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Type 037 (Hainan) Family Sub-Hunter Patrol Craft
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TYPE 037 (HAINAN) FAMILY SUB-HUNTER PATROL CRAFT
by Xinhui
Other Variants:
Type 037II Sub-Hunter:
A study conducted by the 701 Institute to develop a sub-300 ton class sub-hunter in November 26 1965 resulted in the Type 037II design. The new Type037II was powered by both a pair of V-12 E230 ZC 4000 HP diesel engines and a pair of Type 404 gas turbines capable of 35 knots. The project was cancelled in 1967.
Type 037G Gas Turbine Test Craft:
In 1967, as a second attempt to incorporate gas turbine into the Type 037, two of the sixth production example Type 037’s twin Type 40II diesels were exchanged for a pair of Type 401 and later Type 404 gas turbines. Both the Type 401 and 404 gas turbines failed to meet requirements. The project was cancelled in 1970 when the Type 404 gas turbine failed to obtain a production go-ahead.
As a last attempt, in July 1973 the PLAN suggested a Type 401 gas turbine equipped Type 037G. A new Type 037G started production in December 1980, with Type 401 turbines installed in December 1981. Cracks soon developed during extended testing and the Type 037G development finally ended in late 1982.
Type 037II Sub-Hunter Light Corvette:
In February 1982, the second Type 037II proposal called for a 1200 to 1500-ton sub-hunter corvette capable of supporting helicopter operations. The project never left the design stage as the PLAN moved its requirement from corvettes to larger frigates.
Foreign Sales:
Type 037:
Two to Bangladesh, one in 1982 and one in 1985;
Eight to Egypt in 1983-84
Six to North Korea 1975-78
Four to Pakistan, two in 1976 and two in 1980;
Six to Burma in 1991 and four in 1993.
Type 037IG
Two to Burma in December 1995, two in July 1996 and two in late 1997.
252 Fast Transport was converted from an older Hainan class
Conclusion:
While Hainan class with its simple yet effective design is often cited as one the best example of the PLAN design philosophy. However, it is clearly outdated as a subhunter in today’s naval warfare. Nevertheless, it continues to proves its worthiness by performing other duties for the PLAN in areas such as anti smuggling patrols, fishery protection, convey escort, off shore garrison supply, search and rescue, disaster relief operations. Recently, according to Central China TV, it also serves as training ships for the young PLAN ranks. In addition, some older hauls are being converted into fast transport with all armament deleted and reassigned to PLAN’s logistic departments. Undoubtedly, the Hainan class will still be in PLAN order-of-battle in near future, as a growing PLAN still requires reliable crafts to perform less gorgeous duties.
686 and her sister ship were spotted in Shanghai under go
another refit to extend their service life
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