design feature here is the fitting of various covers over vents and openings on the frigate. The general implementation is not a first, as the Type 055 large destroyer shows very similar design aspects. Type 054B however seems to take signature reduction measures even further. Notable features include a cover for the starboard bow anchor, something not seen on previous Chinese combatants. Prominent shrouds also cover large vents on both sides next to the RHIB bays.
One more Type 054B is in the late stages of fitting out at the Huangpu Shipyard in Guangzhou. The second hull should commence her own trials in the near future. No further units of Type 054B appear to be under construction at this stage. The construction pace may suggest a lengthy trial phase before moving to proper volume production. A cautious initial phase followed by large volume production would mirror PLAN-procurement with the Type 054A frigate and the Type 052D destroyer. In any case this program for a Chinese Navy next generation frigate appears to be well on track for now.
