China's New Type 056 Corvette

[Nomenclature]

Recent Chinese military forums are abuzz with rumors about the new Type 056 corvette. The discussed has been quite heated on whether China needs a new 1,500 -2,000 ton corvette.

Although some well-informed posters has stated the construction of new corvette has already began, many still doubt the existence or at least usefulness of such ships.

Anyway now the mystery is solved after some sharp-eyed poster on FYJS digged up this new photo from University of Hong Kong website showing the deputy commander of the PLA garrison presenting a model as a gift to the Vice-Chancellor of HKU.

????

I have to say this is one of the most unexpected ways a new class of PLAN warship has been revealed.

Anyway now we know the design of this new corvette I'm interested in people's opinion on the design itself or its usefulness to PLAN.

 

[Dragon Emperor]

I'd say it's useless for blue-water missions but idle for coast guard/patrol and littoral missions.

 

[yangtomous]

it is very important for PLAN.between 022 and 054 ,just one type vessel that is 037 .056 is urgently need by China. it should built more than thirties to patrol east China sea and south China sea.the max speed must more than 32knot .that is the submarine fastest speed.

 

[no_name]

I think the corvette should have anti-submarine capabilities.

 

[oct605032048]

interesting that the major-general is in a Army uniform.

 

[no_name]

The ship somewhat resembles the sigma class corvette

 

[Nomenclature]

It seems most military enthusiasts on Chinese forums I visit are disappointed by the design. Some of them were expecting a 2,500+ tons ship like India's Kamorta class. This 056 is probably no more than 1,200-1,500 tons. Others are complaining about not enough ASW or not enough guns (just one 76mm gun, no AK-630 CIWS or smaller guns). No helo hangar is another complaint.

Still it's an improvement over the 500t 037-II currently stationed in HK.

I wonder what's people's opinion on the lack of a hangar? or the absence of AK-630 or smaller guns? Is the single missile based FL-3000N CIWS enough for close range air-defense? Is just having one 76mm gun going to cause troubles for fighting pirates/engaging in low-intensity conflict (where using anti-ship missiles maybe inappropriate)?

Aboard weapon systems identified so far:
1 76mm main gun
1 FL-3000N missile based CIWS
4 YJ-83 anti-ship missiles
HQ-10 surface-to-air missiles
Whatever carried by the helo
(possible torpedo launcher for ASW?)

 

[oct605032048]

it has been said that photo was shot during the commander of the PLA forces in Hong Kong paying a visit to the headmaster of the Hong Kong University. That make sense why the man was in the Army's uniform.

 

[no_name]

76mm gun is actually overkill for pirates I believe, they usually use machine guns and oerlikon cannons. It doesn't look like it has room fro HQ-10.

 

[gypgypgyp]

76mm gun is actually overkill for pirates I believe, they usually use machine guns and oerlikon cannons. It doesn't look like it has room fro HQ-10.

I don't think China has enough budget to build a class ship specify to anti-pirate. So there is no such during the design.


BWT 056 is a low level ship, the main focus is sheap and build a lot. 054A is too expensive for PLAN, they can't afford large number of it. The fisrt 054A cost more than 220 million USD.

 

[Nomenclature]

76mm gun is actually overkill for pirates I believe, they usually use machine guns and oerlikon cannons. It doesn't look like it has room fro HQ-10.

yeah, no HQ-10 then, I was doubtful about it but a whole bunch of people seems to think there is. Besides the space constrain equipping HQ-10 will probably push the cost too high.

 

[Nomenclature]

I don't think China has enough budget to build a class ship specify to anti-pirate. So there is no such during the design.


BWT 056 is a low level ship, the main focus is sheap and build a lot. 054A is too expensive for PLAN, they can't afford large number of it. The fisrt 054A cost more than 220 million USD.

I agree budget is a major concern. I was expecting a bit too much for a mass-production corvette. Still I think at the end they'll find places to fit in some small autocanons, otherwise this will be the only conventional shaped corvette with only one gun...

Type 056 is more than capable of replacing old 037 corvettes (fewer anti-ship missiles and guns, but better air-defense and a helicopter at least double the tonnage).

I wonder how many of these ships will be built. As there exists more than 150+ 037 of various variants, it will probably bleed PLAN dry to attempt a 1:1 replacement.

Another question is whether they'll be used to replace those ancient Jianghu (early Type 053) frigates. They're similar in size but more modern and potent than Jianghu. Replacing Jianghu with 056 will see a major drop in number of PLAN frigates though, but replaces them with 054A will cost way too much.

I guess we just have to accept a fleet of 50+ frigates is no longer possible?

 

[no_name]

Pound for pound, the type 056 is probably better than the Jianghu. How well can Jianghu survive an air attack or sea attack is doubtful. And corvette frigate distinction is probably in names in this case as the Jianghu is not significantly larger than the type 056.

 

[Dragon Emperor]

I don't think China has enough budget to build a class ship specify to anti-pirate. So there is no such during the design.


BWT 056 is a low level ship, the main focus is sheap and build a lot. 054A is too expensive for PLAN, they can't afford large number of it. The fisrt 054A cost more than 220 million USD.

China can afford to buy as many Type 054As that it wants once China's economy reaches two-thirds of USA's economy. If USA can afford to buy 50+DDGs with the economy it has now, then once China reaches USA's GDP level, China can also have 50 Type 052D DDGs.

 

[razgriz19]

China can afford to buy as many Type 054As that it wants once China's economy reaches two-thirds of USA's economy. If USA can afford to buy 50+DDGs with the economy it has now, then once China reaches USA's GDP level, China can also have 50 Type 052D DDGs.

china's military budget is expected to be $78 billion this year....

US military budget is MORE THAN $700 BILLION!!!!!!!!!!!!
$$$719.2 BILLION TO BE PRECISE..

see the difference....?

Government Spending Chart in United States 2000-2020 - Federal State Local