Errymath

First Robot weather presenter: Microsoft's Xiaoice

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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Xiaoice is an artificial intelligence software. She has a 'cute' voice, 
can instantly comment on weather data and big news events, and now, she 
has a job on morning TV. The Chinese live program, 'Morning News,' 
introduced the AI on Tuesday, making Xiaoice the first robot to take on a
 job of this kind<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><a href="http://ec.tynt.com/b/rf?id=bBOTTqvd0r3Pooab7jrHcU&u=DailyMail" target="_blank"></a></div>
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<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span id="ext-gen101" style="font-size: 1.2em;">Xiaoice is Microsoft's latest piece of artificial intelligence.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">She has a 'cute' voice, can instantly comment on weather data and big news events, and now, she has a job on morning TV.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
 Chinese live program, 'Morning News,' introduced the AI on Tuesday, 
making Xiaoice the first robot to take on a job of this kind.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Her
 voice sounds more like a human's than any other AI's to date, and 
Xioice's success now has people questioning the future of their careers.</span></div>
<div class="artSplitter mol-img-group">
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<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Morning
 News has added the robot software to their live broadcast line-up, and 
as a 'trainee anchor,' she will deliver the weather forecast every day.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">While
 Xiaoice is just making her Dragon TV debut, she gained previous 
popularity on interactive platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and JD.com.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">To
 achieve a 4.32 score in linguistic naturalness, compared to the 4.76 
score of a human voice, developers equipped the AI with breakthrough 
Text-to-Speech (TTS) technology.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Using
 deep learning techniques through Smart Cloud and Big Data, Xiaoice will
 be able to analyse weather data while giving a live broadcast.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">She will even have 'emotional computing' technologies, which will allow her to make emotional comments.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
 project is a collaboration between Microsoft Applications & 
Services Group East Asia and Shanghai Media Group (SMG) TV News Center.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Over
 the recent years, SMG has been constantly committed to sustainable 
growth of integration and transformation, with great sincerity and 
openness to embrace the Internet. It's a brand new attempt for us to 
join hands with Microsoft in artificial intelligence,' says Jiongming 
Song, Director of SMG TV News Center.</span></div>
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<div class="related-carousel with-fb sciencetech" data-track-module="am-related_carousel^related_carousel" data-track-pos="static" data-track-selector=".rotator-panels a:not([class*=external])" id="p-12">
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<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Although
 human anchors can't be completely replaced by Xiaoice in the near term,
 Xiaoice and human anchors will supplement each other as Xiaoice's 
capabilities in deep learning, Internet big data analysis, instant 
large-scale online and offline concurrent interactions are 
unexceptional.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Our
 hope is that similar artificial intelligence technology will be applied
 to more SMG programmes and get well accepted by the public.'</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">In July, Xiaoice was launched in Japan, and reached 1 percent of the total population in just one week. </span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Now, researchers are saying this software will soon be making its way to the United States and other regions.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">After her TV debut on December 22, people have begun to worry that their job may soon be lost to robots. </span></div>
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<img alt="The days of weather presenters ( could be numbered. Researchers from London and Edinburgh have developed a computer that can collate meterological information and then produce forecasts as if they were written by a human. It uses a process known as 'natural language generation' (NLG)" class="blkBorder img-share" height="423" id="i-d9e82baf641d0115" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/02/16/1991222B00000578-3023335-image-a-127_1427989576667.jpg" width="634" /><div class="share-pictures-overlay" id="share-pictures-2">
  
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<div class="imageCaption">
The days of weather presenters (stock 
image) could be numbered. Researchers from London and Edinburgh have 
developed a computer that can collate meterological information and then
 produce forecasts as if they were written by a human. It uses a process
 known as 'natural language generation' (NLG)</div>
<div class="imageCaption">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">According to <a class="" href="http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/world-news/chinese-tv-employs-robot-as-weather-reporter-anchors-worried/articleshow/50308175.cms" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Economic Times</a>,
 another robot-journalist was released earlier this year and it was able
 to produce a 'flawless' 961 word article in just one minute.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">The
 article by Dream writer, designed by gaming giant Tencent, covered 
basic financial news and was just a readable as something written by a 
human would be.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">As
 Chinese media is controlled by the state, reporters have expressed 
worry that their jobs may be more vulnerable than reporters' in other 
countries.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Despite the concerns of automation, Xiaoice's creators say the AI will work alongside humans, and will be welcomed.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<br /></div>
<div class="art-ins mol-factbox floatRHS sciencetech">
                <h3 class="wocc">
                    <i><span style="font-weight: bold;">WHAT IS NATURAL LANGUAGE GENERATION (NLG)? </span>                </i></h3>
<i>                </i><div class="ins cleared xolcc bdrcc">
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<i><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">NLG is the process of producing readable texts in English, or other languages, automatically on a computer.</span></i></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<i><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Typically, the program starts with statistics and figures, or any information that isn't written in language. </span></i></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<i><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">These includes tables of numerical data or a collection of entries in a database. </span></i></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<i><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Alternatively, NLG will rephrase a block of texts to make it easier to read and understand. </span></i></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<i><span style="font-size: 1.2em;">It
 is often referred to as a translator that converts computer speak into 
natural language, which is tricky for computers due to variances in tone
 and grammar.  </span></i></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<br /></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Xiaoice
 is a critical artificial intelligence product for Microsoft and she has
 been first launched in China and Japan,' says Dr Yongdong Wang, the 
creator of Xiaoice and Managing Director of Microsoft Applications &
 Services Group East Asia.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'We
 feel thrilled to work with SMG to introduce Xiaoice into the live TV 
programme and to jointly open a new chapter in the history of the 
scientific technology and television.'</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Dr.
 Yongdong Wang says that the partnered companies are 'well equipped with
 the world's leading technology research and development capabilities, 
product framework and artificial intelligence brands.'</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">'Under
 the current circumstances, we will pay more attention to practicality 
by developing artificial intelligence products available to everyone 
rather than just put forward mere sci-tech concepts.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">As
 Xiaoice is gradually penetrating into human life, engaging herself in 
more jobs and playing more social roles, Microsoft expects her to bring 
more bliss to human beings.' </span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Researchers
 from London and Edinburgh are also developing a computer that can 
collate meteorological information and then produce forecasts as if they
 were written by a human.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Using
 a process known as 'natural language generation' (NLG), it has the 
potential to one day be used in humanoid robots on our TV screens.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">These
 computer-generated weather updates are being being tested by scientists
 at Heriot-Watt University and University College London.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">Using Met Office data, the researchers are developing new algorithms for automatically generating detailed reports.</span></div>
<div class="mol-para-with-font" id="ext-gen102">
<span style="font-size: 1.2em;">If the project is successful, a prototype system will be tested by generating local weather reports on the BBC's website.</span></div>
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First Robot weather presenter: Microsoft's Xiaoice

Xiaoice is an artificial intelligence software. She has a 'cute' voice, can instantly comment on weather data and big news even...

HHQ-9 naval surface to air missile

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_228" style="width: 481px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/HHQ-9-VLS-detail.jpg"><img alt="HHQ-9 VLS detail aboard 052C, with VLS cover opened" class=" wp-image-228" height="403" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/HHQ-9-VLS-detail.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">HHQ-9 VLS detail aboard 052C, with VLS cover opened</figcaption></figure>
However, considerable ambiguities regarding the capability and the 
nature of the HHQ-9 still remain, due to a lack of official information 
regarding the HHQ-9. The capabilities of HHQ-9 are sometimes further 
confused with that of the land based HQ-9 SAM (from which HHQ-9 is 
derived) and the export variant FD-2000, but there is reason to believe 
the naval HHQ-9 may feature some substantial differences to the land 
based HQ-9 and export FD-2000.<br />

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_229" style="width: 579px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/hq-9.jpg"><img alt="Land based HQ-9 SAM system, which the HHQ-9 SAM is derived from" class=" wp-image-229" height="398" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/hq-9.jpg" width="640" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Land based HQ-9 SAM system, which the HHQ-9 SAM is derived from</figcaption></figure>
<h3>
Range:</h3>
The HHQ-9’s range is a subject of some debate. It should be prefaced 
that the effective range of any type of missile is dependent on the 
target it is assigned to engage – a naval SAM or a beyond visual range 
air to air missile would have a substantially higher effective range 
against a high flying, low speed target such as a maritime patrol 
aircraft, compared to an incoming supersonic cruise missile at low 
altitude. Therefore, following discussion of HHQ-9’s range is done so in
 this context, and is assumed to be maximum slant range against a high 
flying aerial target.<br />
The range for HHQ-9 has been cited between 100 to 120 kilometers; in a 
report by the US Office of Naval Intelligence, HHQ-9 has been cited as 
having a range of 55 nautical miles or slightly over 100 kilometers, but
 the export variant FD-2000 is said to have a range of 120 kilometers, 
and various Chinese language sources including state media (CCTV) have 
reported 052C to be equipped with a SAM whose range exceeds 150 
kilometers.<br />
Additional confusion exists, one when considers that initial HHQ-9 
variants may have been superseded by improved capability HHQ-9 variants 
with longer range, therefore it is difficult to ascertain just which 
variant of HHQ-9 may be present aboard current ship classes.<br />
However, taking this array of differing information into consideration, 
it is possible to judge that the maximum effective range of current 
variant HHQ-9 is likely to be between 100 kilometers and 150 kilometers.<br />

<br />

<h3>
Minimum Altitude:</h3>
Ambiguity surrounding HHQ-9’s minimum altitude has received less 
coverage than that of its maximum range, but it is potentially as 
equally important.<br />
The minimum altitude of a SAM would very much determine its ability to 
destroy low flying targets such as sea skimming cruise missiles, 
especially during the terminal phase.<br />
HHQ-9’s minimum altitude has been cited to be anywhere from 500 meters 
to 25 meters. The 500 meter altitude has been associated to past 
brochures for the land based HQ-9, however it is unlikely that the land 
based HQ-9 would have such a poor minimum altitude given it is 
insufficient to intercept even relatively low flying aircraft, therefore
 the 500 meter minimum altitude is likely to be an incorrect number. The
 25 meter minimum altitude is cited for the export variant FD-2000, and 
while it is far more realistic for a land based SAM, it still appears 
excessively high to effectively intercept sea skimming cruise missiles 
whose terminal altitude may be as low as five to ten meters above sea 
level. On the other hand it is notable that the naval HHQ-9 likely 
features the same 180 kilogram fragmenting warhead as HQ-9 and FD-2000, 
which may feature a blast radius large enough to compensate for an 
insufficiently low minimum altitude and thus retain the capability to 
kill a sea skimming target.<br />
But despite all the above, there is reason to question whether the naval
 HHQ-9 may have a minimum altitude even lower than 25 meters, as land 
variants and naval variants of the same SAM may feature differing 
minimum altitudes, possibly due to the nature of more alternating 
terrain for a land based SAM which may produce greater clutter when 
trying to track a low flying target, as well as vertical features such 
as trees or buildings which may further limit the minimum range of a SAM
 (but also any incoming missile).<br />
For instance, the European SAMP/T long range land based SAM is a variant
 of the naval Aster 30 long range SAM. SAMP/T is cited by MBDA with a 
minimum altitude of 50 meters, however Aster 30 is well known to be 
capable of intercepting sea skimming targets at lower altitudes as well.<br />

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_224" style="width: 569px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/aster-30-sampt.jpg"><img alt="The European SAMP/T is a land based air defence system derived from the Aster 30 naval SAM. The manufacturer states SAMP/T to have a 50m minimum altitude, however the Aster 30 is also known to be capable of engaging very low altitude sea skimming targets" class=" wp-image-224" height="381" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/aster-30-sampt.jpg" width="569" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">The
 European SAMP/T is a land based air defence system derived from the 
Aster 30 naval SAM. The manufacturer states SAMP/T to have a 50m minimum
 altitude, however the Aster 30 is also known to be capable of engaging 
very low altitude sea skimming targets</figcaption></figure>
Therefore, the minimum altitude of HHQ-9 is likely to be sufficient 
for intercepting sea skimming targets, and directly assuming HHQ-9 
features the same effective range of its land based counterparts may be a
 significant error in logic.<br />
Indeed, given the role of HHQ-9 as the Chinese Navy’s primary long range
 naval SAM, it would be quite a limitation if it were incapable of 
intercepting low altitude sea skimming missiles.<br />

<br />

<h3>
Guidance:</h3>
HHQ-9’s guidance is another point of contention which has significant consequences regarding the capability of the missile.<br />
Semi active radar homing (SARH) missiles rely on an external source to 
illuminate a target, whereupon a seeker on the missile homes onto the 
reflected beam. For modern surface to air and air to air missiles (among
 other types), this illumination is typically necessary only during the 
terminal phase of engagement. For naval SAMs, this external illumination
 is usually provided by a fire control radar aboard a ship operating in 
the X band.<br />

Active radar homing (ARH) missiles however, feature a radar onboard 
the missile itself so that it can “self guide” itself during the 
terminal phase of engagement, and thus are sometimes described as “fire 
and forget”. This name is not entirely strictly true, because a missile 
equipped with ARH still has to rely on midcourse guidance provided by a 
ship or an aircraft via datalink, prior to the terminal phase.<br />

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_232" style="width: 550px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/homing.jpg"><img alt="A simplified diagram of SARH guidance, ARH guidance, and command guidance (unmentioned in the post)" class="size-full wp-image-232" height="253" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/homing.jpg" width="550" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">A simplified diagram of SARH guidance, ARH guidance, and passive guidance (unmentioned in the post)</figcaption></figure>
However, one meaningful difference between SARH and ARH SAMs, is that
 SARH SAM equipped ships with older mechanically oriented fire control 
radar illuminators may not be capable of engaging as many targets 
simultaneously as a ship with ARH SAMs, due to the necessity of time 
sharing its illuminators during the terminal phase. A ship equipped with
 ARH SAMs on the other hand, do not require any support from the ship 
itself during the terminal phase. One method to increase the number of 
simultaneous engagements for SARH SAMs is by employing an X band active 
phased array radar, which can generate a substantially larger number of 
beams for terminal illumination at once compared to traditional single 
beam mechanically oriented illuminators.<br />

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_230" style="width: 583px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/SPG-62-terminal-illuminator.jpg"><img alt="Mechanically oriented single beam SPG-62 terminal illuminators aboard a Burke class DDG. Such illuminators may limit the number of targets which can be simultaneously engaged by SARH SAMs " class=" wp-image-230" height="437" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/SPG-62-terminal-illuminator.jpg" width="583" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Mechanically
 oriented single beam SPG-62 terminal illuminators aboard a Burke class 
DDG (they are the two satellites dish-esque antennae; a Burke is 
equipped with three SPG-62s whiel a Ticonderoga class CG is equipped 
with four). Such illuminators may limit the number of targets which can 
be simultaneously engaged by SARH SAMs</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_223" style="width: 639px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/APAR-x-band.jpg"><img alt="Thales APAR system, equipped aboard multiple classes of European frigates. The APAR system is capable of providing multiple beams for terminal illumination, allowing a ship with SARH SAMs to simultaneously engage far more targets simultaneously compared to a ship equipped with a fixed number of mechanically oriented illuminators" class=" wp-image-223" height="426" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/APAR-x-band.jpg" width="639" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Thales
 APAR system, equipped aboard multiple classes of European frigates. The
 APAR system is capable of providing multiple beams for terminal 
illumination, allowing a ship with SARH SAMs to simultaneously engage 
far more targets simultaneously compared to a ship equipped with a fixed
 number of mechanically oriented illuminators</figcaption></figure>
In the case of HHQ-9, it is generally accepted that it is guided by 
ARH rather than SARH. Arguments that HHQ-9 may use older SARH guidance 
may have arisen due to rumours of the land based HQ-9 using Russian 
derived seekers with Track Via Missile type guidance, however this has 
never been substantiated by documents from the manufacturer. More 
importantly, the export variant FD-2000 itself features ARH guidance, 
therefore it is unlikely for the Chinese to be willing to export a 
missile variant with more capable guidance than what itself is fielding.<br />
Additional evidence which indicates the HHQ-9 fields ARH guidance, is 
the very visible lack of terminal illuminators aboard the 052C class DDG
 (as well as the 052D DDG, which is almost certainly equipped with an 
HHQ-9 variant as well). The 052C class DDG is equipped with the S band 
Type 346 active phased array radar. S band radars are insufficient to 
provide terminal guidance, which is usually provided by X band radars, 
but are sufficient for providing midcourse guidance data. Therefore, 
unless the Type 346 radar is actually an X band radar (which is an 
immensely unlikely prospect), then the only viable guidance solution 
remaining, is for HHQ-9 to be an ARH missile.<br />

<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_225" style="width: 724px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/fd-2000-arh.jpg"><img alt="FD-2000 is an ARH guided SAM, and is the export variant of the land based HQ-9 SAM" class=" wp-image-225" height="480" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/fd-2000-arh.jpg" width="724" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">FD-2000 is an ARH guided SAM, and is the export variant of the land based HQ-9 SAM</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_226" style="width: 724px;"><a href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/fd-2000-range-pic.jpg"><img alt="FD-2000 missile geometry" class=" wp-image-226" height="489" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/fd-2000-range-pic.jpg" width="724" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">FD-2000 missile geometry</figcaption></figure>
<br />
<b> Variants:</b><br />

The <a href="http://plarealtalk.com/2015/11/15/profile-hhq-9-naval-sam/" target="_blank">HHQ-9 missile</a> will likely remain the mainstay long range SAM for 
the Chinese Navy, and will likely feature substantial upgrades to 
enhance its capability in the same way that the US Navy has continuously
 upgraded its Standard Missile family.<br />
Indeed, it has been suggested that an HHQ-9A variant with extended range
 that may already be in service. An HHQ-9B variant with additional 
imaging infrared seeker may also have been in development or be in 
development.<br />

<br />

HHQ-9 naval surface to air missile

HHQ-9 naval surface to air missile The HHQ-9 naval surface to air missile (SAM) is the primary air defence weapon aboard the 052C cl...

Vertical Launch System (VLS) on Type 052D

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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" /><br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />

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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>
<br />

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.<br />

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.<br />
<br />
<h1 class="entry-title">
<a href="http://plarealtalk.com/2015/12/11/profile-chinese-navy-vls/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Profile: Chinese Navy VLS</span></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.<br />

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.<br />

<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 <span style="text-decoration: underline;">052D class destroyer</span>
 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.<br />

<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.<br />

<hr />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<h3>
GJB 5860-2006:</h3>
The GJB document provided a wealth of reliable information regarding the CN VLS’ dimensions and function.<br />
-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)<br />
-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)<br />
-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<br />
-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.<br />
-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.<br />

<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>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Cold launch vs Hot launch:</strong></span><br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />

<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.<br />
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.<br />

<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.<br />

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.<br />
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.<br />

<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.<br />
<br />

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Surface to Air Missiles:</strong></span>
 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.<br />

<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>
<br />

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Anti Ship Missiles:</strong></span>
 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.<br />
<br />

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Land Attack Cruise Missiles:</strong></span>
 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.<br />

<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>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Anti Submarine Warfare Missiles:</strong></span>
 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.<br />
<br />

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Ballistic Missile Defence and Anti Satellite Missiles:</strong></span>
 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.<br />
<br /><br /></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 ...

Type 055 Class Destroyer Overview

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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1eIbD_RvbA_x_qGH1ow31L5cfpOfam1oJm14n6m-LcF8cybg0ZPaxRjkoA-YndofX0vzaDvVzVnmI5XLvbD4rz03NI8eK_QPCX0gOudMUsT2DuxjJqaXXdAUQLcSBgMK-0KkjFmMZbk/s1600/055+class+destroyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Type 055 Class Destroyer" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1eIbD_RvbA_x_qGH1ow31L5cfpOfam1oJm14n6m-LcF8cybg0ZPaxRjkoA-YndofX0vzaDvVzVnmI5XLvbD4rz03NI8eK_QPCX0gOudMUsT2DuxjJqaXXdAUQLcSBgMK-0KkjFmMZbk/s640/055+class+destroyer.jpg" title="Type 055 Class Destroyer" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Type 055 Class Destroyer.This drawing may be the most accurate of all depictions currently available</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Preliminary projected 055 class parameters: </b></span><br />
-Dimensions: ~180 meters long, ~23 meters beam<br />
-Displacement: ~13,500 tons full, ~12,000 tons standard, ~10,000 tons empty<br />
-Production run: unknown, with estimates varying greatly between 8 ships, 12 ships, and 24 ships<br />
-Propulsion: 4 x QC-280 gas turbines (28 MW output each), COGAG configuration for initial batch, possibly IEPS for later batches<br />
-Armament: 112-128 CN VLS, 1 x PJ-38 130mm gun, 1 x PJ-11 11 barrel 30mm
 CIWS, 1 x 24 cell HQ-10 CIWS SAM, 2 x triple 324mm lightweight torpedo 
launchers, 4 x 18 barrel multirole decoy/flare/ASW rocket launchers 
[potential for fielding rail guns and laser weapons in future variants 
with IEPS]<br />
-Primary radars: Type 346A S band APAR, X band APAR, long wave (possibly L band) APAR<br />
-Additional sensors and arrays: ECM suite, ESM suite, EO/IR sensors, ASW
 suite (likely to include bow sonar, towed array sonar, variable depth 
sonar, as well as towed torpedo decoy)<br />
-Crew size: unknown, will be dependent on degree of automation of ship<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Mock up:</b></span><br />
The mock up for the 055 class large destroyer lies in a facility at the 
southern boundaries of the city of Wuhan (coordinates, here: 30.420664, 
114.262230). The 055 mock up sits atop a raised platform with a building
 underneath in a single large structure, and it shares the same facility
 with some other naval test rigs including a full sized flight deck and 
island mock up of the Liaoning carrier as well as an integrated mast 
suspected for the next generation frigate. Collectively, these mock ups 
are under the jurisdiction of the 701st Institute of the Chinese 
Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/test-site-overview.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/test-site-overview.jpg" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/test-site-overview.jpg" /></a><br />
The mock up for the 055 class is part of a large Chinese Navy test 
facility, including a mock up of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning 
and a separate integrated mast design, among others<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-class-mockup-complete-1.jpg" height="358" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-class-mockup-complete-1.jpg" width="640" /> <br />
  <br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/frigate-integrated-mast.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/frigate-integrated-mast.jpg" height="434" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/frigate-integrated-mast.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Detail of the integrated mast design at the Wuhan test site. This 
integrated mast does not appear to be intended for the 055 class, and 
has been speculated to be for the next generation frigate<br />
The role of the 055 mock up is likely to validate certain sensors and 
electronics aboard an integrated testbed, likely similar to other 
facilities around the world such as the US Navy’s “cruiser in a 
cornfield” or the Type 45 mock up.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/uss-rancocas.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/uss-rancocas.jpg" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/uss-rancocas.jpg" /></a><br />
The USN’s “USS Rancocas” also known as the “cruiser in a cornfield”. The 055 class mock up may fulfill a similar role<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/type-45.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/type-45.jpg" height="561" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/type-45.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The Royal Navy had also developed a similar test site on land for their Type 45 destroyer programme<br />
However, some additional features such as a fully accurate bridge and 
superstructure, and accurate depictions of the main gun and CIWS are 
also present, which are helpful for observers to gauge the potential 
weaponry of the 055 class and compare its size with other ships using a 
common metric, but seem unnecessary for a testbed whose function will 
mostly revolve around telemetry and signals assessment. Therefore some 
features may be purely cosmetic (despite being potentially accurate and 
representative of the final ship layout).<br />
<br />
For observers, the usefulness of the 055 mock up is in providing a 
physical baseline to extrapolate potential dimensions, armament, sensors
 and other specifications of the final real ship.<br /><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-size: 22px;"><a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/2015/12/20/projection-055-class-destroyer-overview/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Projection: China 055-class destroyer overview</a></span></b></span> <br />
<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Background:</b></span><br />
In early 2013, rumours in the Chinese military watching community began 
to speak of a new large surface combatant under development for the 
Chinese Navy, with a tentative designation of 055. General descriptions 
flitted to and fro, describing a ship with over a hundred VLS with a 
displacement over 10,000 tons. However such rumours were initially 
treated with substantial caution if not outright disdain by some 
individuals in Chinese military watching circles. After all, the 052D 
class destroyer had only just arrived on the scene, and the lead ship 
had yet to enter service. A new cruiser sized ship seemed like fantasy.<br />
<br />
However, in late 2013 more rumours from more reliable sources began to 
trickle in, with greater detail that looked plausible. Then in early 
2014, pictures emerged of a mock up under construction, for what was 
clearly a large surface combatant, and Chinese state and military media 
began acknowledging the existence of a new surface combatant and even 
the 055 designation.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-initial-construction.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-initial-construction.jpg" height="368" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-initial-construction.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Construction of a distinctive mockup at the Chinese Navy test facility at Wuhan was discovered in early 2014<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><b>Brief History:</b></span><br />
The “055 class” as a designation was once proposed by the Chinese Navy 
in the 1970s for an ocean going large surface combatant capable of air 
defence missions, however the technological foundations and industrial 
capabilities of the time, as well as the lack of economic funding meant a
 competitive warship of the intended capabilities simply could not be 
realistically developed. Later studies of the 055 envisioned use of some
 British subsystems in propulsion and weapons, when China’s relationship
 with western nations warmed, however transfer of the technology could 
not be realized, and the project was cancelled in the early 1980s.<br />
<br />
The modern “055 class” large destroyer reuses the older “055 class” 
designation, and may also fulfil similar roles to what the original ship
 was envisioned for, however the modern ship likely has no direct 
relationship to the subsystems, design or capabilities intended in the 
1970s-era 055 class.<br />
<br />
Around 2013, several CGIs and renditions emerged online at the Chinese 
military watching sphere, driven by initial rumours of the 055 class. 
However, many of these were speculative and not based on reliable 
rumours and despite the artistic merit in these drawings, the actual 
accuracy was likely quite far from what the real 055 class would look 
like.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/initial-055-cgi-1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/initial-055-cgi-1.jpg" height="482" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/initial-055-cgi-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
One of the earliest fan made CGIs of the 055 class. CGIs of the 055 were
 present on the internet, prior to the establishment of firm rumours and
 well before the mock up began construction. This CGI turned out to be 
quite different to the characteristics of the mock up<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/initial-055-cgi-2.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/initial-055-cgi-2.jpg" height="426" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/initial-055-cgi-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Another CGI of the 055 class prior to the mock up, where many features visible are based on the artist’s own speculation<br />
Emergence of the 055 class mock up at Wuhan drove another series of 
CGIs, some of which would likely turn out somewhat similar to what the 
final ship will appear as, but small inaccuracies and some inconsistent 
assumptions about sensor arrangement, armament, and overall ship 
configuration means observers should exercise great caution when viewing
 online CGIs of the 055 class destroyer.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/more-accurate-cgi.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/more-accurate-cgi.jpg" height="452" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/more-accurate-cgi.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
A more accurate CGI, produced sometime shortly after pictures of the mock up emerged<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-class-mockup-complete-1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-class-mockup-complete-1.jpg" height="358" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-class-mockup-complete-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Completion of the 055 class mock up at Wuhan provided many interesting details to predict what the final ship would look like
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Physical configuration:</b></span><br />
The physical configuration of the mock up shows the ship’s 
deckhouse/main superstructure will share a configuration not dissimilar 
to that of the 052D or Burke class destroyers featuring four expected 
large radar arrays mounted on the “cheeks”. However, the ship also 
appears to field a small integrated mast atop the deckhouse, a feature 
not present on earlier generations of Chinese Navy ships.<br />
A feature also not seen on earlier Chinese Navy ships, is the presence 
of the ship’s smoke stack fully integrated to the forward 
superstructure, which would likely help to reduce radar cross section 
and provide greater internal volume around the exhausts for reducing 
infrared signatures.<br />
The aft of the mock up includes the top half of the ship’s helicopter 
hangar structure. The hangar structure also appears to feature the base 
of a mast which is expected to host a radar system, however as of yet no
 radar has been fitted on the location.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mock-up-recent-complete.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mock-up-recent-complete.jpg" height="262" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mock-up-recent-complete.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Near completion, the 055 class mock up shows the key characteristics of 
the final, actual ship. However, note the lower part of the mock up 
painted in white, as well as the superior portion of the aft mast 
painted in white — the different paint may signify “mock up exclusive” 
structures which may not be present on the real ship and may possibly be
 replaced by additional structures or subsystems<br />
The hull of the ship is expected to be a conventional flared hull, 
rather than the stealthier (but also riskier) tumblehome hull of the 
USN’s Zumwalt class, however the 055 class is expected to incorporate 
significant signature reduction in radar cross section and infrared 
measures as well.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Size:</b></span><br />
Measurement using open source satellite imagery indicates the mock up at
 Wuhan is slightly over 141 meters long (including the “incomplete” 
helipad), and nearly 20 meters wide, accounting for a degree of error.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mockup-dimensions-overall.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mockup-dimensions-overall.jpg" height="391" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mockup-dimensions-overall.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Satellite imagery (here using Google Earth) has allowed an estimate for 
the minimum dimensions of the 055 class based on the mock up<br />
It goes without saying that the final ship will likely be substantially 
longer than the mock up, given the mock up does not include most of the 
bow of the ship, and the aft of the ship is also truncated due to the 
reduced length helipad. Considering the position of the ship’s main gun 
and the truncated aft, the actual ship may be anywhere between 30 to 40 
meters longer than the mock up.<br />
<br />
However, the final ship will also likely be somewhat wider (i.e.: have a
 greater beam) than the mock up as well, because the mock up sits atop a
 raised platform which is almost certainly not representative of the 
height of the actual ship’s main deck. In reality, the actual ship will 
likely feature a lower main deck (indicated on the mock up by the 
incomplete helipad structure), which would thus allow the sides of the 
ship’s superstructure and hull to both further flare outwards, 
increasing beam, thus the beam of the ship may be anywhere up to 3 
meters greater than what the mock up currently represents.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lower-deck-edit.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lower-deck-edit.jpg" height="196" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/lower-deck-edit.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
A simple drawing depicting the ship’s actual main deck to be “lower” 
than the platform of the mock up. This configuration of deck and hull is
 standard for all recent major Chinese Navy surface combatants, and thus
 the 055 may have meaningfully greater maximum beam compared to the mock
 up’s width. Essentially, the mock up “cuts off” the maximum width of 
the actual ship<br />
Therefore, the overall dimensions of the ship may reach somewhere in the ballpark of 180 meters in length and 23 meters in beam.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-052d-overall-compare.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-052d-overall-compare.jpg" height="256" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-052d-overall-compare.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Satellite imagery comparison made by Chinese military watchers. 052D is 
compared with the speculated completed dimensions of the 055, scaled 
commonly using the main gun. Note the aft VLS arrangement on 055, which 
is speculative<br />
Rumours of 055’s displacement seem to have settled on a ship with 12,000
 ton standard displacement, with a 10,000 ton empty displacement and a 
full displacement in excess of 13,500 tons. The projected dimensions of 
180 meters by 23 meters (or lower) could quite comfortably attain such a
 displacement.<br />
<br />
It is worth noting that Chinese state and military media have even gone 
to lengths to pour cold water regarding the capability of the 055 class,
 even going to publish that the ship will “merely” have a displacement 
of 10,000 tons. However, this information may not be reliable, as it has
 been suspected that Chinese state and military media may have 
understated the displacement of some Chinese Navy ship classes in the 
past, and it would fit their high operational security nature to 
deliberately and vaguely understate the true full displacement of a new 
warship, especially one as potentially influential as the 055 class 
large destroyer.
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Propulsion:</b></span><br />
A consensus exists among the Chinese military watching community that 
the 055 class large destroyer will be powered by four QC-280 (4 x 28 MW)
 gas turbines, in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration. Such a 
propulsion arrangement will be the first of its kind for a Chinese Navy 
surface combatant. Four QC-280s would likely be quite capable of 
propelling the 055 class to a top speed required for typical large 
surface combatant, in excess of 30 knots.<br />
<br />
However, there also exist substantial rumours that the “second batch” of
 055 class large destroyers will feature an Integrated Electric 
Propulsion System (IEPS), similar to what is present aboard the Zumwalt 
class destroyer and the Type 45 class destroyer. Such notions are not 
unrealistic, as Chinese Navy research into IEPS (as well as other 
cutting edge technology) has been well known, and are expected to be 
implemented aboard several future ship classes in the near future.<br />
<br />
With IEPS, the four QC-280 gas turbines would power electrical 
generators rather than mechanical shafts as in traditional propulsion 
arrangements. Electrical generators and motors in turn can provide 
substantial electrical power to the ship’s subsystems, including 
anything from propulsion, to radar arrays to even rail guns. Indeed, one
 major potential for ships with IEPS is to be equipped with 
under-development rail guns or directed energy weapons (such as lasers) 
which would require substantially more electrical power than what 
traditional ship propulsion can generate.<br />
<br />
However, is unknown how large the “first batch” of 055 class destroyers 
will be, but it has been speculated it may be four ships. If an 055 
class with IEPS does emerge, it would likely also field other 
modifications, such as improved radars, improved stealth shaping, and 
possibly even rail guns and laser weapons as standard weapons fit, thus 
would be well justified in being given a new class designation, such as 
“055A class”. Such a ship would only likely emerge in the early 2020s.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Armament:</b></span><br />
The 055 mock up is equipped with rather obvious renditions of the PJ-38 
130mm gun on the bow, as a well as a PJ-11 11 barrel 30mm CIWS forward 
of the main superstructure (similar to the configuration of 052D), and a
 24 round HQ-10 CIWS SAM on the hangar superstructure.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mockup-nice-overview-profile.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mockup-nice-overview-profile.jpg" height="274" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mockup-nice-overview-profile.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The visible key armaments aboard the 055 mock up are circled in red. 
From left to right: 24 round HQ-10 CIWS SAM, PJ-11 11 barrel 30mm CIWS, 
PJ-38 main gun<br />
The 055 class is virtually guaranteed to be equipped with the new CN VLS
 which was first fitted aboard the 052D class, however the exact number 
is a matter of some confusion. The ship will likely feature two VLS 
banks, one on the bow between the main gun and the main superstructure, 
and one aft between the hangar structure and the rear of the smoke 
stack. However, the mock up also displays a strange rectangular 
“platform” extending from the aft of the smoke stack, which would 
seemingly limit the amount of deck space available for the aft VLS bank.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/052-bow-detail.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/052-bow-detail.jpg" height="258" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/052-bow-detail.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The 055 class large destroyer is expected to use the same CN VLS present
 aboad the 052D class, but in greater numbers, fielding between 112-128 
cells<br />
Curiously, the “platform” is painted in a distinctive white colour, 
similar to the lower “decks” of the 055 class mock up, as well as the 
top part of where the aft radar mast is expected to be, whereas the rest
 of the mock up is in grey. Therefore, some speculation exists as to 
whether the white painted portions of the mock up may be “non 
representative” of the final ship, and may instead be additional 
structures on the mock up to hold testing equipment. If this were the 
case, then the actual 055 class ship would have substantially more 
available deck space aft for an aft VLS bank.<br />
In either case, current rumours suggest a CN VLS count above 100, with often cited numbers being between 112 and 128 cells.<br />
<br />
A future 055A class with IEPS may likely be equipped with a rail gun 
replacing the PJ-38, and laser CIWS replacing or supplementing the PJ-11
 and HQ-10 CIWS.<br />
<br />
Additionally, the 055 class mock up displays a pair of what seems to be 
standard Chinese Navy 18 barrel decoy/flare/ASW rocket launchers on the 
port side of the hangar. Four such launchers would likely be deployed 
with two on either side of the hangar, which would be a similar 
configuration to that of the 052D class.<br />
Other standard armament expected aboard the 055 class will be a pair of 
triple 324mm lightweight torpedo launchers for ASW self defence roles. </div>
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</div>
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  </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<b>Land Attack Cruise Missiles:</b> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
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.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/df-10-lacm-e1448270480843.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/df-10-lacm-e1448270480843.jpg" height="443" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/df-10-lacm-e1448270480843.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The CN VLS will likely be integrated with a vertically launched variant of the CJ-10/DF-10 land attack cruise missile<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /><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="640" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/vls-hot-launch.jpg" width="513" /></a><figcaption class="wp-caption-text">Cutaway diagram indicating the standard set up of a hot launch VLS with central vent</figcaption></figure></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br /> <b>CJ-10/DF-10 cruise missiles </b><br />
<img alt="20090611102111d8013.jpg" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" height="427" src="http://defence.pk/attachments/20090611102111d8013-jpg.281733/" width="640" /> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<img alt="1.jpg" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" height="330" src="http://defence.pk/attachments/1-jpg.281735/" width="640" /> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<img alt="2.jpg" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" height="329" src="http://defence.pk/attachments/2-jpg.281736/" width="640" /> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<img alt="3.jpg" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" height="378" src="http://defence.pk/attachments/3-jpg.281737/" width="640" />
<br />
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<br /> </div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Sensors and electronics:</b></span><br />
The 055 class is expected to be equipped with a potent sensor suite. Its
 radar suite is expected to comprise of an X band APAR (likely to be 
mounted on the ship’s integrated mast), as well as an S band APAR (the 
Type 346A on 052D, or a variant of the Type 346A), and a longer band 
radar mounted atop the hangar, though it does not appear to be fitted 
upon the 055 mock up. Together, such a radar suite would fulfil a 
comprehensive air and surface search, detection, tracking and fire 
control capability for short range, long range as well as for very low 
observable targets.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mock-up-port-view-346A.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mock-up-port-view-346A.jpg" height="580" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-mock-up-port-view-346A.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Port view of the 055 class mock up, displaying the opening for a square 
APAR on its superstructure. The Type 346A (or a variant) is expected to 
be equipped there. Note, on the 055 mock up, a full array suite for each
 of the sensors are not present, as testing purposes may only 
necessitate sensors on one side to interact together. Therefore, no 
sensors are present on the starboard side of the mock up</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/integrated-mast-completed-esm-detail.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/integrated-mast-completed-esm-detail.jpg" height="426" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/integrated-mast-completed-esm-detail.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Detail of the mock up’s integrated mast, near completion. Three sets of 
covered up openings are visible (however the mast does not seem to have 
been fitted with actual sensors yet). Also note the exposed mast atop 
the integrated mast, speculated to be for ESM purposes</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-aft-mast.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-aft-mast.jpg" height="359" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/055-aft-mast.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Detail of the aft helicopter hangar structure, with the base of the aft 
mast. The mock up does not seem like it will be equipped with the 
expected aft, long wave radar. Instead, a white painted “stepped” 
structure is present, which may be “mock up exclusive” test equipment, 
such as for telemetry purposes</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
The 055 class is also expected to be equipped with a passive sensor 
suite including ESM, EO/IR sensors, and would also feature an integrated
 ECM suite. The integrated mast on the mock up currently features three 
sets of openings for separate sensor suites. Assuming one is reserved 
for the X band APAR, which leaves two sets of openings for ESM, ECM or 
EO/IR arrays. Atop the integrated mast is also a more exposed, strange 
looking sensor mast which has been speculated to have an ESM function.<br />
<br />
The 055 class is also rumoured and expected to be equipped with a new 
generation ASW suite, which likely includes onboard sonar systems, but 
would also include its embarked ASW helicopters. Two helicopter hangars 
are rumoured to be present aboard the 055 class, each capable of hosting
 a Z-18 sized helicopter, and could thus host a pair of very capable 
Z-18F ASW helicopters, in the same weight class as the Royal Navy’s 
AW101 family of ASW helicopters.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/z-18f.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/z-18f.jpg" height="305" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/z-18f.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Prototype 01 of the new Z-18F ASW helicopter. The Z-18F is a highly 
modernized version of the Z-8, which is the Chinese produced version of 
the legacy French Super Frelon. This helicopter would likely be highly 
capable in the ASW role with high payload, range and endurance, but its 
size means it can only be stationed aboard large warships such as 
aircraft carriers, or large destroyers like the 055 class<br />
Finally, the 055 class is also expected to field a new generation combat
 system, to make effectively and more efficiently make use of the ship’s
 greater sensor suite and armaments. The ship class is also field 
significantly more capable command capabilities than current surface 
combatants. If the 055 class does emerge with a full displacement of 
around 13,500 tons, then it would be logical for the Chinese Navy to see
 it to have a fitting role as a ship capable of commanding the large 
flotilla or even a task group and would thus equip the ship with the 
necessary facilities for such a role. This may include having an 
enhanced “secondary” combat information centre as a flag bridge for a 
flag officer and their staff to exercise command, as well as the 
facilities to accommodate the additional personnel.<br />
<br />
The 055 class is also likely to field greater automation technology, as 
well as more spacious and comfortable crew lodgings compared to current 
generation surface combatants, as has been the trend in the development 
of new surface combatants in other navies. However, this is not to say 
current crew accommodation and amenities aboard existing recently built 
Chinese ships are Spartan or lacking, as photos of the internal 
facilities of Chinese ships built since the 1990s appear to feature 
competent and decently furnished lodgings for their ship’s crews.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Construction:</b></span><br />
The 055 class is expected to be built initially at Jiangnan shipyard at 
Changxing Island at Shanghai, the same shipyard where 052Cs were built 
and most 052Ds are currently being built. In December, 2014, rumours 
emerged that the first 055 may have begun steel cutting. If true, the 
first 055 may emerge in late 2016 or early 2017, given assembly of its 
modules would likely have occurred under the physical cover of one of 
Jiangnan’s building halls, protecting it from view until the ship is 
almost ready for launch.<br />
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/jncx-buildling-hall-1.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/jncx-buildling-hall-1.jpg" height="452" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/jncx-buildling-hall-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
The first 055 class destroyer will be built at Jiangnan shipyard, likely
 in one of the shipyard’s two building halls allocated for military 
construction. This picture was taken in 2012, where both halls were 
involved in construction of an 052C and 052D, respectively</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
<a class="externalLink" href="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/jncx-building-hall-2.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="[IMG]" class="bbCodeImage LbImage" data-url="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/jncx-building-hall-2.jpg" height="420" src="http://plarealtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/jncx-building-hall-2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Another picture of the two building halls, taken at the same time as the
 previous, in 2012. Assembly of modules of a ship inside the building 
halls means a ship will likely not be visible to outside observers 
(whether they be photographers or satellite) until the ship is nearly 
ready for launch. Currently, the “right” building hall is engaged in 
052D production in the foreseeable future, while the “left” building 
hall has been mostly unoccupied for the last few years. The first 055 
class destroyer is thus expected to emerge from the “left” building 
hall, in late 2016 or early 2017<br />
Dalian shipyard, which currently is building some 052D class destroyers,
 is also expected to build the 055 class. However, Hudong shipyard, a 
shipyard which does not have a history of building surface combatants 
larger than frigates, has also recently been rumoured as an additional 
055 construction yard.<br />
<br />
The final build count of the 055 class is unknown, but estimates have 
ranged from 8 ships, to 12 ships, to even 24 ships. The final build 
count will depend on many factors in the future, including China’s 
security environment, as well as the nation’s overall economic 
performance, but it is very likely that many more than three (looking at
 you, Zumwalt class) 055 class destroyers will be built, assuming no 
dramatic turn of events occur such as a collapse of the Chinese economy 
or eruption of a conflict in the region.
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<br /></div>
</div>
</div>

Type 055 Class Destroyer Overview

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