World Navies Today - Chinese Scientific, Research And Experimental Vessels

World Navies Today: Chinese Scientific, Research and Experimental Vessels Revised 23 October 2001 Version 1.02 Compiled and Maintained by: Andrew Toppan World Navies Today Main Page: http://www.hazegray.org/worldnav/

This list includes all known scientific, research and experimental ships over 500 tons displacement, including non-naval craft. Ships not yet commissioned, or in long-term overhaul/conversion, are listed in [brackets]. Navigation and surface-search radars are not listed. All classifications are purely unofficial and are based on an attempt to use standard classifications throughout all navies; they may or may not correspond to "official" designations. Note: It remains very difficult to obtain accurate, up-to-date information regarding Chinese naval forces. These is major conflict between published references, especially with regard to class names and numbers. It is also difficult to tell exactly how many vessels are active and how many are in reserve, since many "active" vessels only go to sea for a few days each year. This list represents the best data available from a variety of sources, however, it probably is not complete nor 100% accurate, due to inadequacies of source material. Fleets: The following abbreviations are used to indicate fleet assignments: YEL: Yellow Sea. Officially North Sea Fleet. ECS: East China Sea. Officially East Sea Fleet. SCS: South China Sea. Officially South Sea Fleet.

Naval Surveillance & Scientific Ships Naval Experimental/Trials Ships Civilian-Subordinated Scientific Ships

Naval Surveillance & Scientific Ships Yuanwang class missile tracking/space event support ships (4 ships) Displacement: 21,000 tons full load Dimensions: 190 x 22.6 x 7.5 meters/623.4 x 74.1 x 24.6 feet Propulsion: 1 Sulzer diesel, 1 shaft, 17,400 bhp, 20 knots Crew: 470 Aviation: aft helicopter deck Concept/Program: Large ships intended to support missile tests and space events. Numerous tracking antennas. First two units have been refitted twice; second pair varies in details. The existence of the fourth unit is uncertain. Builders: Hudong SY, Shanghai. Name Yuanwang 1 Yuanwang 2 Yuanwang 3 Yuanwang 4

Year 1979 1979 1995 1996

FLT ECS ECS ECS ECS

Homeport

Notes

Xing Fengshan electronic surveillance ship (1 ship) Displacement: 5,500 tons full load Dimensions: ?? Propulsion: ?? Crew: ?? Concept/Program: ELINT ship reportedly based on the 'Dalang' class submarine rescue ships. May be civilian-subordinated, but is painted gray. Number 856

Name Xing Fengshan

Year 1988?

FLT

Homeport

Notes

New missile range instrumentation ship (1 ship) Estimated Specifications Displacement: 4,600 tons full load Dimensions: 119 x 15.8 x 4.8 meters/390.4 x 51.8 x 15.7 feet Propulsion: 2 SEMT-Pielstick diesels, 2 shafts, 14,400 bhp, 17 knots

Crew: ? Radar: 2 missile tracking Aviation: aft helicopter deck Armament: 1 dual 37mm AA, 2 dual 25mm AA Concept/Program: A new missile tracking ship, similar to the training ship Zhenghe. Builders: Qiuxin SY, Shanghai. Number ??

Year 1999

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Beidiao ('Dadie' class) electronic surveillance ship (1 ship) Displacement: 2,500 tons full load Dimensions: 94 x 11.3 x 4 meters/308.4 x 37 x 13.1 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 17 knots Crew: 160 EW: Intercept arrays Armament: 2 dual 14.5 mm Concept/Program: Purpose-built ELINT ship. May be equipped with a bow-mounted sonar. Builders: Wuhan SY, Wuchang. Number 841

Name Beidiao

Year 1987

FLT YEL

Homeport

Notes

'Yanbing' class light icebreaker/electronic surveillance ship (1 ship) Displacement: approx. 5,000 tons full load Dimensions: 94.5 x 17.1 x 5.9 meters/310 x 56.1 x 19.4 feet Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 16 knots Crew: approx. 100 EW: intercept arrays Armament: 4 dual 37 mm Concept/Program: An enlarged version of the 'Yanha' class, also outfitted for ELINT. Can also serve as an ocean tug.

Builders: unknown. Name Haidiao 723

Year 1982

FLT YEL

Homeport

Notes

Shijian 3 oceanographic research ship (1 ship) Displacement: 3,300 tons full load Dimensions: 104 x 13.7 x 5.2 meters/341.2 x 45 x 17 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 9,600 bhp, 22.5 knots Crew: 53 + 94 mission crew Concept/Program: Operated for the South China Sea Institute of Oceanography. Name Shijian 3

Year 1982

FLT SCS

Homeport Guangzhou

Notes

'Yanha' class electronic surveillance ships/light icebreakers (3 ships) Displacement: 3,200 tons full load Dimensions: 84 x 15 x 5 meters/275.6 x 49.2 x 16.4 feet Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 5,200 shp, 16 knots Crew: 90 Armament: 4 dual 37 mm, 4 dual 25 mm Concept/Program: Small icebreakers; serve as ELINT ships and can be used as ocean tugs. Builders: Qiuxin SY, Shanghai. Name Haibing 519 Haibing 721 Haibing 722

Year 1989?

FLT YEL YEL YEL

Homeport

Notes

'Yanqian' (modified 'Kansha') class oceanographic research ships (2 ships) Displacement: 1,325 tons full load Dimensions: 69.9 x 10.5 x 3.6 meters/229.3 x 34.4 x 11.8 feet

Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 13.5 knots Crew: 110 Concept/Program: Converted from 'Kansha' class salvage tugs. May still carry DSRVs. Builders: Chunghua SY, Shanghai. Number V231 V232

Year 1981 198?

FLT SCS SCS

Homeport

Notes

'Yanlai' class survey ships (4 ships) Displacement: 1,100 tons full load Dimensions: 72 x 9.8 x 3 meters/236.2 x 32.2 x 9.8 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 16 knots Crew: approx. 100 Armament: 2 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 25 mm Builders: unknown; built early 1970's. Name Dong Biao 200 Dong Biao 226 Nance 427 Dong Biao 943

Year

FLT

Homeport

Notes

'Ganzhu' class survey ship (1 ship) Displacement: 1,000 tons full load Dimensions: 65 x 9 x 3 meters/213.3 x 29.5 x 9.8 feet Propulsion: 4 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,400 bhp, 20 knots Crew: 120 Armament: 2 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 25 mm, 2 dual 14.5 mm Builders: Zhuijiang SY. Name Nance 420

Year 1975

FLT SCS

Homeport

Notes

'Kan Yang' class coastal survey ships (2 ships) Displacement: approx. 600 tons full load Dimensions: approx. 50 x 8 x ?? meters/164 x 26.2 x ?? feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, approx. 14 knots Crew: ?? Armament: 1 dual 25 mm Concept/Program: Small coastal survey ships. Builders: unknown; built circa 1980. Name Nance 426 Nance 428

Year

FLT

Homeport

Notes

modified T-43 class coastal survey ships (3 ships) Displacement: 590 tons full load Dimensions: 60 x 8.6 x 2.16 meters/196.8 x 28.2 x 7 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 14 knots Crew: approx. 70 Armament: 1 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 14.5 mm Concept/Program: Modified T-43 type minesweepers. Three similar conversions are civilian-subordinated. Builders: unknown; built late 1960's. Number 993 994 995

Year

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Note: There are believed to be several (perhaps up to 10) additional naval-subordinated survey/research ships.

Naval Experimental/Trials Ships 'Golf' class ballistic missile trials submarine (1 ship) (Project 031) Displacement: 2,900 tons submerged Dimensions: 99 x 8.5 x 6.5 meters/324.8 x 27.8 x 21.3 feet Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 3 diesels, 3 shafts, 6,000 shp, 14 knots Crew: 87 Sonar: Herkules active Armament: 2 JL-2 ballistic missiles, 10 21 inch torpedo tubes (6 bow, 4 stern) Concept/Program: Chinese-built to Russian plans. Originally fitted for three Russian SLBMs, but these were never supplied and she was modified for 2 Chinese SLBMs; refitted in 1995 for new trials missiles. Not combat-capable. Builders: Dalian SY. Number 200

Year 1966

FLT YEL

Homeport

Notes

'Wuhan' class guided missile trials submarine (1 ship) (Project 033G) Displacement: 2,100 tons submerged Dimensions: 76.6 x 7.6 x 4.95 meters/251.3 x 25 x 16.2 feet Propulsion: Diesel-electric, 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,700 shp, 17 knots Crew: 58 Sonar: Tamir-5 active, Feniks passive Armament: 6 C-801 SSM, 8 21 inch torpedo tubes (6 bow, 2 stern; 14 torpedoes or 24 mines) Concept/Program: A Chinese 'Romeo' class submarine extensively rebuilt as a trials platform for sub-launched SSMs. Must surface to launch missiles; lacks any over-thehorizon targeting. Not a combat-capable unit. Builders: Rebuilt by Wuhan SY. Number 351

Year 19??/87

FLT YEL

Homeport

Notes

'Yanxi' class weapons trials support ship (1 ship) Displacement: 1,200 tons full load Dimensions: 60 x 11 x 3.5 meters/196.8 x 36 x 11.5 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 16 knots Crew: ?? Armament: 1 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 14.5 mm Concept/Program: A small trials-support ship. Exact role is unknown, but may act as a drone launch/recovery vessel. Builders: Shanghai. Name Hsun 701

Year 1970

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Civilian-Subordinated Scientific Ships Xiangyanghong class polar research ship (1 ship) Displacement: approx. 15,000 tons full load Dimensions: ?? Propulsion: ?? Crew: ??? Aviation: helicopter deck and hangar Concept/Program: Few details known. Acquired second-hand from Finish owners in 1985. Name Xiangyanhong ?

Year 1971/85

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Xiangyanghong 5 (Francesco Nullo class) oceanographic research ship (1 ship) Displacement: 14,500 tons full load Dimensions: 152.6 x 19.5 x 8.75 meters/500.6 x 64 x 28.7 feet Propulsion: 1 Sulzer diesel, 1 shaft, 7,200 bhp, 16 knots Crew: ?? Concept/Program: Large Polish-built freighter extensively converted to research duties. Builders: Paris Commune SY, Gdynia, Poland. Name Xiangyanghong 5

Year 1967/72

FLT

Homeport

Notes ex-Chang Niy

Xiangyanchong 10 (modified 'Dajiang' class) ocean survey ship (1 ship) Displacement: 10,975 tons full load Dimensions: 156.2 x 20.6 x 6.8 meters/512.5 x 67.5 x 22.3 feet Propulsion: 2 MAN diesels, 2 shafts, 9,000 bhp, 20 knots Crew: ?? Aviation: aft helicopter deck and hangars for 2 Z-8 Super Frelon helicopters Concept/Program: Near-sister to 'Dajiang' class submarine tenders/salvage ship; retains large crane forward. Operated by the East China Sea Branch, State Oceanographic

Bureau; officially classified as "blue-water survey ship". True role is unclear, but presence of a large crane and derivation from salvage ship design indicates covert "ocean survey" or "ocean engineering" may be one mission. Also has been reported as an ELINT ship. Has been sighted in pseudo-naval gray paint. There is not a second unit of this class, as has been sometimes reported. Builders: Hudong SY, Shanghai. Name Xiangyanhong 10

Year 1980

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Da Yang 1 (Pulkovskiy Meridian class) oceanographic research ship (1 ship) Displacement: approx. 5,700 tons full load Dimensions: 104.5 x 16.29 x 6.35 meters/343 x 53.4 x 20.8 feet Propulsion: 2 Sulzer diesels, 1 shafts, 6,900 bhp, approx. 15 knots Crew: 52 + 40 mission crew Concept/Program: Soviet-built to a modified trawler design; purchased 1995. Builders: Chernomorskiy SY, Nikolayev, Ukraine. Name Da Yang 1

Year 1984/95

FLT

Homeport

Notes ex-G.P. Antropov

Kexue Hao class oceanographic research ships (2 ships) Displacement: 4,500 tons full load Dimensions: 125.6 x 15.5 x ?? meters/412 x 51 x ?? feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 22 knots Crew: 148 Concept/Program: Successors to the Xiangyanghong 09 series. Reported to sometimes operate as ELINT ships. Names also reported as Ke Xue Yihao 1 and Ke Xue Yihao 2. Builders: unknown. Name Kexue 1 Hao Kexue 2 Hao

Year 1987 1989

FLT ECS ECS

Homeport

Notes

Haiyang class seismological research ships (2 ships) Displacement: 4,500 tons full load Dimensions: 104 x 13.8 x 5 meters/341.2 x 45.3 x 16.4 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 9,000 bhp, 21 knots Crew: 150 Concept/Program: Operated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Name Haiyang 01 Haiyang 02

Year

FLT 1972? 1973?

Homeport

Notes

Xiangyanghong 09 class oceanographic research ships (3 ships) Displacement: 4,435 tons full load Dimensions: 122 x 15.2 x ?? meters/400.25 x 49.8 x ?? feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 8,000 bhp, 22 knots Crew: 145 Concept/Program: Operated for the National Bureau of Oceanography. 09 has been reported as an ELINT ship and as a weapons trials ship, but photos do not support this. The later units may be of a different class. Builders: Hudong SY, Shanghai; built 1979+. Name Xiangyanhong 09 Xiangyanhong 14 Xiangyanhong 15

Year

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Haibing class oceanographic research ships (2 ships) Displacement: 3,200 tons full load Dimensions: 83.8 x 15.3 x 5 meters/275 x 50.2 x 16.4 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 5,200 bhp, 16 knots Crew: 90 Builders: Qiuxin SY, Shanghia.

Name Haibing 101 Haibing 102

Year 1969 1972

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Shijian 1 class oceanographic research ships (2 ships) Displacement: 2,955 tons full load Dimensions: 94.73 x 14.04 x 4.75 meters/310.8 x 46 x 15.5 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,000 bhp, 16 knots Crew: 55 + 80 mission crew Armament: 4 dual 14.5 mm Concept/Program: Enlarged version of the Dongfanghong class. These units may be named Shijian and Kexueyihao. Operated by the State Bureau of Oceanography. Builders: Hudong SY, Shanghai. Name Shijian 1 Shijian 2

Year 1968? 1969?

FLT ECS ECS

Homeport

Notes

Dongfanghong class oceanographic research ship (1 ship) Displacement: 2,900 tons full load Dimensions: 86 x 11.5 x 4.75 meters/282.2 x 37.7 x 15.6 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 4,000 bhp, 14 knots Crew: ?? Concept/Program: Operated by the Shandong Oceanographic College. A possible second unit has been reported but this is unlikely. Builders: Hudong SY, Shanghai; built 1964-66. Name Dongfanghong

Year 196?

FLT YEL

Homeport Shandong

Notes

Shuguang 04 class oceanographic research ships (5 ships) Displacement: 2,400 tons full load Dimensions: 65.5 x 10 x ?? meters/215 x 32.8 x ?? feet

Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 16 knots Crew: ??? Armament: 1 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 14.5 mm in some units Concept/Program: Based on Xiangyanghong 01 class. At least two are operated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and are unarmed. Builders: Guangzhou SY; built 1970-75. Name Shuguang 04 Shuguang 05 Shuguang 06 Shuguang 07 Shuguang 08

Year

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Kan ('Yanlun') class oceanographic research ships (2 ships) Displacement: 2,300 tons full load Dimensions: 68.6 x 6.9 x 2.7 meters/225 x 22.6 x 8.8 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafs, 18 knots Crew: ?? Concept/Program: 101 is sometimes reported to be of a different design, possibly converted from a submarine rescue ship. Name Kan 101 Kan 102

Year 1985? 1987?

FLT ECS ECS

Homeport

Notes

'Yanlun' class survey ship (1 ship) Displacement: 2,000 tons full load Dimensions: 70 x 20 x 3 meters/229.7 x 65.6 x 10 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,000 bhp, 17 knots Crew: ?? Armament: 2 dual 14.5 mm Concept/Program: First and only Chinese-built catameran. May have been scrapped.

Number 992

Year

FLT

Homeport

Notes

'Yannan' clas survey ships (4 ships) Displacement: 1,750 tons full load Dimensions: 72.3 x 11.8 x 4 meters/237.2 x 38.7 x 13.1 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 12 knots Crew: 95 Armament: 2 dual 37 mm, 2 dual 14.5 mm Number Year FLT Homeport 263 463 982 983

Notes

Dinghai class survey ships (2 ships) Displacement: 1,257 GRT Dimensions: 65.7 x 11.2 x 4.1 meters/215.5 x 36.7 x 13.5 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,000 bhp, 15 knots Crew: 31 + 19 mission crew Concept/Program: Japanese-built; a third unit is believed to have been discarded. Builders: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Japan. Number 502 511

Name Nan Hai Bin Hai

Year 1979 1979

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Xiangyanghong 1 class oceanographic research ships (3 ships) Displacement: 1,150 tons full load Dimensions: 67 x 10 x 4 meters/220 x 32.8 x 13.1 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 16 knots Crew: ?? Armament: 1 only: 1 dual 37 mm, 2 quad 14.5 mm Concept/Program: 1 differs from the other two in superstructure and armament. Builders: Jiangan SY.

Name Xiangyanghong 1 Xiangyanghong 4 Xiangyanghong 6

Year 1971 1971? 1973

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Xiangyanghong 02 class coastal survey ships (3 ships) Displacement: 1,000 tons full load Dimensions: 72.5 x 8.7 x 2.5 meters/237.8 x 28.5 x 8.2 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 14 knots Crew: ?? Concept/Program: Operated by the Academy of Sciences. Builders: Guangzhou SY; built 1971-73. Name Xiangyanghong 02 Xiangyanghong 03 Xiangyanghong 08

Year

FLT

Homeport

Notes

coastal environmental survey ship (1 ship) Displacement: 900 tons full load Dimensions: 70 x 9.4 x 3 meters/229.6 x 30.8 x 9.8 feet Propulsion: 2 MAN diesels, 1 shaft, 3,600 bhp, 19.2 knots Crew: 45 Concept/Program: Operated for the National Bureau of Oceanography; used for environmental survey and patrol, pollution control. Builders: Wuchang SY. Number 72

Year 1989

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Shuguang 01 (modified T-43) class coastal oceanographic research ships (3 ships) Displacement: 590 tons full load Dimensions: 60 x 8.6 x 2.16 meters/196.85 x 28.2 x 7 feet

Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 2,200 bhp, 14 knots Crew: approx. 70 Concept/Program: Modified T-43 type minesweepers. Three similar conversions are naval subordinated. Builders: unknown; built late 1960's. Name Shuguang 01 Shuguang 02 Shuguang 03

Year

FLT

Homeport

Notes

Hai class coastal oceanographic research ship (1 ship) Displacement: 550 tons full load Dimensions: 50 x 10 x 3.5 meters/164 x 32.8 x 11.5 feet Propulsion: 2 diesels, 2 shafts, 1,600 bhp, 14 knots Crew: 15 + 25 mission crew Concept/Program: Japanese-built coastal ship; can carry a DSRV. Builders: Niigata Engineering Co., Niigata, Japan. Name Hai 521

Year 1974

FLT YEL

Homeport

Notes

Note: There are believed to be a significant number of additional civilian-subordinated research/survey ships.

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