PLAN LUHAI CLASS DDGLAST UPDATE: June 4, 2007   
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| SPECIFICATIONS | PHOTOGRAPHS (Click on the pictures for an enlarged photo) |
 Designation: DDG Length: 495 ft (153m) Beam: 52 ft (17m) Draft: 18 ft (6m) Displace (Full Load): 6,600 tons Propulsion: 2 Type 453 boilers, two shafts Speed: 31 knots Range: 14,000 nautical miles (14 knots) Crew: 250 Helicopter(s): 2 KA-28 ASW Sensors: - Type 360S, Type 381, Type 517H-1, Type 344, Type 345 Radars - Unknown Sonars Armament: - 1 X 8 HQ-7 missiles - 16 X YJ-83 SSM - 1 X dual 100m DP Gun - 4 X dual 37mm cannons) - 2 X 12 240mm ASW Rockets - 6 X 324mm YU-7 torpedoes Ships in class: 1 167 LuhaiThe People's Republic of China embarked on a massive and rapid modernization program for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the late 1990s. The first large multi-role destroyer that the PLAN built was built at the Dalian Shipyards starting in 1996 and launched in 1997. She was commissioned in 1999 the Luhai, 167. This was the first large, indegenous Chinese destroyer, and was also the first major combatant built by the PLAN with sloped sides to reduce its radar-cross section. It was also the first large, modern destroyer to be built by the PLAN capable of housing two ASW helicopters like many of its western counterparts. The vessel is armed with a decent dual, 100mm naval gun and a large anti-surface strike capability consisting of 16 surface to surface missiles. But its anti-submarine capabilities (outside of the two helicopters), and particularly it's anti-air defense capabilities are weak, being armed only with a short range, eight missile launcher. Nonetheless, the Luhai represented a large step forward for the PLAN and has given the PLAN significant experience in operating a large, modern, multi-role destroyer. Experience it has made good use of with the follow on designs for the Guangzhou and Lanshou destroyers. |
       
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Jeff Head is a member of the US Naval Insitute who has many years experience in the power, defense, and computer industries. He currently works for the federal government helping maintain regional infrastructure. He is the author of a self-published military techno-thriller called, "Dragon's Fury," that projects a fictional third world war arising out of current events. Learn more about that series by clicking on the picture of the novel cover below:
 DRAGON'S FURY-World War against America and the West |
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