Conditional enemy with drones. Special training ship for the Chinese Navy
Model of the ship at Airshow China-2021. UAVs of aircraft and helicopter types are visible in the background.
As it turns out recently, the Chinese naval forces pay special attention to personnel training, and in this context, various large-scale projects are being carried out. So, recently it became known that in the near future the fleet will transfer a special carrier ship for unmanned aerial vehicles. He will have to participate in naval maneuvers and take on the role of a technically advanced conditional enemy.
Models from the exhibition
In September-October, the next Airshow China took place in Zhuhai, during which the Chinese industry showed its latest developments in various fields. Aerospace Corporation CASIC became one of the main Chinese exhibitors. Her exposition includes not only aviation equipment, but also unusual training complexes for the fleet.
Several models of great interest were shown at the CASIC booth. One of them showed a medium-sized catamaran ship with a large flight deck on the bow. It has five take-off positions with a helicopter-type UAV. The superstructure of the ship received a high truss-mast with antenna equipment for control drones. The aft deck remained empty, but the presence of cranes spoke of the possibility of using it for various cargoes and means.
A larger model of an unmanned helicopter was shown next to the model of the ship. The project with an unknown name suggests the construction of a medium-sized UAV with two longitudinal carrier systems. Under the elongated fuselage of the model there was a certain product with two, probably, antenna devices.
Educational complexes at the CASIC stand
According to the information plate, the catamaran is a "naval multifunctional integrated system" for use by the "blue army". The term "blue army" is used in the PLA to refer to a conditional or probable enemy. Accordingly, the ship is intended for use in exercises and must "resist" the Chinese fleet.
As always, the Chinese industry, having revealed the very fact of the existence of a new project, did not go into details. The main technical features, the current status and prospects of the original UAV carrier catamaran were not disclosed. The same applies to other projects shown at Airshow China-2021.
Old news
However, the situation soon began to change. So, a few days ago it became known that one of the projects shown with the help of layouts has already been implemented. It turns out that in one of the desert areas a mobile target-simulator of an aircraft carrier is now working. Then there were new reports about a catamaran with drones. Moreover, similar news weren't entirely new.
As it turned out, in the recent past, the PLA Navy ordered the construction of the first special ship. The corresponding order was received by Jiangsu Dayang Marine Equipment Co. in Jiangsu. On May 4, 2021, the ship was launched and transferred for completion. For unclear reasons, this event did not receive the attention it deserved abroad immediately - but now it is.
Helicopter drone close up
The version about the construction of the UAV carrier in Jiangsu is confirmed by the external similarity of the layout and the real ship. They have the same architecture, construction and external contours. In addition, the products received a similar color and distinctive mark: a shark was painted on the gray hulls, which clearly demonstrates unfriendly intentions.
Since May, the drone carrier has been on completion near the wall. The current status of the jobs is unknown. Perhaps the construction has already been completed, and the ship was taken out for sea trials. Information on the development of a UAV for him is also not yet available.
Ship capabilities
According to known data, a promising UAV carrier vehicle has a length of approx. 80 m and width up to 35 m. Displacement is unknown. It is built according to the catamaran scheme, which can provide an increase in speed characteristics, and also increases the possible dimensions of the deck without loss in other parameters. All of these possibilities can be useful when participating in certain exercises.
The ship is equipped with a characteristic high mast, on which there are antenna devices for various purposes. First of all, this allows you to raise the communication antennas to the maximum possible height and increase the range of the UAV. In addition, the ship may have other radio-technical means, with the help of which it will more fully imitate the combat unit of a conventional enemy. In particular, imitators of foreign radars, electronic warfare equipment, etc. can be placed on the mast.
Obviously, the target equipment and payload of the ship will not be limited to the five UAVs shown at the recent exhibition. The size of the forward flight deck allows a larger number of drones to be accommodated, depending on their size and weight. In addition, the aft deck of a large area remains free. It can accommodate any other equipment required to solve the educational problem.
Launching ceremony of the new ship, May 4, 2021
So, the ship can carry UAVs of different classes and types, both to support exercises and to independently perform tasks. He can also become a carrier of air targets and other special equipment. The version of training purposes is indirectly confirmed by the CASIC stand at Airshow China: next to the model of the ship was not only an unmanned helicopter, but also an aircraft type product.
It should be noted that a ship of this architecture is capable of not only carrying and using unmanned aerial systems. It can also carry a variety of goods, deploy special systems and weapons, etc. In this case, the ship will be able to participate not only in military activities, but also in rescue or other operations.
Unmanned potential
The drone helicopter for the new ship is several meters long and can weigh up to several tons. Due to this, sufficiently high flight performance can be obtained, first of all, the range and duration of the flight. In addition, such a machine must have a certain reserve of carrying capacity.
Obviously, a UAV of this kind cannot be used as a target and must become a carrier of special equipment. A variant of such a configuration of an unclear purpose was demonstrated at a recent exhibition. Probably, other sets of equipment are also being developed, incl. replaceable for other tasks.
Ship on slip
The drone can carry reflective devices that mimic the signature of real aircraft of a potential enemy. In addition, it is possible to use active systems with similar functions. With the help of integrated transmitters, the UAV will be able to simulate the flight of various aircraft, helicopters and weapons. It is also possible to imitate group raids - by the forces of several devices or by generating appropriate signals.
According to more daring assumptions, the new UAVs have ample opportunities for autonomous and group use. Due to this, they are able to fully imitate the work of an unmanned "swarm" with all its strengths. This does not exclude the ability to simulate several air targets with one aircraft.
In theory, the UAV of the proposed design can conduct reconnaissance, relay signals and even apply weapon... However, the carrier ship is intended for the "blue army", and therefore it does not need reconnaissance and strike capabilities, especially those associated with the risk of losing unmanned materiel. However, reconnaissance functions can be useful outside of exercises - during the day-to-day service of the fleet, in rescue operations, etc.
New approaches to learning
The modern navy faces a wide range of aerial threats. These are airplanes and helicopters with their weapons, ship, underwater and coastal missile systems, etc. In recent years, there has been an increase in the danger from UAVs of different classes. Moreover, new technologies are being worked out in this area, which in the near future will lead to the emergence of new risks and threats.
The fleet must have the means to deal with such threats and be able to use them. The latter problem is solved during the exercise, and the effectiveness of such training directly depends on the teaching aids used. Developing the latter, China has developed and built a specialized UAV carrier ship designed only to work in the role of a simulated enemy.
Perhaps the construction of a specialized aircraft carrier with a special group of unmanned helicopters is an excessive measure. However, the proposed complex will provide a solution to the most important task and will allow the fleet to be ready for modern and future threats. A new unusual ship is now being completed or is already being tested. And this brings the first maneuvers with his participation closer.
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