Type 87
Overview
Type 87
Two Type 87 ASW rocket launchers on the bow of a Type-054A (NATO: Jiangkai II) frigate.
Source: Rhk111 -
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Description
Introduction
The Type 87 is a anti-submarine rocket launcher of Chinese origin. It can be found on many Chinese destroyers and frigates. The Type 87 is a further development of the earlier Type 81. The Type 87 has an improved range. Possibly the fire control system has been improved as well.
Design
The Type 87 uses a six tube launcher. It launches depth charges with a diameter of 240 mm. The earlier Type 81 was manually reloaded, which may also be the case for the Type 87. It is possible that the launchers are controlled by a fire control system fed with sonar input.
Firepower
The Type 81G is the main, and possibly only, projectile used in the Type 87 system. This depth charge has a 34 kg high explosive warhead. On most ships two launchers are fitted, with 12 rockets ready to fire of 36 carried in total. The Type 81G can be launched out to 5 km, whereas the earlier Type 81 system had a maximum range of 3.4 km.
Users
The Type 87 was first used on the Type-53H2G (NATO: Jiangwei I) class of frigates. The first of these became operational in 1992. Since then most Chinese frigates and destroyers are equipped with the Type 87 anti-submarine rocket system.
Application
List of ships equipped with Type 87
Related articles
RBU-6000 Smerch-2
The widely used Soviet/Russian RBU-6000 has a very similar role and range as the 240mm Type 87.