Jianghu 2-class frigate (Type 053H1)

Basic information

Type:

Frigate

Parent class:

Jianghu-class frigates (Type 053)

Operators:

People's Liberation Army Navy (Chinese Navy)

Country of build:

People's Republic of China

Builder:

Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding

Planned:

Completed:

In service:

1972 – present (52 years)

Ship measurements

Displacement:

1,702 t

Length:

103.2 m

Beam:

10.8 m

Draft:

3.2 m

Machine

Propulsion:

2 * 12E390VA,880 kW (7,885 hp) at 480 rpm
4 * SEMT Pielstick 16PA6V280BTC diesel generators (license-built by Shaanxi Diesel Engine Works)

Speed:

26 knots

Personnel

Complement:

190

Combat assets

Electronics:

Type 354 Radar (Eye Shield) 2D air/surface search
Type 352 Radar (Square Tie)
G/H-band radar for SSM and 100 mm gun targeting
EH-5 hull-mounted MF sonar
Jug Pair intercept ECM/EW system
ZKJ-3 combat data system (with reported speed of 1 Mbit/s) in some units
Data link: HN-900 (Chinese equivalent of Link 11A/B, to be upgraded)
Communication: SNTI-240 SATCOM

Armament:

6 * SY-1 SSM
2 * 100 mm gun
4 * dual 37 mm AA guns
2 * Type 81 (RBU-1200) 5-tube ASW RL (30 rockets), or 2 * Type 3200 6-tube ASW RL (36 rockets)
2 * Type 62 5-tube A/S mortar launchers
2 * depth charge (DC) racks & projector

The unfortunate characteristics of Jianghu 1-class frigates (Type 053H), prompted the Chinese to develop an improved version — Type 053H1. The nine vessels were deployed between 1982 and 1988. Ships of this class received modernized weapons and electronic equipment, as well as improved anti-ship missiles.

In addition, in response to the increasing tension in the Spratly Islands, the air conditioning capability was also strengthened with the intention of deployment in the South China Sea in mind.

The main gun was changed to a Type 79 56-caliber 100 mm twin gun (PJ-33), and the introduction of the Type 343 (Wasp Head) fire control system significantly improved the firing accuracy. However, this equipment was not ready in time for the early construction ships, so it was installed on later construction ships, and was gradually replaced on the early construction ships.

Despite these improvements, the Type 053H1 was still lacking in performance, and so a radically redesigned Jianghu 3-class frigate (Type 053H2) was developed. In addition, the ship, Siping (544), was later converted into a test ship and its model number was changed to Jianghu 4-class frigate (Type 053H1Q).