China's dream of expansion certainly cannot be separated from the existence of a large tonnage warship fleet. In addition to boosting the procurement of conventional aircraft carriers, helicopter carriers, Landing Platform Dock, destroyers and submarines.
One thing that cannot be forgotten is the presence of tankers and logistical assistance. Given Beijing's obsession with the Pacific, it requires tankers and multirole logistics with super duper tonnage.
The ship referred to here is the Type 901 fast combat support ship, also known as the Hulunhu-Class or in the NATO code called the Fuyu Class. Evidence of its large size can be measured from its empty weight of 45,000 tons – full weight of 48,000 tons, hull length of 240 meters and width of 32 meters.
The Type 901 Class currently consists of two units, namely the Hulunhu 965 and Chaganhu 967, both of which were built by Guangzhou Shipyard International Co.Ltd. The first ship, Hulunhu, was launched in December 2015 and officially entered the service of the Chinese Navy on September 1, 2017.
For the Chinese Navy, the Type 901 Class was presented as the successor to the Type 903A tanker. With a tonnage of 45,000 tons, this means that the capacity of this ship is estimated to be twice the tonnage of the Type 903A Class tanker.
Because of its large size and tonnage, the Type 901 is prepared to support the movement of carrier convoys or long-range combat groups. This ship is supported by a gas turbine propulsion system to ensure optimal speed that allows the ship to sail along with the warship.
The Type 901 is equipped with several refueling and cargo delivery stations, including two refueling stations and one cargo delivery station on the starboard side as well as three refueling stations and one cargo delivery station on the port side. The stations are similar to the US Navy's future class supply ship, the T-AO(X).
The Type 901 has the capability to refuel an aircraft carrier, as well as simultaneously refuel any of the carrier's escort ships, including destroyers or frigates on the reverse side. The Type 901 can also carry ammunition, fuel, and logistical supplies to support long-range naval operations.
The Type 901 is equipped with an advanced logistics support system that is far more advanced than the older generation tankers operated by the Chinese Navy. It enables real-time monitoring and control of fuel consumption and load to all types of vessels under their task groups, via data links.
The system automatically develops an optimized refueling plan according to the specific mission and operational characteristics at sea.
Although the Chinese Navy operates a fleet of hospital ships. however the Type 901 is equipped with a number of medical stations to accommodate large numbers of patients. The helicopter deck facility at the stern supports heavy helicopter operations, such as the Z-8S and Z-8JH. The ship is also equipped with two hangars at the stern to accommodate the 13-ton class helicopter.
The Type 901 is powered by four QC280 marine gas turbine engines. Each turbine produces a maximum power output of 28MW and the propulsion system provides a maximum speed of about 25 knots.
Although in operation under protection from exorta ships, the Type 901 is armed with two H/PJ-13 rapid reaction cannons (CIWS). The H/PJ-13 is an upgraded variant of the AK-630M CIWS made by China.
The CIWS system is equipped with a stealth turret, upgraded Type 347 radar, ZGJ-1B electro-optical system and ZFJ-1A fire control system. In January 2018, it was reported that China was building a third of the Type 901.
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