CNS Liupanshui (514)

History of CNS Liupanshui (514)

Liupanshui is part of the Type 056A family of frigates in service with the modern Chinese Navy, the People's Liberation Army Navy ("PLAN"). It is stationed in PLAN service as part of the South China Sea Fleet. The ship joined the South China Sea Fleet in March 2017.

The Type 056 frigate fleet has 41 active units, of which 60 are planned and 9 are currently (2019) under construction. These are ships with a displacement of 1,500 tons, a length of 90 meters, a width of 11 meters and a draft of 4 meters.

Power is provided by 2 SEMT-Pielstick PA6-STC marine diesel engines with a top speed of 25 knots and a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles. Due to their shallow draft, they can operate relatively close to shore to support offshore or amphibious assaults.

On board was a complement of seventy-eight people. Type 346G radar, bow sonar and towed sonar arrays are installed to maximize coverage for this type/size of vessel.

Weapons are a mix of projectile and missile-based systems, including 76mm AK-176 deck gun and turret, 2 x 30mm Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), 2 x YJ-83 dual anti-ship missile launchers, 8-cell FL -3000N Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) pod and 2 x 324mm triple torpedo tubes. All in all, warships have the ability to individually attack targets on the water, above water, or underwater.

Although its design did not include hangar facilities, the vessel can still launch and retrieve a single medium lift from the aft helipad.

The main mast is closed, and the smoke funnel is a low, fully enclosed design that provides some basic stealth. In addition, structural protrusions are eliminated where possible, thereby reducing signatures to some extent.

Plate fairings used along the hull are also a positive design feature of modern warships.

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