Luda-class

The Ludas are fairly basic DDs, designed in the 1960's and produced in three groups since the early 1970's. They are unsophisticated vessels, with very little in the way of modern weapons capabilities. In addition, they structurally suffer the same kinds of shortcomings as the Soviet-designed vessels of the period, and probably have little in the way of damage control capabilities. They are at best, eggshells armed with tap hammers, and would be easily defeated by even the most rudimentary of modern patrol or escort vessel. Electronically, the Chinese have equipped the Ludas with the best 1950's systems Soviet technology could design. Against air or submarine attack, they are highly explosive and combustible sitting ducks. The Ludas primary utility these days is probably as flotilla leaders and flagships for Chinese surface action groups, leading more capable and modern vessels. In short, an easy kill, hardly worth a Mk. 48 ADCAP or Tomahawk.

Structural/Powerplant

Based on the 1950's Soviet Kotlin-class DDs, the Ludas are of fairly conventional steel construction, with little use of aluminum and other lightweight materials to reduce topweight. The Ludas are powered by four oil-fired boilers, powering two sets of geared steam turbines. These drive a pair of screws, delivering a peak of 72,000 SHP (60,000 sustained).

Weapons

Two triple HY-2/C 201 anti-ship missiles, two dual 130 mm gun mounts, four twin 57 mm or 37 mm and four 25mm anti-aircraft gun mounts, two twelve-barreled ASW rocket launchers, four depth charge mortars, and two depth charge/mine racks with up to 38 weapons. Several have been modified with helicopter pads and Western weapons such as the French Crotale SAM system, but costs have kept this from being done for the whole class.

Countermeasures

Two Jug Pair radio/radar intercept relievers. No known decoy/countermeasures launchers.

Sensors

Rice Screen, Bean Sticks or Pea Sticks, and Eye Shield (MX-902) air search radars, Square Tie anti-ship missile targeting radar, Sun Visor gun laying radar, Red Lamp anti-aircraft gun radar, Fin Curve navigation radar and a hull-mounted sonar system.