CNS Yantai (538)

History

The 054A class frigate is an important type of warship used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy. These ships are versatile and serve multiple purposes. There are around 50 ships planned in total for this class, with about 31 already in service as of 2021.

These warships are designed to be fast, have a long range, and carry powerful weapons. They provide tactical flexibility and are deployed in a region that experiences ongoing military competition and instability.

One of the ships in the 054A class is called CNS Yantai (538). It was built at Huangpu Shipyard in Shanghai and was launched in August 2010. The ship officially entered service in June 2011 and is still in operation as of 2021.

During its construction, the warship had a weight of 4,465 tons when fully loaded. It measures 440 feet in length from bow to stern and has a width of 52 feet. The ship is powered by four Shaanxi 16 PA6 STC diesel engines, each producing 7,600 horsepower, which drive two stern shafts. This propulsion system allows the vessel to reach a speed of 27 knots and travel over 9,000 miles.

The ship has a crew of 165 members. Its radar systems include Type 382 and Type 344 radars, four Type 345 surface-to-air missile (SAM) radars, and a Type 347G fire control radar/control unit. It also has two Racal RM-1290 series Navigation I-band radars. The Yantai is equipped with a hull towed sonar array, satellite communication systems (SNTI-240 and AKD5000S Ku-band), and electronic warfare systems (922-1, HZ, 100, and Kashtan-3).

In terms of weapons, the Yantai has a 76mm dual-function deck gun, a 32-unit Vertical Launch System (VLS) capable of firing HQ-16 Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAM) and/or Yu-8 Anti-Submarine Missiles (ASROC), and two quad missile launchers for the C-803 series of anti-ship/land attack cruise missiles. It also has two Type 730 30mm close-in weapons systems (CIWS) and two triple torpedo tubes (324mm Yu-7).

The Yantai, like other ships of its class, has a streamlined design with a smooth hull and flat surfaces for better camouflage. The superstructure includes the bridge section, main mast, chimney, and helipad. The ship can launch and recover one medium-lift helicopter on its helipad, and the hangar provides maintenance and support for another helicopter.

CNS Yantai has been actively involved in naval exercises in the Yellow Sea since 2013, with its first participation occurring in August 2021.

Specification

Basic

Year of Service: 2011

Origins: China

Status: In service

Crew: 165

Class: Model 054A

Class Size: 30

Carrie: China

Characters

Sea Bombing

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

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

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.

Missile weapons

The ship supports long-range missile launches to air, sea or land-based targets; typical of modern design.

Torpedo

Able to launch torpedoes at distant targets.

Anti-submarine missile

Capable of launching missile salvos against submarine threats.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 440. 0 feet (134.11m)

Ray: 52. 0 feet (15.85m)

Draft: 15. 0 feet (4.57m)

Shift: 4,465 t

Power and Performance

Installed Power: Combined Diesel-diesel (CODAD): 4 x Shaanxi 16 PA6 STC diesel engines, each 7,600 hp, driving 2 x axles.

Surface Velocity: 27. 0 nodes (31.1 km/h)

Area: 8,025nm (9,235 miles | 14,862 kilometers)

Weapons

1 x 76mm PJ26 deck gun with turret (dual use).

1 x 32-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS) with HQ-16 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) and/or Yu-8 Anti-Submarine Missile (ASROC).

8 x C-803 Anti-Ship Missiles (ASM) or land attack cruise missiles in two quad launchers.

2 x 30mm Type 730 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS).

12 x 240 mm Type 87 ASROC launchers in two six-shot positions.

2 x 726-4 18-tube decoy rocket launchers.

2 x 324 mm triple torpedo tubes.

Aircraft

1 or 2 medium naval helicopters, usually Kamov Ka-28 "Helix" or Harbin Z-9C models, equipped for various missions, including anti-submarine warfare (ASW); attached to the helicopter Full service hangar on the tarmac.