Chinese Type 505 guided-missile destroyers can fire missiles on targets from a wide range. These ships can fire a variety anti-ship, surface–to–air, and submarine missiles. The vessels are also equipped with a range of hull-mounted sonars. They can integrate with other Chinese navy forces to form a battle team.
Type 055 vessels can have a length of around 180m and a displacement capacity of more than 12,000 ton. The vessel is an impressive warship designed for the People's Liberation Army Navy. This design is an important example of PLA's capability expansion and the country's shipbuilding venture.
Several Type 055 warships are already operational, while others are in various states of construction. In January 2020, Nanchang became the first ship in this class. Two other ships were launched after the Nanchang's commissioning, and the fifth, sixth, and seventh ships are currently in active service.
Other Type 055 vessels are expected to enter service in the coming years, including Dalian, Lhasa, Yan'an, Wuxi, and Anshan. Li Jinwei said the Nanchang's senior commander would lead the vessel on various missions, with a particular focus on regional security. He said that the vessel was ready for any emergency situation.
During recent maritime drills China's Type 055 destructioner was being evaluated and tested. Li, the senior captain, explained that the exercise was meant to sharpen officers' skills and make it more combat-ready. The vessel will continue on to other important missions in the coming year.
Type 055 ships feature a hull-mounted, variable depth sonar system. They are also equipped a 24-cell HQ-10, short-range air defence missile launcher. At the bow of the vessel, there is a 130mm naval gun. Also on board are two Changhe Z-18F helicopters. According to western researchers Type 055 may have a displacement in excess of 13,000 tons. However, these estimates are speculative and should not be taken as a final figure.
As of now, the PLA Navy has eight Type 055s in active service, and five more are under construction. Plans are underway to build 16 more. Each vessel has a maximum speed of 30k and costs more than six million yuan (US$890million). Type 055 has a maximum power output of 28MW. This is due to a combination between gas turbines, gas turbine propulsion and other systems.
Another unique feature of the Type 055 is the smoke stack, which reduces the radar cross-section. This design allows the ship to maintain stealthy characteristics while suppressing radar and infrared signals. It is expected to be equipped with several types of surface and land-attack cruise missiles, despite its stealthy characteristics.
The Chinese navy's Type 055 destroyers have also been able to conduct aggressive submarine-hunting missions in the past few years. They are reported to be capable, despite not having the same range as US Navy's Zumwalt class stealth destroyers. However, the ships can spot and track smaller targets.