PRC Peoples Liberation Army Navy

[StevoJH]

There doesn’t appear to be any aircraft elevator fitted that I can see.

Could it be used as an aviation training ship? Something like how RFA Argus was originally used?

 

[koxinga]

Look carefully between the first and second island closer to the second island.

There appears to be (pending more photos) elevator.

The role and ownership is very unclear at the moment. It appears to be owned by CSSC for now.

 

[Ananda]

China refits first aircraft carrier for streamlined ordnance deliveries

China carried out several modifications on the flight deck of its first aircraft carrier Liaoning during the ship's latest refurbishment.

www.janes.com

PLAN seems continues refitting their first carrier Liaoning for commonality and suitability as full operational carrier. As previously China Media few years back assign Liaoning as trial/training carrier.

 

[koxinga]

Type 76 LHD (Sichuan) launched today 27 December 2024.

 

[Ananda]

Add video on the launch of Sichuan LHD. It is interesting the add on EMALS on the LHD. Is this for UCAV, or this type of LHD being prepared as Light Carrier type to supplement their CV (Liaoning, Shandong and Fujian, plus new design).

If as this Chinese media, come through, will this be back up carrier to operate at least 1 sq of J-31 and not just UCAV? Personally China should collaborate more with Russia to revive their VTOL project. LHD with CATOBAR capabilities, not something that personally I see as really make sense move, but more desperation move to increase the number of available carriers ASAP.

Did this a cutting corner move to provide their Amphibious forces with Air Coverage? Well Taiwanese media seems believe on that.

 

[Catalina]

Does the PLAN operate any of its helicopters in the Anti-Surface Warfare role, and if so, what type of Air to Surface missiles are launched from PLAN helicopters?

 

[Ananda]

Chinese online forums and Weibos so far shown YJ-9 is the SSM that being mate with Z-9 ASW helikopter in PLAN inventory. However China churning new Missile types faster then anyone else. Whether they already have newer Missile for their helicopters fleet, can't be ruled out. After all YJ-9 being introduce more then a decade ago.

New images of Z-20 helicopter variants highlight China’s ASW efforts

Fresh pictures have emerged of the two naval variants of the Harbin Z-20 helicopter, highlighting the Chinese type's similarity to the Sikorsky S-70 family.

www.flightglobal.com

PLAN Helicopter carrier more likely being speculate going to be equipped with Z-20 Helicopter then Z-9. Z-20 is larger and in similar class with USN Romeo SH-60, thus potentially it could also using larger missile then YJ-9.

 

[Ananda]

First Type 054B Next Gen Frigate Commissioned By Chinese Navy

The Chinese Navy today commissioned the first Type 054B new generation frigate in Qingdao. The second ship will likely follow soon.

www.navalnews.com

New Type 54B is basically new design compare to previous 54A. It is not a simple evolution, but provide different set up systems and dimension. Question remain whether this is new mass produce design or transition one remain if looking on the trend.

Type 54 only being build 2 example, while 54A already more then 40 example. Thus it is possible 54B can be trial ones design of 2, until China more confidence on new systems to provide more definitive design. However considering also it is already significant enlargement then 54A, the dimension of 54B could also be shown the direction of new Frigate class later on.