CNS Nanchang (101)

Guided-Missile Destroyer Warship

China | 2020

"CNS Nanchang 101 is the lead ship of the planned eight-strong Renhai-class of guided-missile destroyers serving the PLAN of China."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 04/27/2023 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Image from the Chinese Ministry of Defense; Public Release.

China's growing global interests have resulted in a growing naval capability with heavy investment being given to a carrier fleet, advanced ballistic missile nuclear-powered attack submarines, and all-modern classes of guided-missile destroyers. In 2020, the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) commissioned the first of a planned eight Renhai-class (also "Type 055") guided-missile destroyers with its lead-ship becoming CNS Nanchang (101). Three additional units are expected to follow in 2020 with the remainder to come online in 2021 and 2022 to complete the class.

CNS Nanchang (101) adds a wholly modern Blue Water capability for the PLAN, showcasing an array of weaponry paired with advanced sensors and processing systems. Like other warships of this type, Nanchang can operate independently of the fleet or as a support vessel to it - giving it inherent tactical and strategic flexibility.

As designed, the warship is consistent with Western destroyer offerings: stealth is at the center of the appearance with slab-siding used throughout as well as a minimization of protrusions. The forecastle is home to a single turreted deck gun backed by a Vertical Launching System (VLS) housing missiles. The bridge is on a raised, stepped section of hull which also contains the enclosed, all-important mast. At midships is the integrated, low-profile structures of the smoke funnels. The rear of the ship consists of an enclosed full-service hangar space, attached helipad, and additional weaponry and sensors. The hull side is chined from bow to stern resulting in an unbroken hull line.

Nanchang displaces in the 13,000 ton range and carries a crew of about 300 personnel. The primary radar fit is the Type 346B (C/S-band) radar system. A complete Electronic Warfare (EW) system provides at-range, stand-off protection from a myriad of conventional and unconventional threats to the ship. Additionally, two helicopters can be carried (of the medium utility/medium-lift variety) for Search and Rescue (SAR), anti-ship, and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) sorties. Typical supported rotary-wing types include the Harbin Z-9 and Changhe Z-18 models (both detailed elsewhere on this site).

The propulsion scheme employs a COGAG (COmbined Gas-And-Gas) arrangement involving 4 x QC-280 gas turbines developing 38,000 horsepower each, driving a pair of propeller shafts astern and leading the vessel to speeds of 30 knots. Range is a useful 5,000 nautical miles as the ship can cruise or make high-speed dashes as necessary - all the while conserving precious fuel in the efficient arrangement.

In terms of armament, Nanchang does not disappoint: the suite includes 1 x 130mm H/PJ-38 turreted deck gun over the forecastle, the aforementioned VLS containing 112 cells for HHQ-9 Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs), YJ-18 cruise missiles, and/or CJ-10 cruise missiles, 1 x HQ-10 short-ranged 24-cell SAM system (over the rear hull structure), 2 x 324mm twin torpedo launch tubes, and 1 x H/PJ-11 Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWSs). This gives the warship an inherent capability to engage distant and close aerial targets, seaborne threats, and undersea marauders.

Structurally, CNS Nanchang (101) has a running length of 590.6 feet, a beam of 65.6 feet, and a draught of 21.7 feet. Displacement is around 13,000 tons under full load. Because of its armament scheme, displacement, and dimensions, the Nanchang compares in some sources to a cruiser despite its destroyer classification. At any rate, it is a multi-mission vessel that will add decades of value to the PLAN.

Content ©MilitaryFactory.com; No Reproduction Permitted.

Power & Performance
Those special qualities that separate one sea-going vessel design from another. Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for CNS Nanchang (101).

4 x QC-280 gas turbines of 38,000 horsepower each driving 2 x Shafts astern in COmbined Gas-And-Gas (COGAG) arrangement.
Propulsion

30.0 kts
34.5 mph
Surface Speed

5,040 nm
5,800 miles | 9,334 km
Range

Structure
The bow-to-stern, port-to-starboard physical qualities of CNS Nanchang (101).

315
Personnel
Complement

590.0 ft
179.83 meters
O/A Length

66.0 ft
20.12 meters
Beam

22.0 ft
6.71 meters
Draught

13,000
tons
Displacement

Armament
Available supported armament and special-mission equipment featured in the design of CNS Nanchang (101).

1 x 130mm H/PJ-38 Dual-Purpose (DP) turreted deck gun.
1 x 112-cell Vertical Launching Systems (VLSs) supporting cruise missiles, Anti-Ship missiles, and Anti-Submarine missiles (fore placement).
1 x 24-cell HQ-10 Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system (aft placement).
1 x H/PJ-14 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS).

Air Arm
Available supported fixed-wing / rotary-wing aircraft featured in the design of CNS Nanchang (101).

2 x Harbin Z-9C or Changhe Z-18F Navy helicopters launched and retrieved from stern flight deck. These are equipped for the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) role.

Ships-in-Class (8)
Notable series variants as part of the CNS Nanchang (101) family line as relating to the Type 055 (Renhai-class) group.

CNS Nanchang (101); Unnamed Vessel #2; Unnamed Vessel #3; Unnamed Vessel #4; Unnamed Vessel #5; Unnamed Vessel #6; Unnamed Vessel #7; Unnamed Vessel #8

Operators
Global operator(s) of the CNS Nanchang (101). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national naval warfare listing.

[ China ]

1 / 1

Image from the Chinese Ministry of Defense; Public Release.

Mission Roles
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to seaborne requirements.

BLUE WATER SERVICE

OFFSHORE BOMBARDMENT

LAND-ATTACK

MARITIME PATROL

AIRSPACE DENIAL

FLEET SUPPORT

SHIP-TO-SHORE

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Going Further...
CNS Nanchang (101) Guided-Missile Destroyer Warship appears in the following collections:

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies

2025 Military Pay Scale Military Ranks U.S. DoD Dictionary Conversion Calculators Military Alphabet Code Military Map Symbols US 5-Star Generals WW2 Weapons by Country

The "Military Factory" name and MilitaryFactory.com logo are registered ® U.S. trademarks protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. All written content, illustrations, and photography are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and not for reuse/reproduction in any form. Material presented throughout this website is for historical and entertainment value only and should not to be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation. We do not sell any of the items showcased on this site. Please direct all other inquiries to militaryfactory AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Part of a network of sites that includes Global Firepower, WDMMA.org, WDMMW.org, and World War Next.

©2024 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2003-2024 (21yrs)