CNS Huangshi (502)

History

The Type 056A guided missile frigate, a cornerstone of the modern Chinese Navy for nearly seventy years, stands as a testament to naval advancements. With 44 frigates in service and 9 under construction, its impact extends beyond China, with Nigeria and Bangladesh also operating these vessels. Frigates, integral to China's naval doctrine, are strategically placed in fleets like the East Sea, North Sea, and South China Sea, patrolling coastlines and contributing to a rapid reaction force. Notably, the China Nuclear Yellowstone (502), a 056A type commissioned in 2015, exemplifies the frigate's role in the North Sea Fleet.

The compact design of the frigate, measuring 90 meters in length, 11 meters in width, and a draft of up to 4 meters, facilitates versatile operations near shore and in open waters. Powered by 2 x SEMT Pielstick PA6-STC marine diesel engines, the frigate boasts a maximum speed of 25 knots and a range of 3,500 nautical miles. CNS Huangshi, a representative frigate, showcases advanced weaponry, including a 76mm AK-176 automatic deck gun, YJ-83 anti-ship missile launchers, and FL-3000N surface-to-air missile launchers. Its capabilities are further enhanced by 30mm automatic guns and 324mm triple torpedo tubes for both close-range and long-range engagements.

Equipped with cutting-edge technology such as the 347G Series radar, bow-mounted sonar, and a deployable towed sonar array, the frigate blends modern design elements for optimal functionality. The vessel's external features include an unobstructed forecastle, flat bridge section, enclosed mast, flat/shielded smoke funnel, and an aft hangar/helipad section. With a crew of up to 78 personnel and officers, complemented by Luftwaffe support for helicopter operations, the frigate embodies a versatile and formidable asset within the naval landscape.

Specification

BASICS

Years of Service: 2015

Origins: China

Status: In service

Carrier: China

Offshore Operations: Nearshore activities in support of Allied activities.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 295.3 feet (90.00 m)

Ray: 36.6 feet (11.14 m)

Draft: 13.1 ft (4.00 m)

Shift: 1,500 t

Power and Performance

Installed Power: 2 x SEMT Pielstick PA6-STC marine diesel engines drive 2 x axles under the stern.

Surface Velocity: 25.0 nodes (28.8 km/h)

Area: 3,502nm (4,030 miles | 6,486 kilometers)

Weapons

1 x 76mm AK-176 deck gun and turret. 2 x 30mm automatic cannons.

2 x 2 cell YJ-83 Anti-Ship Missile (ASM) system.

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

2 x 324mm torpedo tubes.

Aircraft

1 medium Navy helicopter taking off and landing from the tail helipad (typically Harbin Z-9).