Jiangwei-class

While still somewhat primitive compared to Western designs like the British Type-23 (Duke) class and the American Oliver Hazard Perry (FFG-7) class, these are the finest escorts yet produced by the PRC. Equipped with a simple SAM system as well as dedicated helicopter facilities, the Jiangwei-class are solid combat vessels that are being produced in good numbers (six are currently planned). If they have a serious weakness, it is the lack of a state-of-the-art ASW sensor/weapons suite. Nevertheless, given the financial restrictions faced by the PRC naval forces, as well as the limitations for acquiring Western sensor/weapons systems, the Jiangweis are excellent ships for the money, and should be for some years to come. This is one fine little frigate.

Structural/Powerplant

While based upon the earlier Jianghu-series of frigates, the Jiangweis have a number of minor improvements that make them a significant improvement of earlier models. These include things like constant-pitch propellers and improved diesel engines. Other than that, construction is roughly similar to other Chinese escorts, based upon steel construction and a conventional monohull design. The Jiangewis are powered by a pair of excellent MTU diesel engines, running a pair of propellers which can deliver up to 21,460 BHP.

Weapons

Two triple HY-2/C 802 anti-ship missile launchers, one six-round HQ-61 SAM launchers, two 100 mm dual-purpose gun mounts, four twin 30 mm anti-aircraft gun mounts, two RBU-1200 ASW rocket launchers and one Zhi-9/SA-365N Dauphin helicopter.

Countermeasures

RWD-8 radio/radar intercept reliever, NJ81-3 radio/radar jammer and two quad PJ46 decoy/countermeasures launchers.

Sensors

Long range air search radar, Eye Shield/SR-60 air search radar, Type 756 navigation radar, two Rice Lamp anti-aircraft fire control radars, Sun Visor surface gunnery control radar and S-07H bow-mounted medium-frequency sonar.