Chinese Type 505 guided-missile destroyers can fire missiles on targets from a wide range. These ships can launch a wide range of surface-to air, surface-to submarine and anti-ship missiles. The ships can also be equipped with a range hull-mounted Sonars. They are made to work in conjunction with other Chinese naval force as part of a combat group.
The Type 055 vessel is approximately 180m long and can carry more than 12,000 tons of displacement. The vessel is a large and powerful warship, which is being built by the People's Liberation Army Navy. It is a striking example of the PLA’s capability expansion as well the country’s shipbuilding endeavor.
Several Type 055 warships have been operational while others are still in construction. The first ship in the class, Nanchang, was commissioned in January of 2020. Two more ships, including the Nanchang were launched in January 2020. The fifth and sixth ships remain active.
Other Type 055 vessels are expected to enter service in the coming years, including Dalian, Lhasa, Yan'an, Wuxi, and Anshan. Li Jinwei, the Nanchang's senior captain, stated that the vessel would be used for a variety missions with a focus on regional security. He also said that the vessel will be available for any emergency situations.
During recent maritime drills, China's new Type 055 destroyer has been undergoing evaluation and testing. Li said that the exercises were to enhance the skills of officers as well as make the ship more ready for combat. After the exercise, the vessel will participate in important missions this calendar year.
Type 055 ships feature a hull-mounted, variable depth sonar system. They are also equipped with a 24-cell HQ-10 short-range air defense missile launcher, as well as H/PJ-11 30mm close-in weapon systems. A 130mm naval gun is located at the bow. Two Changhe Z-18F helicopters are also found aboard. According to western experts, the Type 055 should be capable of moving around 13,000 tons. However, these estimates are speculative and should not be taken as a final figure.
As of right now, the PLA Naval has eight Type 055s currently in active duty and five more under construction. There are plans to build 16 more. Each vessel has a maximum speed of 30k and costs more than six million yuan (US$890million). Type 055 is powered using a combination of gas turbo propulsion systems and gas turbine turbines. The Type 055 can produce 28MW.
The Type 055's smoke stack is another unique feature. It reduces radar cross-section. This design allows the ship to maintain stealthy characteristics while suppressing radar and infrared signals. Despite its obvious stealth characteristics, it is expected to carry several types of surface-to-air and land-attack cruise missiles.
The Type 055 Chinese navy destroyers have been able, in the past few year's, to conduct aggressive sub-marine hunting missions. 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.