Errymath: VLS

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<img alt="A suspected test launch of a YJ-18 from test ship 891 equipped with the new CN VLS. Note the hot launch of the missile, but with exhaust being vented "around" the missile via its concentric vent arrangement, different to the central venting method of other hot launch VLS like Mk-41 and SYLVER" class="size-full wp-image-350" height="439" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/yj-18-launch-gif.gif" width="640" /> 
A suspected test launch of a YJ-18 from test ship 891 equipped with the 
new CN VLS. Note the hot launch of the missile, but with exhaust being 
vented “around” the missile via its concentric vent arrangement, 
different to the central venting method of other hot launch VLS like 
Mk-41 and SYLVER 
 
 
The first Chinese Navy ship to receive the CN VLS is the 052D class 
destroyer. It is expected that all new major surface combatant classes 
which follow the 052D will also be equipped with the CN VLS. The 055 
class large destroyer will almost certainly carry the CN VLS, likely in 
large numbers between 112-128 cells. A successor frigate to the current 
054A will also likely carry the CN VLS. Other ships such as aircraft 
carriers, amphibious assault ships, down to future corvettes, may also 
carry small numbers of CN VLS for self defense roles to supplement CIWS.
 Export frigate and destroyer designs offered by China will also likely 
include the CN VLS with export cleared munitions as well.

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<a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mock-up.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-345" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The CN VLS will equip many future Chinese surface combatants, such as the upcoming 055 class large destroyer" class=" wp-image-345" height="262" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mock-up.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_345" style="width: 608px;"><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">The CN VLS will equip many future Chinese surface combatants, such as the upcoming 055 class large destroyer</figcaption></figure>

Existing ships with older launch systems and older VLS such as the 
052B class, Sovremenny class, 052C class, 051C class and 054A class, may
 also potentially be refit with the CN VLS via upgrades, but whether the
 Chinese Navy decides to embark on an expensive upgrade is another 
matter. Needless to say, refitting such ships with a new, larger VLS 
would require some meaningful structural changes.

Overall, it is virtually assured that the CN VLS will become the 
Chinese Navy’s primary offensive missile launching tool, and will be as 
ubiquitous to the Chinese Navy in the foreseeable decades as the Mk-41 
VLS has been and will be for the US Navy. Therefore a careful 
appreciation of the CN VLS is necessary for any serious watcher of the 
Chinese Navy. 
 
<h1 class="entry-title">
<a href="http://plarealtalk.com/2015/12/11/profile-chinese-navy-vls/" target="_blank">Profile: Chinese Navy VLS</a></h1>
<h3>
Background:</h3>
The Chinese Navy Vertical Launch System (CN VLS) is a new type of 
universal, modular VLS capable of carrying and launching multiple types 
of missiles, similar to the US Navy’s Mk-41. However the CN VLS is also 
capable of launching missiles in a cold launch and hot launch method.

A modular VLS for the Chinese Navy has long been expected by the 
Chinese military watching community, however the first VLS type onboard a
 Chinese ship was a cold launched, space inefficient, circular VLS 
aboard the 052C destroyer
 first launched in 2004, and was only capable of firing the HHQ-9 LR 
SAM. The second VLS type was a hot launch VLS very similar in 
arrangement to the US Mk-41 and European SYLVER, which equipped the 054A
 class frigate and is capable of firing both HHQ-16 SAMs and VL ASROC 
type weapons. However neither of these two VLS was truly multirole like 
the Mk-41.

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_289" style="width: 548px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/VLS-detail.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-289"><img alt="CN VLS aboard the 052D" class=" wp-image-289" height="640" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/VLS-detail.jpg" width="605" /> </a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">CN VLS aboard the 052D</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_344" style="width: 548px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/8-cell-mk-41.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-344"><img alt="A standard 8 cell module of the Mk-41 VLS" class=" wp-image-344" height="480" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/8-cell-mk-41.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">A standard 8 cell module of the Mk-41 VLS</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_347" style="width: 532px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sylver-vls.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-347"><img alt="A pair of 8 cell modules of the SYLVER VLS" class=" wp-image-347" height="341" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/sylver-vls.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">A pair of 8 cell modules of the SYLVER VLS</figcaption></figure>
But by the late 2000s, credible rumours of a new 052D class destroyer
 began to emerge, with a consistent rumour being that the ship would be 
equipped with a new universal VLS to be the Chinese Navy’s new 
generation multirole VLS.

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_279" style="width: 555px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/052d-opening-likely.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-279"><img alt="052D class was the first Chinese ship to use the new multirole CN VLS" class=" wp-image-279" height="235" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/052d-opening-likely.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">052D class was the first Chinese ship to use the new multirole CN VLS</figcaption></figure>
This was confirmed in spectacular fashion in late 2012, when the 
first 052D was launched, revealing its VLS in clear detail. Furthermore,
 052D’s launch was accompanied by the “leak” of a document for a Guojia 
Junyong Biaozhun (National Military Standard, similar to MIL-STD for 
western military forces), revealed many details of a new universal VLS 
that could only logically be attributed to the 052D’s new VLS.

<hr />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
 </h3>
<h3>
GJB 5860-2006:</h3>
The GJB document provided a wealth of reliable information regarding the CN VLS’ dimensions and function. 
-VLS canister diameter is 0.85m (which is larger than the US Navy’s new 
Mk-57 VLS, which only has a diameter of 0.71m, and further larger than 
the Mk-41 VLS, which has a diameter of 0.635m) 
-VLS canisters come in three lengths, 9 meters, 7 meters, and 3.3 meters
 (which is similar to the strike length, tactical length and self 
defence length canisters for the Mk-41 VLS) 
-The VLS is capable of quad-packing missiles, as well as firing surface 
to air missiles, cruise missiles, anti ship missiles, and anti submarine
 missiles 
-The VLS is capable of cold launching missiles, whereby a missile is 
ejected (such as via compressed gas) out of its canister, and its engine
 only ignites once it is in the air well clear of the ship and the VLS. 
-The VLS is capable of hot launching missiles, but each canister has its
 own “concentric” vent for missile exhausts. The CN VLS lacks a central 
vent that all eight VLS canisters are connected to (as in the Mk-41), 
but instead a vent is present (and likely removable) within each 
canister intended for hot launch.

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_284" style="width: 529px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/gjb-screen-shot.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-284"><img alt="A page of the GJB document which provided a substantial amount of information regarding the new VLS" class=" wp-image-284" height="393" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/gjb-screen-shot.jpg" width="529" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">A page of the GJB document which provided a substantial amount of information regarding the new VLS</figcaption></figure>
Cold launch vs Hot launch: 
Cold launch of missiles helps to reduce damage incurred to the VLS 
itself during the launch process. A cold launch method also removes a 
fundamental limitation to the size of a missile that can be launched, 
where a larger missile produces a larger fiery exhaust, but that exhaust
 must be safely vented through a hot launch method. A cold launch method
 removes the need for a vent as the missile only ignites when it is well
 clear of the ship, thus potentially allowing for much larger missiles 
to be safely launched. 
However, cold launch may also present some additional mechanical risks, 
such as if a missile’s engine does not ignite after ejection, whereupon 
it would inevitably fall back down, potentially back onto the ship it 
was ejected from. The risk of this occurring is debatable however, as 
Russian, Chinese, and even some western missile systems are now fielding
 cold launch methods in a variety of highly demanding roles. 
Another minor disadvantage of cold launch missiles is that they have 
slower engagement time compared to a hot launch missile whose engine 
directly ignites from inside the VLS.

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_227" style="width: 500px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/hhq-9-ignition.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-227"><img alt="Cold launch of an HHQ-9 from an 052C" class=" wp-image-227" height="640" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/hhq-9-ignition.jpg" width="439" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Cold
 launch of an HHQ-9 from an 052C, note the missile’s engine only 
igniting in mid air after it has been ejected well clear of the ship</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_346" style="width: 635px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/mk-41-hot-launch.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-346"><img alt="Hot launch from a Mk-41 VLS, note the central vent which helps to safely redirect the missile exhaust" class=" wp-image-346" height="357" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/mk-41-hot-launch.jpg" width="635" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Hot
 launch from a Mk-41 VLS, note the central vent which helps to safely 
redirect the missile exhaust in a single “wall” in the middle of the VLS
 module</figcaption></figure>
Hot launch VLS provides a missile with faster response time and more 
immediate kinetic energy from launch, thus potentially may be more 
useful for medium and short range SAMs where seconds are immensely 
important for intercepting an incoming missile. Hot launch VLS may also 
be more reliable than older cold launch VLS, as there is no risk for a 
missile failing to ignite in mid air and falling back down as in cold 
launch; if a missile fails to ignite in hot launch, it simply remains 
within the canister. 
However, hot launch VLS are also heavier and more complicated and 
subjected to greater temperatures and potential damage, adding cost and 
reducing lifespan of the VLS module compared to a cold launch VLS.

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_349" style="width: 486px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/vls-hot-launch.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-349"><img alt="Cutaway diagram indicating the standard set up of a hot launch VLS with central vent" class=" wp-image-349" height="606" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/vls-hot-launch.jpg" width="486" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Cutaway diagram indicating the standard set up of a hot launch VLS with central vent</figcaption></figure>
By combining the potential for cold launch and hot launch in a single
 VLS, the CN VLS will provide greater flexibility and allow the Chinese 
Navy to more appropriately select differing launch methods for differing
 missiles in the most efficient way.

In terms of footprint, a standard eight cell CN VLS module is 
somewhat larger than an equivalent Mk-41 eight cell module, however, 
each canister of a CN VLS is also substantially larger than a canister 
of a Mk-41 canister, and that means a CN VLS could potentially carry and
 launch much larger missiles than a Mk-41. Indeed if the CN VLS was 
required to take advantage of its immense diameter, it could launch a 
missile via the cold launch method, which removes any need for internal 
concentric vents. 
Ultimately all else being equal, a larger missile could translate into a
 greater payload, greater range, more powerful guidance and ECCM, among 
other important capabilities.

<hr />
<h3>
Loadouts:</h3>
The multirole nature of the CN VLS will allow it to carry a variety 
of potential current and future missiles, among a wide variety of 
categories.

Surface to Air Missiles:
 the long range HHQ-9 SAM and future variants will likely be the 
predominant LR SAM of the CN VLS (similar to the Standard family for the
 Mk-41 VLS); HHQ-16 may also be adapted to be fired from the CN VLS, 
however it is doubtful if future variants will be developed given the 
potential for quad packed medium range SAMs could replace it; quad 
packed SAMs such as a variant of the DK-10 SAM will likely be developed 
and integrated to become the Chinese Navy’s equivalent to the Evolved 
Sea Sparrow Missile.

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_283" style="width: 525px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dk-10-sam-e1448270517493.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-283"><img alt="The CN VLS is likely to field a quad packable SAM with medium range, such as a derivative of the DK-10" class=" wp-image-283" height="503" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/dk-10-sam-e1448270517493.jpg" width="525" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">The CN VLS is likely to field a quad packable SAM with medium range, such as a derivative of the DK-10</figcaption></figure>

Anti Ship Missiles:
 the Chinese Navy currently fields a number of AShMs which could 
potentially be integrated into the new CN VLS, including new variants of
 the legacy YJ-82, or the YJ-62 which is similar to the Tomahawk Anti 
Ship Missile. However, at this stage the only AShM that is expected to 
be integrated with the CN VLS is the YJ-18 AShM, which is thought to be a
 Chinese equivalent to the Russian 3M-54 (a subsonic AShM in cruise 
phase with a supersonic terminal phase). Rumours have also suggested a 
possible “YJ-100” which would be an anti shipping variant of the 
CJ-10/DF-10 LACM and may thus have substantial powered range in excess 
of 1,500km, but doubts remain. The large diameter of the CN VLS means it
 may also accommodate future AShMs of large size, such as hypersonic 
AShMs.

Land Attack Cruise Missiles:
 the CN VLS is expected to carry an LACM similar to the Tomahawk Land 
Attack Missile often launched from the Mk-41 VLS. The most likely 
contender within the immediate future is a vertically launched variant 
of the CJ-10/DF-10 LACM, which exists in air launched and ground 
launched variants. Future LACMs will likely also be integrated into the 
CN VLS as they are developed.

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_282" style="width: 605px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/df-10-lacm-e1448270480843.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-282"><img alt="The CN VLS will likely be integrated with a vertically launched variant of the CJ-10/DF-10 land attack cruise missile" class=" wp-image-282" height="419" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/df-10-lacm-e1448270480843.jpg" width="605" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">The CN VLS will likely be integrated with a vertically launched variant of the CJ-10/DF-10 land attack cruise missile</figcaption></figure>
Anti Submarine Warfare Missiles:
 the CN VLS is expected to accommodate a vertically launched ASROC type 
weapon, a capability already present on the 054A’s VLS. It is likely 
that initially the CN VLS will be capable of launching the same type of 
VL ASROC as the 054A (possibly called Yu-8), but a larger diameter and 
heavier weapon may be developed to take advantage of the CN VLS’s larger
 diameter.

Ballistic Missile Defence and Anti Satellite Missiles:
 while the Chinese military has yet to receive any BMD or ASAT weapons 
in service, it has conducted a variety of tests and various missiles are
 known to be under development with BMD and potential low orbit ASAT 
roles, which may fit inside the dimensions of the CN VLS. However, it 
may take a number of years until such a weapon emerges, and more time 
after that for such a weapon to even be integrated into the CN VLS. But 
such a possibility should not be excluded. 
 </div>

Vertical Launch System (VLS) on Type 052D

A suspected test launch of a YJ-18 from test ship 891 equipped with the new CN VLS. Note the hot launch of the missile, but with exhaust ...

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<img alt="A leaked photo of the PLA Navy's Type 093G nuclear submarine. (Internet photo)" height="426" src="http://www.wantchinatimes.com/newsphoto/2015-02-15/450/type093G-120958_copy1.jpg" width="640" /> 
<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #666666; display: inline !important; float: none; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 16.4830207824707px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">A leaked photo of the Type 093G nuclear submarine. (Internet photo) 
 
 
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<img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8dzX4P_94k3qTFbi95tAj1oKSoURBch7rCPLzi5KoguxHowzxKnLtRrFwwvbXi09vYXPJgpfTdJe6WtTt67X7NDKe0n30stg9qSBUEkS9hEm0pKUCwEcrmHi-zO56GsfxS0nzhXdSrTl/s1600/Chinese+Huludao+Shipyard+has+completed+the+construction+of+three+nuclear-powered+attack+submarines+093G+14.jpg" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8dzX4P_94k3qTFbi95tAj1oKSoURBch7rCPLzi5KoguxHowzxKnLtRrFwwvbXi09vYXPJgpfTdJe6WtTt67X7NDKe0n30stg9qSBUEkS9hEm0pKUCwEcrmHi-zO56GsfxS0nzhXdSrTl/s640/Chinese+Huludao+Shipyard+has+completed+the+construction+of+three+nuclear-powered+attack+submarines+093G+14.jpg" width="640" /> 
 
<img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ4_r0yY7xFVzPpZfgYe9wZdE_hJJkzWKYUR0_-4xYdCRl-ceoWiHwmJWg_vaOrRlnPlgcftI689ePNnkD9TQua4tU8eyyif9RiNsAGYGcFVkUdOF6EjqYecgzjn5j3olJNh8ohYFVleo/s1600/Chinese+Huludao+Shipyard+has+completed+the+construction+of+three+nuclear-powered+attack+submarines+093G+16.jpg" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZ4_r0yY7xFVzPpZfgYe9wZdE_hJJkzWKYUR0_-4xYdCRl-ceoWiHwmJWg_vaOrRlnPlgcftI689ePNnkD9TQua4tU8eyyif9RiNsAGYGcFVkUdOF6EjqYecgzjn5j3olJNh8ohYFVleo/s640/Chinese+Huludao+Shipyard+has+completed+the+construction+of+three+nuclear-powered+attack+submarines+093G+16.jpg" width="640" /> 
 
 
The military channel of people.com.cn carried a report on CCTV’s 
interview with Chinese military expert Real Admiral Yin Zhuo about the 3
 new nuclear submarines.
 
As CCTV is China’s top official TV media and Real Admiral is a navy 
insider, we believe, the report provides rare official information about
 China’s nuclear submarines.

First, Real Admiral Yin told the reporter that the design standards 
of China’s nuclear submarines are in the main equal to usual world 
standards.

When CCTV quotes media report that as 093G has Vertical Launch Systerm (VLS), it is better by 
far than Russia’s Oscar-class nuclear submarine and a real “aircraft 
carrier killer”. Yin said that was not a scientific view.

He said judging by the photo, the displacement of a 093G was but a 
few thousand tons but that of Russia’s Oscar-class is 20,000 tons. 
 It 
can carry 24 missiles 4 tons each with a large range and supersonic 
speed. That is formidable fire power. A 093G is better in its VLS that 
enable it to attack targets in all direction.

Yin said: the initial design of 093G meant to give 093G powerful 
anti-ship and defense-breaking capabilities. The capabilities of land 
attack and relatively strong anti-submarine capabilities were added to 
the design later.

In addition, Yin revealed that a submarine was only able to detect 
surface ships within a distance of several dozen of kilometers, but the 
range of its anti-ship missile has a range of a few hundred kilometers 
while its anti-ground cruise missile has a range exceeding 1,000 
kilometers. 
Therefore, the submarine relies on the information provided 
by satellite and aircraft, which transmit the information to the 
submarine through land-based long-wave radio station.

He said, “A submarine needs a full set of external communication 
system to ensure its combat capabilities. At present, we have complete 
capabilities to safeguard our Type 093G nuclear submarines. We can 
provide such protection no matter where they have sailed to for battle 
operation.

people.com.cn “Type 093G nuclear submarine threatens large 
warships and can be installed with anti-ground cruise missiles” 
 </div>

Official Information on Type 093G SSN with Vertical Launch Systerm (VLS)

A leaked photo of the Type 093G nuclear submarine. (Internet photo) The military channel of people.com.cn carried a report on C...

Errymath

Yu-8 anti-submarine missile has successfully tested

Vertical Launch System (VLS) on Type 052D

Official Information on Type 093G SSN with Vertical Launch Systerm (VLS)

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