China launches new destroyer class

[skyrover]

The new type 055 was launched yesterday in China.

There are currently 4 vessels under construction which supercede the smaller type 052D of which China is in the middle of an 18 vessel production run.

At 10-12,000 ton displacement and sporting 112-128 vls cells, it will be a formidable warship.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_055_destroyer

http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN19J0GX

Edited by skyrover on Thursday 29th June 07:49

[AndyWoodall]

Got to be the most colourful ship warship launch I've ever seen. The big question is, does it have frikking lasers?

[Lurking Lawyer]

Interesting write-up on it:

http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/11941/chinas-...

[CoolHands]

Presumably to enforce their raid on the South China Sea.

[skyrover]

Size compare between the older 7500 ton 052D and the new 12,000 ton 055



For comparison:

British Type 45 Destroyer: 8,500 tons, 48 Cell VLS (provision for an extra 12 VLS but not fitted)
American Arleigh Burke Destroyer: 9,800 tons, 96 Cell VLS
American Ticonderoga Cruiser: 9,600 tons, 121 Cell VLS
Japanese Atago Destroyer: 10,000 tons, 96 Cell VLS
Korean Sejong the Great Destroyer, 11,000 tons, 128 Cell VLS
Chinese 052D Destroyer: 7500 tons, 64 Cell VLS
Chinese 055 Destroyer: 12,000 tons, 128 Cell VLS

Edited by skyrover on Friday 30th June 16:38