Daguan-class troopship
 Daguan-class troopship Xu Xiake berthed next to the carrier Liaoning, 2011
| |
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Operators |  People's Liberation Army Navy |
| In service | 2011 - present[1] |
| Completed | 2 |
| Active | 2 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Troopship |
| Displacement | 30,000 tonnes (30,000 long tons; 33,000 short tons) (full)[1] |
| Length | 196 metres (643 ft)[1] |
| Beam | 28 metres (92 ft)[1] |
| Capacity | 2,500 support personnel[1] |
| Aviation facilities | Medium helicopter deck[1] |
The Daguan-class troopship (as designated by NATO) is a class of auxiliary ship in People's Republic of China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).[2] They are used by the Chinese aircraft carrier programme to support sea trials,[1] and provide berthing, logistical support and training.[3]
The first entered service in 2011 in support of the Liaoning aircraft carrier.[1]
Deisgn[edit]
According to publicly released information, the Daguan-class ships are approximately 196 meters long, with a beam of 28 meters. They are propelled by two diesel-electric engines, two shafts, 7,200 hp.[4] Each ship is outfitted with accommodations for approximately 2,500 sailors. The ships are capable of a max speed of 18 knots and has an endurance of 30 days.[4] They have a range of 8,000 nautical miles.[5] Each ship has a medium helicopter deck on its stern, which can park one Changhe Z-8 heavy transport helicopter.[4]
The ships are armed with two sets of Type 81 rocket launchers, which can fire anti-submarine missiles. They are armed with an additional two sets of 57 mm twin-barreled cannons and two sets of 30 mm CWIS weapon systems.[6][7]
The ships are outfitted with additional accommodations for the crew, including internet cafes, coffee shops, a supermarket, a running track, a basketball court, a gym and a Sanda ring. The ships are sometimes called the "nannies" of aircraft carriers.[8] To fufill its training role, Xu Xiake is also equipped with simulators of various equipment onboard the Liaoning.[9]
Operational history[edit]
The Daguan-class ships provide support for China's growing fleet of aircraft carriers, they are also used as training ships. The ships can serve as "floating bases", reducing the carriers' reliance on naval ports.[10] They also provide living accommodations for the personnel of aircraft carriers when the carriers undergo maintenance, upgrades or overhauls. The first ship of the class, Xu Xiake, is part of the Lianoning carrier battle group. Xu Xiake provides classrooms and R&R facilities for crew-members of the battle group.[11]
On August 27 2014, Xu Xiake sailed in a group with the corvette Datong, frigate Yancheng, and frigate Linyi to Liugong Island at the mouth of Weihai bay. The ships held a memorial ceremony to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the First Sino-Japanese War.[12]
In January 2018, Li Daoyuan began sea trials with China's second aircraft carrier Shandong.[5] Both ships supported the Fujian carrier during its sea trials.[13]
Ships of the class[edit]
| Name | Hull No. | Builder | Launched | Commissioned | Fleet | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xu Xiake[1] | 88[1] | COMEC (CSSC Guangzhou shipyard) | Active[1] | |||
| Li Daoyuan[5] | 89[2] | Active[2] |
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Tate, Andrew (25 August 2016). "China continues to invest in carrier support capabilities". Janes.[dead link]
- ^ a b c United States Navy Office of Naval Intelligence (19 February 2020). PLA Navy Identification Guide (Report). Archived from the original on 27 February 2020. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
- ^ China Naval Modernization: Implications for U.S. Navy Capabilities - Background and Issues for Congress (Report). Congressional Research Service. 1 August 2018. p. 112. RL33153. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
- ^ a b c 青年時報. "海军88舰：徐霞客号". Youth Times.
- ^ a b c 宋, 伟 (2023-05-22). "航母御用"保姆" 锻造远海战力". Ta Kung Pao. Retrieved 2024-03-06.
- ^ "简氏：中国进入大海军时代 10年内建3个航母群". 網易新聞. 國際展望(上海).
- ^ "徐霞客号(88)". 環球網軍事.
- ^ "航母保姆"徐霞客号"已伴"母"出航". 新華網.
- ^ "揭秘中国海军三大训练舰". 中國軍網. 中國國防報·軍事特刊. 2016-11-25.
- ^ "88 徐霞客号". haijun360.
- ^ "辽宁舰旁为何经常有这艘军舰跟着 走哪都带着". 環球軍事網.
- ^ "海军举行甲午战争120周年海上祭奠仪式". Xinhua News Agency.
- ^ "甘若水：3萬噸級巨艦充當「航母保姆」 成戰力孵化器". 思考HK.
