OVERVIEW: The Type 055 aka RENHAI destroyer is a stealthy, two-shaft, COGAG-powered, multi-role, guided missile destroyer.

DETAILS: The Type 055 destroyer is a multi-role ship likely intended to primarily act as an air defense escort for a carrier or amphibious task force, with an emphasis on area air defense, filling a role similar to the USN's TICONDEROGA-class CG. Its range, size, C3 suite and multi-mission capability give it the capability of participating in out-of-area operations as part of a carrier battle group or as the flagship for a SAG or for power projection missions.

According to China, the Type 055's C3 systems are capable of "facilitat[ing] command management of a battlegroup and supporting elements", likely in a flagship role. These facilities are claimed by Chinese sources "to approach the U.S. Navy’s Aegis system" in capability.

The weapons suite includes a large 112-cell multi-role VLS suite, consisting of two launchers with 64 cells forward and 48 amidships. These are capable of firing HQ-9B and HQ-16B SAMs, YJ-18A ASMs, and CJ-10 LACM, and possibly the Yu-8A ASROC. It is rumored as possibly capable of using quadpacked DK-10 SAMs, and may have a ABM capability and/or ASAT capability. Additionally, the vessel has torpedo tubes for the Yu-7, and a 130mm gun. Defense systems include a 30mm CWIS, the HHQ-10 anti-missile system.

The ASW sensor suite includes a probable variable depth and towed array sonar as well as a bow sonar. Aviation facilities consist of a flight deck with RAST capability and hangar allowing operation of two medium-sized Z-9/Z-18/Z-20 ASW helicopters.

The class has a dual-band radar system; four S-band Type 346B Dragon Eye active electronically scanned array (AESA) panels are mounted on the superstructure, and four smaller X-band panels are mounted on the mast. The S-Band portion of the dual-band radar system is used for long range search and track, and are reported as capable of detecting stealth targets. The more sensitive X-band system is used for tracking smaller, stealthier and high-speed or low-level targets with greater accuracy and at shorter ranges. This system also increases redundancy. Chinese sources claim the radar has anti-stealth capability and can be used to guide anti-satellite missiles.

The Type 055 stealthy features include an enclosed forecastle that hides deck gear such as mooring points and anchor chains. A continuous structure along with the integrated mast amidship increases internal volume and reduces radar cross-section. The smokestack design reduces both infrared signature and radar cross-section. Chinese sources also claim the Type 055 also has reduced acoustic and electromagnetic signatures.


SPECIFICATIONS:
Displacement: 12,000 tons (full)
Speed: 30 kts
Engineering: COGAG, 4XQC-280 gas turbines @28 MW each, 6 QD-50 turbine generators @5 MW each, 2 shafts.
Range: 5,000 nm @ 18 knts.
Endurance: ??
Complement: 300+ crew

NOTES: IOC: 2020. Because of its C3I facilities and multi-role capability, the USN classifies this vessel as a guided missile cruiser. Units in class: NANCHANG (101); LHASA (102); ANSHAN (103); WUXI (104); DALIAN (105); YANAN (106); ZUNYI (107); XIANYANG (108).



SOURCES:  Ancile. (n.d.). Ancile. https://www.deagel.com/Fighting%20Ships/Type%20055/a002885 ; Pay attention to China's type 055 destroyer. (2021, May 14). The National Interest. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/pay-attention-chinas-type-055-destroyer-168249 ; Pike, J. (2021, January 8). Type 055 / DDG-X [Area defense project]. GlobalSecurity.org. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/type-055-radars.htm ; Type 055 class destroyers. (2020, September 14). Naval Technology. https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/type-055-class-destroyers/ ; Type 055 Renhai class guided missile destroyer DDG China PLAN. (n.d.). Seaforces Online - Naval Information. https://www.seaforces.org/marint/China-Navy-PLAN/Destroyers/Type-055-Renhai-class-DDG.htm ;
Type 055-Class (Renhai class) Chinese guided missile cruiser. (n.d.). https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/mediawiki/index.php/Type_055-Class_(Renhai_Class)_Chinese_Guided_Missile_Cruiser ; Zhen, L. (2022, April 22). China quietly put into service 2 more 'bodyguards' for its aircraft carriers. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/chinese-navy-commissions-more-type-055-destroyers-into-service-2022-4 ; Goldstein, L. J. (n.d.). China maritime report No. 5: China's dreadnought? The PLA navy's type 055 cruiser and its implications for the future maritime security environment. U.S. Naval War College Digital Commons. https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/cmsi-maritime-reports/5/