Recently, a new type of 054B frigate has just been launched, which has attracted widespread attention. Among them, the radar equipment of this ship is really remarkable and should not be underestimated.
First, let's take a look at a striking picture of the 054B radar. This photo fully demonstrates the scale and powerful performance of this radar, which is impressive. The S-band shield on the main mast of the radar is unusually large, and according to estimates, the length and width of its radar base array is about 3.5×3.5 meters, which is equivalent to the height of two adult workers. This size is the largest of phased array radars, second only to the U.S. Navy's AN/SPY-1D(V) radar, which is typically mounted on tens of thousands of tons of Arleigh Burke destroyers to guide the Standard -2 and Standard -3 long-range air defense missiles with ranges of hundreds of kilometers. It is worth mentioning that the 054 series frigates originally carried missiles with a relatively short range, only tens of kilometers of Hongqi 16 medium-range anti-aircraft missiles.
However, by upgrading to this highly advanced phased array radar, the 054B frigate is equipped with the Hongqi 16FE anti-aircraft missile with a range of up to 160 kilometers, which is nearly 100 kilometers more than the previous Hongqi 16B missile. This improvement took its overall performance to a new level, evolving from a medium-range missile to a medium- and long-range missile that rivaled the earlier Hongqi-9 long-range anti-aircraft missile.
Also, let's recall this new missile, which was first revealed at the Zhuhai Air Show last year. At the time, the power of this missile was confusing, and people wondered, what kind of improvement did it undergo to be so powerful? In fact, the main improvement was in the shape and propellant upgrade, the Hongqi-16B missile increased the range of the prototype Hongqi-16 from 40 km to 70 km. At this time, some people may wonder if there is an error in the range of 160 kilometers, but judging by other missiles equipped at the same time, such as the Red Flag 9, this does not seem to be misinformation. Today, everything seems to be a true reflection of the truth.
After the exposure of new photos of the 054B radar, we finally found a reason for the significant increase in the range of the Hongqi-16 anti-aircraft missile. This radar system allows ships to see farther and more accurately, thereby improving the missile's ability to hit targets at greater distances, and this new data undoubtedly further enhances its power. Although the 054B frigate is only an improved model of the 054 series in terms of naval designation, its radar and weapon system upgrades have given it some of the capabilities of the Type 052D air defense destroyer, and it is even ahead of other countries' new frigates.
What is even more exciting is that if this set of technology is applied on land, the cooperation of new radar and missile systems may even allow the Air Force ground guidance unit and the Army Air Defense Force to have a defense range of more than 100 kilometers, achieving seamless connection with the Hongqi-9 long-range air defense missile. This will significantly enhance the air defense capability of China's maritime ships, and will also greatly enhance our military's air defense capability on land.
To sum up, the upgrade of the 054B frigate is not only an increase in appearance and volume, but also a comprehensive improvement in radar and weapon systems, which has made a great contribution to the modernization of the Chinese Navy and the improvement of land air defense capabilities. This is undoubtedly a great news in the field of national defense on the mainland, and provides solid support for the mainland's security and international status.