An intriguing new Chinese surface combatant spotted first in clear imagery in November last year has gone to sea, apparently for the first time, in early May. As Naval News has previously reported, this Chinese experimental corvette emerged at Liaonan Shipyard in China’s northern Liaoning Province over the second half of 2023.
Imagery circulated on Chinese social media shows the ship both offshore and returning to port. The location presumably is still at Liaonan Shipyard, also known as Dalian Liaoning South. Liaonan is a smaller yard previously concerned with construction of Type 056 corvettes for the Chinese Navy (PLAN). The facility also provides a wide range of other maintenance services for a variety of PLAN hulls including frigates, amphibious ships and conventionally powered submarines.
Experimental platform with a range of novel features
The new corvette so far has not received a publicly known designation. Based on an image from the launch of its program, the ship apparently serves as a “comprehensive testing platform”. Such a role may include trials of novel weapon systems, sensors and propulsion. A range of novel or significantly modified subsystems are visible in the various images of the ship circulated on Chinese social media. This includes a stealthy main gun, a compact VLS and a signature-optimized derivative of the HQ-10 short range air defence missile system
The latest imagery suggests the VLS may contain 16 cells. The type of missile launch system remains unconfirmed. Existing Chinese combatants operate a range of systems. This includes the H/AKJ-16 launcher for the HQ-16 SAM and anti-submarine ordnance, as fitted on Type 054A and 054B-frigates. Another common design is the “universal launch system” on larger Type 052D and Type 055-destroyers, supporting a wider range of ordnance including supersonic anti-ship missiles.
The blackened sensor mast on the clearest image also confirms the location of exhaust vents for the type. This observation excludes the possibility of waterline exhausts. The exact propulsion system remains speculative. Smaller combatants typically feature diesel engines. However, a gas turbine or some form of combined arrangement including electric drive is also conceivable. The visible wake in one recent image suggests the possibility of water jet propulsion instead of a conventional screw.
Intriguingly the ship also appears to have been fitted with inflatable radar reflectors. The objects are visible on the bow and its sizeable helicopter landing deck. Use of such devices is generally prompted by operational safety and sensitivity regarding very stealthy military designs.
New corvette part of a surge in naval prototypes for PLAN
No further hulls of this type have appeared so far either at Liaonan or elsewhere. A one-off reinforces the stated intent as experimental platform. China in recent years has launched a range of intriguing designs of apparent experimental nature. This activity includes compact submarine designs, drones, and most recently some type of experimental drone platform resembling a small flattop carrier. These more bespoke prototypes complement a small fleet of more conventional test ships in Chinese service engaged in testing a range of weapon and sensor systems.
One question concerning some more extravagant efforts is whether these have significant backing by the PLA. At least a number of programs such as the Jari surface drone, appear to represent industry-financed endeavors promoting design competency in emerging naval capabilities. Presence of military personnel at the launch of this Chinese experimental corvette may suggest this design has firmer backing by PLAN. What the outcome regarding adaption of related technologies or an eventual larger production run will be, remains to be seen.
