Type-052 class
NATO: Luhu class
Overview
Type-052 class
Type-052 (NATO: Luhu) class destroyer visiting Pearl Harbor.
Source: US Navy (MCS3 Ben Gonzales) -
© Public domain
Harbin class (lead ship)
Description
Introduction
The Type-052 is a class of destroyers of Chinese origin. These ships represent a radical design change from the earlier Soviet style ships using obsolete equipment. Two ships were built.
Layout
The Type-052 is the first Chinese destroyer built to modern Western standards. In China these are the first class of destroyers with gas turbine propulsion and the first type of ships to receive a central combat data system. For many years the Type-052 served as a test bed for integrating various, mostly foreign, naval components. Only after years of upgrades and refits these are now deemed operational warships.
Mobility
The Type-052 are the first gas turbine powered destroyers in Chinese service. The Type-052 uses a CODOG arrangement. Two MTU diesel engines are used to travel economic speeds. Two General Electric LM2500 gas turbines are used in combat. Reports of Ukrainian gas turbines fitted in the second ships appear to be incorrect. Maximum speed is 31 knots using gas power. The range is 5.000 nm at 15 knots using diesel power.
Users
The Type-052 was built for the PLA Navy. Two ships were produced and are still in service. In 2004 and 2011 extensive refits took place, with various upgrades in between.