Type 795 (Daxing Class) Training Ship

The Type 795 training ship Zheng He (hull No.81), also known as Daxin class by NATO, was the PLA Navy’s first purpose-built training ship. The vessel was launched in April 1987 at the Shanghai-based Qiuxin Shipyard and has been operated by the Dalian Ship Academy of the PLA Navy for the training of navy officer cadets. The vessel has made extensive long-distance cruises, including a good will visit to Hawaii in April 1989, a good will visit to Thailand in December 1990, and the operation to transport PRC’s UN peacekeepers to Cambodia in 1991.

Designed specifically for long-distance voyage, Zheng He can cruise across half of the globe without requiring refuelling. The vessel has been fitted with weapon systems, air/surface radar, classrooms,  living and medical facilities and can support over 40 training subjects in navigation, observation, communications, electromechanics, and medical.

Weapons

The vessel is armed with a Type 66 dual-57mm/70-calibre manual AAA gun, which can fire 2.80kg shells at a firing rate of 70 rounds/minute, to a maximum range of 5km against airborne target and 6km against surface target.

There are two Type 69 dual-30mm AAA guns (copy of the Soviet AK-230), with a firing rate of 360~400 rounds/minute and a maximum range of 4,000m against airborne targets. The AAA guns use radar and semi-automatic optical control.

Two Type 81 six-barrel 240mm anti-submarine rocket launchers are installed on the bow deck. The rocket has a maximum range of 1,200m, and is armed with a 34kg warhead.

Sensors

The vessel has a Type 360S air/surface search radar operating at E/F-band, and an EH-5 hull-mounted search sonar.

Aviation

The vessel has a helicopter flight deck at stern to support a Z-8-size medium helicopter, with no hanger provided.

Propulsion

The vessel is powered by two SEMT-Pielstick diesels rated at 7,200hp, with two shafts, giving a maximum speed of 17 knots.

Specifications

Displacement: (Full-load) 6,103 tonnes
Dimensions: Length 132.0m; beam 15.8m; draft 4.8m
Propulsion: 2X SEMT-Pielstick diesel, 7,200hp, two shafts
Speed: Maximum 17 knots
Range: N/A
Crew: 170 + 30 instructors + 200 cadets
Aviation: Aft helicopter deck, no hanger
Weapons: 1X Type 66 dual-57mm AAA; 2X Type 69 dual-30mm AAA; 2X Type 81 ASW rocket launcher

Last update: 30 June 2008