Pics via SDF.
+FormationLiaoning+escort+group+4+incl.+subs+Type+052D+Guided+Missile+Destroyer,+Type+052C+,+Peoples+Liberation+Army+Navy+5+Type+052C+Type+052D+destroyers+(5).jpg)
+FormationLiaoning+escort+group+4+incl.+subs+Type+052D+Guided+Missile+Destroyer,+Type+052C+,+Peoples+Liberation+Army+Navy+5+Type+052C+Type+052D+destroyers+(7).jpg)
The guys over at the Sino Defense Forum have been China watchers before being a China watcher was cool. A quick look at the Chinese Carrier Strike Group follows.
A couple of things. The living conditions aboard the aircraft carrier look luxurious. Compared to the conditions aboard a US warship they're beyond luxurious. Once France was the gold standard when it came to fancy living aboard ship with the Italians following close behind. No more. What does this mean? I think its an indication that the Chinese are seeking the best and the brightest for their military...especially their Navy. Not only is it the patriotic thing to do, but you'll also live in relative comfort. This also points to the fact that the Chinese military is seeking to effectively compete for all those college graduates with business.
The next thing that caught my attention was the description of the Type 52C coordinating air defense. I remember seeing the British Daring Class doing the same thing in a joint exercise with the USN. I thought it was a strange way of doing business but the Chinese seem to be following that lead. I don't understand the advantage of operating that way (there must be something useful) and hope to find out more.
The last thing that I found odd was the attachment of an LPD to the strike group. Is this how they plan on operating in the future? In the US it would be considered a hybrid configuration. Part CSG and part amphibious ready group (or expeditionary strike group if you want to be trendy). In this case the advantages are obvious. High performance aircraft are able to protect the Chinese Marines in any action they may be called on to perform without the delay of having to marry up the CSG and ARG. The LPD can make use of all available space for transport helicopters for its Marines without having to make room for jump jets. Of course the problem with this type setup is that it puts Marines in harms way for any sea actions that the carrier might have to fight and the enemy (us) would probably make them a high priority target. I'll have to chew on this one before I buy into it.
Everything considered, a pretty good day for China.
+FormationLiaoning+escort+group+4+incl.+subs+Type+052D+Guided+Missile+Destroyer,+Type+052C+,+Peoples+Liberation+Army+Navy+5+Type+052C+Type+052D+destroyers+(5).jpg)
+FormationLiaoning+escort+group+4+incl.+subs+Type+052D+Guided+Missile+Destroyer,+Type+052C+,+Peoples+Liberation+Army+Navy+5+Type+052C+Type+052D+destroyers+(7).jpg)
The guys over at the Sino Defense Forum have been China watchers before being a China watcher was cool. A quick look at the Chinese Carrier Strike Group follows.
CV-16 Liaoning (50~60,000 tons)There is alot more at their site.
3 x Type 054A Frigate (4000 tons ea.)
2 x Type 051C (7100 tons ea.)
1 x Type 052C (7000 tons ea.)
1 x Type 071 LPD (17,000 tons ea.)
3 x Type 093G SSN (Unknown tonnage)
That's a 103,000 tons minimum CSG. Note (1) the lack of an air wing aboard CV-16 at this time. Once operational the Liaoning is expected to host approx. 24 ~ 36 J-15s. Note (2) the lack of any replenishment vessels. Note (3) only the 052C is AEGIS capable and likely co-ordinates the entire fleet air defense. This in of itself is a weakness as it denotes a single point of failure but also tells us that the battle management software across the fleet is standardized and highly advanced to allow for this type of co-ordination.
At this time, it is unknown what type of mission this formation is designed for. However, we know that this is a real dedicatd CSG and not just cobbled together for a photo op. The PLAN is now able to field a near bluewater CSG in addition to covering all of its home bases.
Check out the living areas of the CV-16. It's like a college dorm FFS.
A couple of things. The living conditions aboard the aircraft carrier look luxurious. Compared to the conditions aboard a US warship they're beyond luxurious. Once France was the gold standard when it came to fancy living aboard ship with the Italians following close behind. No more. What does this mean? I think its an indication that the Chinese are seeking the best and the brightest for their military...especially their Navy. Not only is it the patriotic thing to do, but you'll also live in relative comfort. This also points to the fact that the Chinese military is seeking to effectively compete for all those college graduates with business.
The next thing that caught my attention was the description of the Type 52C coordinating air defense. I remember seeing the British Daring Class doing the same thing in a joint exercise with the USN. I thought it was a strange way of doing business but the Chinese seem to be following that lead. I don't understand the advantage of operating that way (there must be something useful) and hope to find out more.
The last thing that I found odd was the attachment of an LPD to the strike group. Is this how they plan on operating in the future? In the US it would be considered a hybrid configuration. Part CSG and part amphibious ready group (or expeditionary strike group if you want to be trendy). In this case the advantages are obvious. High performance aircraft are able to protect the Chinese Marines in any action they may be called on to perform without the delay of having to marry up the CSG and ARG. The LPD can make use of all available space for transport helicopters for its Marines without having to make room for jump jets. Of course the problem with this type setup is that it puts Marines in harms way for any sea actions that the carrier might have to fight and the enemy (us) would probably make them a high priority target. I'll have to chew on this one before I buy into it.
Everything considered, a pretty good day for China.
