Displacement: full load 6600t
Dimensions: 153 x 16.5 x 6 meters
Aviation: flight deck and hangar aft for two Ka-28
or Z-9
helicopters
Armament: 1 octuple HQ-7 (Crotale) SAM, 4 quad SSM launchers forYJ-82
(C-802), 1 x twin 100mm gun, 4 x twin 37mm guns, 2 x triple 324mm
torpedo tubes
Propulsion: 2 steam turbines; 30kts
Description: When commisioned in 1999 the Shenzhen became the largest
and most capable combatant in the PLAN surface fleet, a distincion
previously held by the Type 052 Luhu class ships. Her sixteen SSMs
give her a useful surface punch and the her two helicopters are
a welcome addition of ASW potential. Unfortunately the HQ-7 SAM
is only a short range system but self defence is at least an improvment
over AAW capabilities of the Luda class that have been the mainstay
of the PLAN since the 1970s. Since joining the fleet the PLAN has
added three new classes (Sovremenny, Type 052B and Type 052C) so
it was something of a surprise to find late in 2004 a new Type 051B
hull (115) building at Dalian shipyard. Given the long delay between
vessels there is speculation that the new ship will feature a significantly
different weapons and sensor fitout. The new vessel may even carry
a new designation - Type 051C
