Type-056 class
NATO: Jiangdao class
Overview
Type-056 class
Top view of Chinese Type-056 (NATO: Jiangdao) class corvette.
Source: Chinese internet -
© Copyright lies with original owner
China - Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding
China - Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding
China - Wuhan Wuchang Shipyard
4 derivatives for export
056型护卫舰
Description
Introduction
The Type-056 is a class of corvettes of Chinese origin. They were developed to replace older corvettes and the first became operational in 2013. A variant called with improved anti-submarine warfare is known as the Type-056A, this is described separately.
Design
The Type-056 is a larger and improved design based on the Pattani class patrol vessel as produced for export to Thailand. The Type-056 uses a low radar cross section hull design and uses diesel propulsion. Armament, sensors and combat data management are a downsized set as used on the Type-054A frigate. A helicopter deck supports medium size helicopters, but there is no hangar.
Firepower
The Type-056 is mainly focused on anti-surface warfare. The main armament are four YJ-83 subsonic anti-ship missiles. A 76mm H/PJ26 dual purpose gun is mounted on the bow. Defense against inbound missiles is provided by the HHQ-10 octuple launch system for infrared guided missiles. Yu-7 lightweight torpodoes provide a degree of anti-submarine defense. For self-defense 30mm remote weapon systems and 12.7mm heavy machine guns are fitted.
Sensors
The Type-056 is fitted with a basic sensor suite consisting of air and surface search radar, plus a bow mounted sonar.
Mobility
The Type-056 class uses a diesel propulsion system. This setup is economic, but lacks the top speed found in frigates and destroyers fitted with gas turbine engines. Maximum speed is 25 kt and economic speed is 16 kt. At a speed of 16 kt the range is about 3.500 nautical miles.
Users
The PLA Navy is the only user of the Type-056 in this exact set-up. The Type-056 corvette resulted in two designs for export. The C13B corvette is used by Bangladesh and known as the Shadhinota class. The P18N is an offshore patrol vessel for Nigeria, where it is known as the Centenary class. Furthermore, a variant with improved anti submarine capabilities was developed as the Type-056A subtype.
Media
Type-056 class
Side view of Chinese Type-056 (NATO: Jiangdao) class corvette.
Source: Yingjing Qianyi
Copyright: GNU Attribution Share Alike license
Type-056 class
Side view of Chinese Type-056 (NATO: Jiangdao) class corvette.
Source: Chinese internet
Copyright: Copyright lies with original owner
Details
Subcomponents
Harbin Z-9C
Helicopter deck for 1x Z-9C naval helicopter. There is no hangar.
Related articles
Type-054A class
The Type-056 corvette uses a downscaled sensor package and selection of armament also found on the Type-054A frigate.