CNS Shangrao (583)

History

The Type 056 frigate, a key asset in the People's Liberation Army (PLAN) navy, is designed for inshore/offshore support operations with a displacement of around 1,500 tons. Classified as a frigate by China and resembling a corvette by Western sources, the Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) variant is known as Type 056A. With 72 ships in the class as of August 2021, these vessels serve as successors to the Cold War-era Type 037 ships, combining stealth features with advanced communication, sensors, and weaponry for versatile multi-mission capabilities. The export versions, known as "P18," are utilized by the Bangladesh and Nigerian navies.

NATO designates the entire class as the "Jiangdao class," and one of the vessels, CNS Shangrao (583), commissioned in 2013, is part of the Baltic Fleet. The warship's dimensions include a length of 300 feet, a beam of 36.5 feet, and a draft of 13 feet, allowing it to operate effectively close to shore. Propelled by two SEMT Pielstick PA6-STC series marine diesel engines, it boasts a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 3,500 nautical miles at 16 knots.

Equipped with advanced radar systems, including Type 360 air and surface search radar and Type 347G fire control radar, the Type 056 frigate is armed with a variety of weapons for air, sea, and underwater threats. These include a 76mm AK-176 deck gun, 30mm automatic cannons, YJ-83 anti-ship missile launchers, FL-3000N Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launcher, and torpedo tubes. The vessel's design minimizes radar profile, featuring a low-profile bridge section with an enclosed main mast. CNS Shangrao actively participates in Chinese military operations, particularly amphibious assault-focused exercises, underscoring its strategic significance in potential Taiwan-related scenarios.

Specification

BASICS

Years of Service: 2013

Origins: China

Status: In service

Class: Type 056 (Jiangdao class)

Class Size: 72

Characters

Sea Bombing: Maritime bombardment/attack of surface targets/areas primarily through ship-based ballistic weapons.

Offshore Operations: Nearshore activities in support of Allied activities.

Land Assault: Littoral attacks against surface targets primarily through ship-based missiles/missile weapons.

Sea Patrol: Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Airspace Denial/Deterrence: Neutralization or deterrence of flying elements by airborne missile weapon ballistics.

Fleet Support: Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Distinctive Features

Flatten: The hull of the vessel is designed to operate in coastal/shallow water environments.

Air Defense: Airborne systems warn and protect ships from airborne and low-altitude ballistic and/or missile threats.

On the horizon: The ship is granted over-the-horizon combat capability, usually provided by a launched fixed-wing/rotary-wing aircraft.

Ship to shore: Airborne facilities allow the launch of air and/or land elements for land attack and penetration.

Torpedo: Able to launch torpedoes at distant targets.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 300.0 feet (91.44 m)

Ray: 36.5 feet (11.13 m)

Draft: 13.0 feet (3.96 m)

Shift: 1,500 t

Power and Performance

Installed Power: 2 x SEMT-Pielstick PA6-STC marine diesel engines propel power to 2 x stern shafts.

Surface Velocity: 25.0 nodes (28.8 km/h)

Area: 3,476nm (4,000 miles | 6,437 kilometers)

Weapons

1 x 76mm AK-176 deck gun and turret.

1 x 8-cell FL-3000N Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Launcher.

2 x 2 cell YJ-83 Anti-Ship Missile (ASM) launchers.

2 x 30mm automatic cannons.

2 x 324 mm triple torpedo tubes.

Aircraft

1 x medium helicopter operated from rear helipad (Harbin Z-9).