CNS Tongling (629)

History of CNS Tongling (629)

CNS Tongling (629) is a Type 056 combat frigate, part of the People's Liberation Army's (PLAN) South China Sea Fleet. Classified as part of the modified Type 056A group with a focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW), it is known to NATO as a "Jiangdao" frigate. Commissioned in 2020, the vessel is equipped with advanced sensors, processing systems, and a versatile armament, making it a multi-role warship. With a displacement of around 1,500 tons, CNS Tongling features a stealthy design, including a low profile, smooth plank sides, and a minimalistic deck to enhance its stealth qualities.

The frigate is powered by 2 x SEMT Pielstick PA6-STC diesel engines, enabling it to reach a top speed of 25 knots and cover a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles. Its sensor suite comprises a Type 360 air/ground search radar, a Type 347G fire control radar, bow sonar, and a towed sonar array. The vessel's extensive armament includes a 76mm deck gun, 30mm autocannons, YJ-83 anti-ship missile launchers, FL-3000N Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launcher, and torpedo tubes, allowing it to effectively address threats from air, surface, and underwater domains.

As of February 2024, CNS Tongling (629) remains an active and integral part of the Chinese naval surface fleet, contributing to the PLAN's capabilities in the South China Sea and beyond.

Specification

BASICS

Service Years: 2020

Origin: China

Status: In service

Class: Model 056A

Class Size: 72

Carrier: China

Characters

Sea Bombing: Maritime bombardment/attack of surface targets/areas primarily through ship-based ballistic weapons.

Offshore Operations: Nearshore activities in support of Allied activities.

Land Assault: Littoral attacks against surface targets primarily through ship-based missiles/missile weapons.

Sea Patrol: Active patrolling of critical waterways and sea areas; also serves as a local deterrent against air and maritime threats.

Airspace Denial/Deterrence: Neutralization or deterrence of flying elements by airborne missile weapon ballistics.

Fleet Support: Provide support (fire or materiel) to major surface fleets in blue water environments.

Distinctive Features

Flatten: The hull of the vessel is designed to operate in coastal/shallow water environments.

Main turret: The main armament is mounted in the main turret arrangement providing enhanced protection.

Air Defense: Airborne systems warn and protect ships from airborne and low-altitude ballistic and/or missile threats.

On the horizon: The ship is granted over-the-horizon combat capability, usually provided by a launched fixed-wing/rotary-wing aircraft.

Missile weapons: The ship supports long-range missile launches to air, sea or land-based targets; typical of modern design.

Torpedo: Able to launch torpedoes at distant targets.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 300. 0 feet (91.44 m)

Ray: 36.5 feet (11.13 m)

Draft: 13. 0 feet (3.96 m)

Shift: 1,500 t

Power and Performance

Installed Power: 2 x SEMT Pielstick PA6-STC Diesel Engine Drive 2 x Axle Rear.

Surface Velocity: 25. 0 nodes (28.8 km/h)

Area: 4,027 miles (6,481 kilometers)

Weapons

1 x 76mm AK-176 deck gun and turret.

2 x 2 unit YJ-83 anti-ship missile launchers.

1 x 8-cell FL-3000N Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) Launcher.

2 x 30mm automatic cannons.

2 x 324 mm triple torpedo tubes.

Aircraft

1 x medium helicopter (usually Harbin Z-9).